Our guest this week is Jonathan VerSchneider. He’s a college student at Villanova University, studying chemical engineering. Jonathan grew up surrounded by Christianity—his parents were Christians, he attended church regularly,…
We’ve all had moments in our lives where it seemed like all hope was lost. I remember sitting at my desk in high school, staring at an AP Chemistry test…
Welcome to this first message on the life of David, but we have to warn you that if you grew up just hearing about his stories in Sunday School, then…
I have slow feet. One of my favorite sports to play is basketball. I’m a decent player; over time my game has improved. I’m a better shooter, ball handler, and…
Paul faced many kinds of trauma throughout his ministry. Here are just a few: Acute: a response from a one-time traumatic event Chronic: a long-term response from prolonged or repeated…
Are you over 40, nearing 40 or on your way to 40, then you are part of the Caleb Generation. Caleb, on the brink of the promise land, at 85…
“Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14b [Mordecai speaking to Esther] Beloved, absorb this with your whole heart: You are royalty.…
Queen Esther faced insurmountable odds as she courageously approached King Xerxes to save her people. God gave her favor and freedom for the Jews. Team sermon with Kim Parrish. Sermon…
Dear Lots of Readers, I’ve received many requests this week to share my thoughts on the current turmoil abroad. So, I will share a small part of my own opinions…
By now you have discovered that we who are Christians are surrounded! There seems to always be more who are against us than who are for us. We face the…
In sixth century BC, Babylon was the preeminent power in the world, and this passage shows how they conquered Israel and deported the professional classes, including artisans, scholars, and government…
Disciples’ commission from Jesus, that attracts the world’s opposition, is enabled by God’s provision. And He [Jesus] said to them [his disciples], “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place…
Disciples’ faith in Jesus’ person and power enables them to fearlessly face natural and supernatural calamities. “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Mark…
June is a brutal month to live in Tucson. With our triple digit temperatures soaring to 115 or worse, the prickly pear cactus pads grow as thin as paper. Everything…
Many news outlets report the increasing military strength of the Taliban and a repeat of the terrorist attack that shocked America. John MacArthur gives advice on how to respond to…
In the midst of the swirling fears of this world, God invites us to release the fear of the world and fear him. Fear doesn’t just change our actions, it…
Esther had the courage to risk her life to save her people, the Jews. We can learn to have faith in the midst of tremendous obstacles. Preached at New Life…
“Wisdom teaches you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve.” Proverbs 22:21 Never be a spectator of unfairness…
Then Haman approached King Xerxes and said, “There is a certain race of people scattered through all the provinces of your empire who keep themselves separate from everyone else. Their…
The call on John’s life is like no other—he is to prepare the world for God’s only Son. From the womb, the Holy Spirit directs John that he will be…
We learn from the courageous story of Daniel that: Life Happens Unexpectedly (vv. 1-2) The World Demands Conformity (vv. 3-7) Commitment Begins Inwardly (vv. 8-16) God honors such…
Standing for God’s truth is a serious thing. Standing against it carries major repercussions. In this series, Skip Heitzig presents Jude’s call to get in the ring—a call that is…
“Faith over fear.” It’s one of those Christian slogans that is undeniably true, and, at the same time, less helpful than it may seem. To be sure, our lives as…
Moore says, “The courage to stand is the courage to be crucified.” Indeed, Jesus sets the tone for this book. And if you’re going to worship and follow a Savior…
1 SAMUEL 17:1-47 INTRODUCTION Sometimes just one thing being wrong can mess up everything else. In 1 Samuel 17, Israel had a problem, and his name was Goliath. Today, we…
Young Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had to choose between God and facing the fury of one of the most powerful kings in history. They chose to face death rather than…
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). “All the peoples of…
How long till we get back to normal? You keep waiting all you want. Or you can worship. You could keep resisting, or you can receive. I love what God…
We are facing worldwide crises daily. Many people are struggling with fear over the future. As followers of Jesus, what should our response be? One Chinese pastor wrote, “We are…
This is God’s universe and God does things His way. You may have a better way, but you don’t have a universe. God commands us to be courageous because we…
Walk into most churches nowadays and you will likely hear a message of love, hope, encouragement, and identity. And all that is good and well. After decades of overly harsh…
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). “All the peoples…
We all can become deceived both in our personal lives, our relationships, and our ministries. Here are some significant questions and observations that will allow you to evaluate your leadership…
History has pivoted on ordinary people who when faced with extraordinary circumstances drew on some deeply submerged essence of their humanity and were, in those most harrowing of moments, transformed…
Dear Roger, What does the Bible say about the vegan or vegetarian lifestyle? It seems that In Genesis 1 there is evidence that God intended for us to be…
What is it in my own life that I need to change or should change? Change starts by first taking 100 percent responsibility for our thoughts, actions and attitudes. It…
