Tag: Baptist
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We Need Jesus – Are We Honest About That?

“He has filled the hungry with good things; And sent away the rich empty- handed.” Luke 1: 53 Pride is an American institution. We have self-made men. We have stars. We have prima donnas. We have divas. We are the wealthiest nation on earth. We put those who look good on camera into the spotlight…
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Christmas Eve Service
Calvary’s Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Christmas Eve – 7 PM Candlelight, precious hymns, God’s promises. We think deeply together about the coming of Jesus. We are blessed as we do. For those who might be uncomfortable with live flames, electric candles are available upon request.
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God’s Peculiar Preparation

When we think of Christmas preparations we usually think of trees and lights and tinsel and stuff. However, someone else prepared for the coming of Jesus. No, I am not talking about Mary or Joseph. I am talking about God. And I am not talking about the immediate preparation of angels or stars or wisemen.…
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Faith through Disappointment (the one about bitterness)

Consider the alternative When we feel disappointment sometimes we give ourselves permission to be angry for a while. That’s actually okay. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging how someone has hurt us. In fact, it is healthy to be honest about our feelings. However, there are enough scriptures that warn us about holding onto our hurt to make…
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Faith Through Disappointment (part 2)

Then the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by her husband, yet an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the sons of Israel though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.” (emphasis mine) Hosea 3:1 Remember what we learned a couple of weeks ago: God knows disappointment.…
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Thanksgiving
This past week we celebrated Thanksgiving. Yet, I wonder how often we really have given thanks. I mean, it is one thing to utter the simple, “Thank you.” It is quite another to truly give thanks. Do we even understand how powerful thanksgiving is? God has said in His Word that refusing to give thanks…
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Faith – In Disappointment (part 1)
We have all experienced it. Maybe it was when you were little and Grandpa promised you an ice cream cone, and then you were disappointed when no ice cream cone came. Maybe it was in middle school when you experienced your first crush, and your beloved didn’t return your affection. It may have even happened…
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Faith, Grace, and Real Life – Forgiveness

“My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:35 Words have power. They do not have the power of magic, but the meanings of words can change our lives. We see this any time we talk to someone and they…
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Faith, Hope, And How They’re Connected

This week let’s think about walking in faith. There are times that it is easy and times that it is hard. It is easy to walk in faith in the areas that you don’t really feel threatened. For most of us, the call to come to church isn’t hard because we aren’t threatened. The same…
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Do You Live in the Love of God? (question 4)
Our final question that checks the reality of our faith is a different type of question. The first questions all dealt with our attitudes and values: Is Heaven your home? Do you want godliness or painlessness from God? Are you willing to look childish to become childlike? The last question is something about God. The…