Solomon heard these words from his father: “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Godly reverence and obedience are the keys to success and happiness!
Tag:
Discipleship
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Dear Roger and Julie, I have had so many pastors give me more questions than answers about what Jesus wrote in the sand when the adulterous woman was about to …
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Jesus invites you to follow him into a whole new life, a new path. That’s what you do when you follow someone. You don’t go down your path anymore, but …
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Hello Roger, You have mentioned you lost a child. I am a 42 year old wife of four years. My now husband lost his daughter in a car accident …
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KNOWING YOU ARE SAVED Read: John 1:12-13; Romans 8:38-39; I John 5:11-15; We can know we are saved because of the promises in the Bible about our salvation. (Hebrews 10:23) …
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Our main verse… 1 Corinthians 16:13… Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Matthew 24:42… Therefore be on the alert, for you do …
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Every new year, we make decisions about who we want to be. We make resolutions; we set goals. But often these goals are focused on ourselves. Losing weight, saving money …
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BREATH PRAYERS FROM SCRIPTURE Teach your grandchildren a short, easy, simple prayer that can be spoken in a single breath and repeated numerous times throughout the day. Cultivating the habit …
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In this sermon series, “Tell Me What You Want,” we learn that God sees and cares about our brokenness, hurt, and need. He invites us to turn to Him for …
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How much do you value eternal treasures. Jesus’ simple parable reveals what’s in our hearts. Can you leave behind the things of this world to find your heavenly rewards? www.newlifetucson.org.
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Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the …
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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 …
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“Returning to God in Unity” Ephesians 4:1-6 Introduction Many fish species swim together in groups called schools to survive. The school creates a tight formation that moves swiftly in perfect …
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“Returning to God” 1 Samuel 7:3-4 Introduction From Aaron and the golden calf to Paul and the altar to an unknown God, idolatry is discussed and illustrated as the governing …
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“Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years…and all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another …
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“And the descendants of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up with the people of Judah from the city of palms into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the Negev …
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JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER. MATTHEW 13:8 The psalmist wrote, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand …
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WALK WITH THE WISE AND BECOME WISE, FOR A COMPANION OF FOOLS SUFFERS HARM. PROVERBS 13:20 How much can we accomplish in the kingdom of God when we operate by …
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Following Jesus is not a self-serving enterprise, but one of selfless service. And He came and raised her up, holding her hand; and the fever left her, and she served …
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The life-journey of discipleship, the beginning of the establishment of God’s kingdom, involves suffering. And passing by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, …
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Paul writes that we should refrain from quenching the Holy Spirit as He works to make us look more like Jesus. Preached at the Village Church.
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When I am on a jog I often find myself looking right in front of me. Whether it’s because I’m focusing on the path, getting lost in my thoughts, or …
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Of course, Jesus’ entire ministry was spent “passing the torch.” He devoted three and one-half years modeling ministry in front of his disciples. Before ascending into heaven, Christ gave his …
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Paul, the apostle, probably gave us the most pragmatic model for making a successful transition in leadership. He penned thirteen New Testament epistles for the sole purpose of helping the …
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The prophet Elisha had some pretty big shoes to fill. Elijah, his “father in the faith,” had called fire down from heaven and single-handedly slaughtered the prophets of Baal. Soon …
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A rock opera written by Julie Barrier in the vein of Jesus Christ Superstar. In his classic allegory, Bunyan dreamed of a man named Christian, who was tormented by spiritual …
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Four great discoveries are revealed in Romans 6. We have evil natures and have committed sins against a Holy God. While we desire to do well, we always struggle with …
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Early Christians before Constantine were both highly persecuted for being too exclusive, narrow, and strange, and yet at the same time they were fast growing, especially in the urban centers. …
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Dear Roger, When I read the Bible, I see Jesus placing so much emphasis upon a full-blown commitment to him. His demands remind me of what Dietrich Bonhoeffer said: “When Jesus …
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Every person is as spiritual as he or she wants to be. God has called us, created us and redeemed us. In order to fulfill His calling, we must have …
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Our words and actions tell the truth of what we believe. If that statement is true—and I believe it is—then is Christ honestly replicated in everything we say and do? …
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Five Questions to Ask when Thinking about Divorce During the global pandemic we’ve endured the past year, 31% of those divorcing say the lockdown caused their divorce or certainly contributed …
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Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Care of the soul is serious and important work. For it is through this task that we draw closer to God and thus, …
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We have been navigating a sermon series that has been a while in the making here at New Life. It is called Rest. If you’re interested in digging into the …
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Dear Roger, I’m a new Christian, and I was reading through the Gospel of Matthew. I got really excited when I came to chapter 24 and read Jesus’s teachings …
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Dear Roger, I’m puzzled. When Jesus said that we are to take up our cross and follow Him, what did He mean? What is the cross, and what does it …
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The Samaritan woman from John 4 gives us a basis for what it looks like to navigate racial, ethnic and cultural differences. www.ocbf.org.