We live in a time where parents feel they have to praise everything kids do; no matter what. Whether they make a good effort, a poor effort, a mediocre effort;…
The older I get the more intense I feel about this. I think we do things backwards in the Christian church. We do these amazing things for God when we’re…
“Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14b [Mordecai speaking to Esther] Beloved, absorb this with your whole heart: You…
Some of the questions certain to be raised when the death of a Christian appears to be self-inflected are whether or not it constitutes a sin and what are the…
Choosing a life partner is serious business. It can be the greatest blessing of your life, or the biggest mistake you will ever make. Pastor John Piper gives an insightful…
Are you questioning God today? How do you pray when you don’t understand what He is doing? You can argue with God. David did. Let’s be like David, and every…
Dear Roger, You have preached almost 50 Easter sermons. What Easter principle means the most to you? Sincerely, Julie Dear Julie, Jesus saw people, not as they were, but as…
You are an investigative reporter. Every day you are collecting evidence. Your future story has already been written based upon the nature of God and His plan for you. Future…
How does Satan influence you? How do you defeat him? You can clearly ways to recognize demonic oppression in your life and find victory! I believe a Christian cannot be…
Jesus cherished women! In a time when females were considered inferior to men and treated as property, Christ counted them among His most valued disciples and friends. I want you…
Roger, I am in a quandary that has me in a bit of a desert…. My family and I attend church, and lately, we feel that we may not…
So it’s Saturday morning and your 7th grade daughter comes running in your room and says, “Mom/Dad, Brian just called and asked me to go to the show this afternoon.…
The classic story of David and Goliath answers the question, “What does real courage look like?” David’s heart surfaces in this story of fear and faith. “David showed us that…
The Holy Spirit has an amazing ministry in the life of the believer. You should know exactly how He blesses your life. 1. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness,…
There’s no limit to the good thoughts God wants us to have. So, why do we waste so much time preoccupied with our doubts and fears? How are we supposed…
Courageous commitment doesn’t make sense and it never will. It didn’t in Daniel’s day and it doesn’t in ours-but as we learn in the unusual suspect of Daniel, because of…
Caleb, on the brink of the Promised Land, at 85 years old said, I was 45 years old when God sent me to survey the land, and at 85 I’m…
Research on charitable giving routinely points to the fact that those who are more deeply engaged in religion are more likely to give and give more to charitable organizations. This…
Jesus asked Jesus to follow Him immediately. What a bold request! How do you recognize and respond to God’s call for your life? Expect it to be clear, progressive and…
One of the most important aspects of a successful life is knowing where to go. An eagle has eight times more visual cells per cubic centimeter than a human. It…
Peter is a great example of how adventure involves mystery and danger to bring insight & growth into our lives. Even with all Peter experienced with Christ, he struggled to…
READ JOHN 12: 20-32 There are two words in the Greek language that could be translated as Greeks – Hellenistoi and Hellenes. Both refer to Greek affiliation. John uses here…
Dear Roger, Do you have to publicly become a Christian or can you do it in private? Sincerely, Anonymous Dear Anonymous, When I was growing up every worship service…
The presence of Christ in our darkest times should give us boldness and confidence. The whole passage is about peace in the midst of the storms, the threats in our…
Dr. Abraham Kuruvilla, seminary professor and medical doctor, discusses why people respect the white coat, and why you need a coat of your own. Did you know that if you…
Have you seen control and manipulation divide your church? Have you suffered through the fall of a spiritual leader into sexual sin? The life of Queen Jezebel gives us a…
Gideon is a man with a major inferiority complex, as we learn right away. We see early in the story that he considers himself a loser of all losers. He…
Deborah was both a prophetess and a civic judge, one of the few godly leaders from the book of Judges. Her boldness and faith encourages us to pray big, dream…
Moses led the people, fed the people, and carried the people to freedom. Sometimes we don’t want to let go of our captivity and step out in bold faith. …
The will of God often sends us to meet needs and into danger. It is hard to remember that Jesus did not come to make us safe, but rather to…
Dear Roger, I have Asperger’s Syndrome (a type of autism). Do I retain this characteristic or will Jesus Christ remove that condition from me? I actually like being able to…
God make us all to be dreamers, and He placed within us deep desires to achieve, to express uniqueness and to make a contribution. Joseph was a dreamer-one whose dreams…
Strength and courage come from the choices we make more than the feelings we have. Joshua received God’s blessing because He obeyed in he face of insurmountable odds.
Living courageously means sharing Christ fearlessly. We bond together as co-workers as we reach the world for Christ. Church-goers are not to be consumers, but committed followers of Christ.
Faith means a long-term commitment to God’s will in spite of circumstances or criticism. A true experience with God will evoke life change. Faith’s actions have long-lasting and eternal results.