Author: Pastor John
-
Shadows at Christmas?
I was thinking last week about the dark things that we sometimes miss seeing when we talk about the first Christmas. We overlook that Joseph was about to abandon Mary. We tend to not talk about the babies that were killed by Harod. We gloss over Simeon’s blessing in the temple that includes declaring that…
-
Preparing for Christmas – A Struggle of Faith
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19 Sometimes we forget how much of struggle Christmas was for the first people who experienced it. I think of the struggle of Mary and Joseph as they made their way to Bethlehem. I think of the struggles of everyone who was visited…
-
A Benefit of Living in Love
The Bible challenges to love each other. However, God doesn’t just tell us to go and love each other. He certainly could, but He doesn’t. He also tells us specific blessings that come with living by that love by which He has directed us to live. I want to focus on one of those blessings…
-
Can I Study the Bible?
Far too many people freeze up when we talk about studying the Bible. There is a fear that the Bible is too complicated or too deep for the average person to study it. There is a problem with this fear: the Bible says that it is good for everyone! So, if the Bible is for…
-
Keep Trusting the Bible
The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. Psalm 12:6 Sometimes, I think that we run from criticism about our faith. We don’t want to sound foolish, or we are afraid of ‘gotcha’ arguments. We are afraid if we are questioned that we…
-
Return to Simply Adoring God
When we talk about why we are on the earth, the answers are usually us centered. We speak of finding fulfillment and purpose. We speak of God having a wonderful plan for our lives. Can you imagine doing that with another friend (and keeping them)? I can just imagine…Josh asks Kevin why he is friends…
-
Living Intentionally
In Acts 4 we read this incredible thing: 32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to…