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The anointing of the Holy Spirit enables the believer to minister with God’s power. It allows us to discern truth from error. www.ocbf.org
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A while back I took a large number of professional and personality assessments to help me hone in on what my greatest strengths and desires are so that I can …
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So many of Solomon’s observations are horizontal musings—the bitter, barren, boring side of life as seen through his disillusioned eyes. But, in chapter five he zeros in on the remarkable …
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Did you know that one of the biggest challenges to Christianity comes during the Christmas season? It is centered on who Jesus’ family was. In our day when people challenge …
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Carefully determine what pleases the Lord (Ephesians 5:10 NLT) Yet what should be the basis for your intentions? Better asked: What does God look at to judge that your …
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Jesus assures us that we can cast our cares upon Him. Why don’t we experience His presence and peace? 19th century pastor Charles Jefferson wrote, “Be kind to everyone you meet, …
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Do you want to experience all that God has in store for you? The gateway to much of that experience is in the scripture. The Bible says of itself: “All …
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Jesus desires us to know, commune and fellowship with Him on a moment-by-moment basis. We need a more personal communion with God in prayer and through His Word so that …
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This morning, I’m reflecting on the fact that I’m going to die soon. I don’t know how soon. I don’t know whether I’ll live to be 90 or just have …
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My wife loves to drive when we travel. Why? It’s not that she loves the steering wheel, it’s just that she loves to stay on track. My mind tends to …
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“The Future Looks Uncertain…but God” Daniel 2 Introduction Predicting the future is big business People have created an industry, from fortune cookies to horoscopes In the US, it’s a $2 …
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Many of Jesus’ blessings were spontaneous. The wind of the Holy Spirit Jesus described in John 3, the fire by night in the desert in Exodus, the miracles of Jesus …
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Denial is a concept found in virtually every major religion. Various ideas on the practice of self-denial can be found in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and other religious and philosophical …
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Have you ever been in that period of your life when you are planning on doing something new, and big…a new vision, or dream that you have been planning? Well, …
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“I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; …
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“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which …
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From the time I was 21, I felt desperate to serve God. I remember praying fervently for him to use me: Here I am Lord, send me, and then I left the …
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Peter says that he is about to die, so he wants to share with Christians the most significant lesson they could ever learn. As a pastor, if I could say …
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Week 52 – Pray that, as this year comes to an end and we look forward to a new year, the Lord will help your grandchildren to grow daily in …
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Solomon was a wise man, but he did not always act wisely. Jesus was the personification of wisdom.
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Lysa Terkeurst shares five principles that help you to process pain. Forgiveness is more satisfying than revenge. Our God is not a do-nothing God. Your offender is also suffering. The …
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What does the Bible teach about political issues from both party sides? How do we understand our behavior as believers and our responsibility as citizens. God has a lot to …
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Have you watched the pages of the calendar flip by or listened to the tick-tock of the clock counting out the hours year after year, wondering where God is in …
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What’s your go-to greeting? “Good morning!” “Hey!” “How are you doing?” “Grace and peace to you” was likely the most frequently used greeting offered by the leaders of the early …
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In the late 1990s, Martin Seligman, the president of the American Psychological Association, noted psychology’s emphasis on the negative side of life, including depression and anxiety, while ignoring the positive, …
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“You fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 KJV What a drastic difference salvation makes! To the one who doesn’t know …
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Sin, bitterness, pride, arrogance, rebellion are all dangerous impediments to our spiritual lives and make us vulnerable to Satan’s influence.
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Have you ever stopped praying because you have lost heart, or feel like you’re just repeating yourself, or wonder if God really hears you and your words just bounce off …
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In my previous blog, How to Respond to a National Crisis, we looked at the first of four kinds of crisis in our lives, taken from this month’s Intentional Living teaching with Dr. Randy …
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Two Minutes With Tom What Goes In(1080p).mp4: Video automatically transcribed by Sonix Two Minutes With Tom What Goes In(1080p).mp4: this mp4 video file was automatically transcribed by Sonix with the …
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If you feel disconnected, hopeless, or you just know something is missing—it’s not the end of your story. It’s an opportunity to reconnect. To find hope. And to rediscover what …
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You probably already have some regrets. Not only as a leader, but as a husband, dad and friend too. Leadership is so complicated that sometimes it’s hard to know what …
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Whenever you travel to another country, you need the right documentation to be admitted across their borders. I made the mistake one time of getting all the way to the Los …
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Do you ever find yourself defining life by before and after the deep hurt? The horrific season. The conversation that stunned you. The shocking day of discovery. The divorce. …
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My youth group was great, but I had never seen a youth event like this. Teens spilled out from the Youth Center into the lawn. Big-eyed, I wormed my way …
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Today, the need I see for Christian boldness is a little different. It’s not so much that evangelicals are grasping for so-called “Christian America.” Rather, it’s our being drawn into …
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When Christians are at the center of cultural and political power, we don’t quite understand the Lord as a Warrior, but when Christians are marginalized, seeing that the Lord wars …
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Are We Obligated To Keep The Sabbath? The writings of the Apostle Paul would seem to be clear that Christians do not need to observe the ceremonial and legal practices …
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People are really struggling during this global pandemic. Many are not even aware how much the stress of what is going on in the world is impacting them. I’m feeling …
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM5oZqjmK5Y
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On the night the disciples shared their first communion, Jesus prophesied that one of the twelve would betray him. Jesus’ prediction proved very inflammatory for the disciples. With all …
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Every one of us has something we would give anything to get. Right now, many of us would give anything to get back to normal. But, as Steven Furtick asks …
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https://youtu.be/vgoZHNhj2O4
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https://youtu.be/ojKZg7NGmeA
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Everything visible and physical is preceded by something invisible and spiritual. The consequences we are dealing with in our lives, in our homes, in our culture, we are dealing with …
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We all have a place we want to go, a goal we want to achieve. But one of the biggest challenges in getting to where we want to go is …
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Am I sinning if I’m not happy as a Christian?” In answering this question, I’m assuming two things of readers: You are familiar with what I’ve written about how happiness and …
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Mirrors come in all sizes and shapes. Sometimes it’s a prophet who helps us see the blind spots in our lives. Sometimes it’s an epiphany that pulls back the veil …
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Jesus never seemed to be in a hurry. He lived and interacted with others at the speed of walking. He had time for people. He was relaxed. However, for most …
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Years ago I addressed a large conference for Christian workers on the topic of brokenness, I experienced a dramatic increase in invitations to speak at other gatherings. I was truly …
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https://youtu.be/XBID9zmq-x0
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They say that comparison is the thief of joy, and whoever “they” are, I agree with them. If we are always measuring ourselves against our neighbors who are broadcasting their …
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Flight crews routinely announce, “If you’re traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, in the case of an emergency, secure your own oxygen mask first before helping the …
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https://youtu.be/xQTjQuV-WhU
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What do you look for when you look for a church that is a good fit for you? Maybe it’s the music? Maybe it’s the preaching? Maybe it’s the children’s …
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Are you attributing bad circumstances as an attack by Satan?” Here are some thoughts on spiritual warfare. Angels and demons are real entities. One serves God and the other rebels …
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When athletic teams play at home, they know that there are extra odds in their favor. The extra boost of fan participation, applause, encouragement and recognition in their home …
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How to Discuss Racial Injustice In moments of crisis and conflict, we often wonder, “What can I do?” and, “How do we talk about this?” It can be hard to …
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Recently we were helping my mother-in-law look at properties. One of the first questions you need to know about a property is if it has water. There is some beautiful …
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Dear Roger, The problems that face our country are not going away. Division, violence, disease is everywhere. I’ve noticed that many of my friends and family members—many people I see …
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When life gets turned upside down, we might try to solve our problems on our own or turn to food, shopping, or an addiction for comfort and strength. But those …
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Christians have a legal right to have their prayers answered because prayer is not just an activity. Believers have an authorized right for God to hear and respond to their …
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“Do not love the world nor the things in the world.” 1 John 2:15 When we as believers love this world more than our eternal home with Christ, we risk …
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He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and …
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Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides …
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For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he …
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Brother Lawrence (1614–1691) wrote The Practice of the Presence of God about his constant, conscious rehearsal of God’s presence. He saw his relationship with God not as a mountaintop experience that fades …
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Dear Roger, Our current crises are leading churches to develop all sorts of new technology to evangelize as well as minister to their own congregations. Streaming, zooming, drive-in church, online …
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We need to live lives that demand an explanation. Paul lived this life that didn’t make any sense. In Philippians 4, he is talking about joy and contentment while chained …
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Dear Roger, Our small group was studying the passage in John 21 where Jesus commissioned Peter to be a shepherd for His sheep. I hadn’t considered the next part before, …
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This next month we begin an important conversation about our vision for the next mission season of connecting people to Jesus and one another at Southeast Christian Church. Where do …
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“Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil and let us see what we are made of.” —Charles Spurgeon I agree with Charles Spurgeon: Trials are indeed a …
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“And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession …
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There are three test areas to evaluate if we’re personally doing church right – are we growing in knowledge, love, and service? How do the following verses reinforce the importance …
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I was asked a few days ago three questions related to our finances and needed perspective during these challenging times with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis. Honestly, our needs as Christ …
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“In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the …
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Everyday…I’m amazed at how crafty the Enemy of God is in his attempts to bring about the Christian’s destruction. It doesn’t matter if it’s discouragement, discontentment, doubt, fear, insecurity, worry, …
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Many times I’ve found–after the dust has settled–that things that seemed so significant at the time were really insignificant. The situations or issues weren’t trivial, but they really didn’t …
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“Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15 There’s something about digging in the dirt …
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Love needs to rest so it can awaken again later, not in the form of lust, but in a truer and more beautiful state. This additional rest allows it to …
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What are our sources of fear? From where do they originate? Past hurts can lead to present fear. Any traumatic event-a painful divorce, a car accident, a debilitating illness can …
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Has there been a person in your life you thought you knew, but you really didn’t? Could that person be Jesus? Stay with me as we explore this pivotal question! …
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We need to live lives that demand an explanation. Paul lived this life that didn’t make any sense. In Philippians 4, he is talking about joy and contentment while chained …
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We need to build our faith on a strong foundation that will protect us when the storms rage. Because a man is the foundation of our society, anything a spiritually-strong …
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We are facing so many different challenges right now. Nothing seems certain, but everyone is experiencing loss. One may argue, “Our world is decaying. We should be mad.” Yes, but …
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How can I possibly wait on God? Why do you call it “Wait Time”? Once I was visiting with a friend about the time we spend waiting on God, …
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Have you learned to live an abundant life despite circumstances? God’s plan is to renew us. Every day is a new adventure. He renews our minds with his Word. He …
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Dear Roger, I’m not even sure how to ask this question. I am terribly discouraged. I am so overwhelmed with what is happening in the world. I’ve prayed and prayed, …
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I was asked a few days ago three questions related to our finances and needed perspective during these challenging times with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis. Honestly, our needs as Christ …
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What do you trust? Who do you trust? This is the overarching theme of the Bible. Where do we put our trust? Biblically, it is called “self-righteousness” to seek outside …
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Easter is the time when we celebrate Christ’s power. We celebrate this verse in Revelation, when He says “I was dead, and now I am alive forever.” I hold the …
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How do you shelter in place? Are you climbing the walls? I have learned this skill over many years. So many people have asked how I’m doing during the quarantine. …
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“Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor …
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“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Who doesn’t like a man of ambition? You know the kind …
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“As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Today, let’s break down this short …
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“For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but …
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“Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did …
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“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and …
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“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard …
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“It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment” (Philippians 1:9). Remember that old Beatles song, “All You Need Is Love?” …
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“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). Have you ever broken the …
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“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is …
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Dear Roger, I’ve been a nominal Christian for years. Recently I was invited to a Bible study group where they were studying in 1 John about spiritual children. It began …
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I receive this question from many readers, especially those who are unchurched. But Holly, a Christian, voices a question we all have asked at one time or another. Dear Roger, …
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#1 Thinking of Prayer as a Way to Manipulate God We’ve all done it. Prayed a certain prayer and then when things don’t turn out the way we want them …
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We must declare war on the version of ourselves we don’t like, we are encouraged to be intentional with our thoughts. Negative thinking cannot lead to a positive life. Preached …
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Daniel the prophet was a great man. He was dedicated, disciplined, excellent of spirit and a mighty leader. How do we develop good habits? Small, consistent changes transform us. We …
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Dear Roger, What about reincarnation? Please support with Bible passage. From, James Dear James, Reincarnation is foreign to the Bible. In fact, the Bible teaches just the opposite. …
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King Solomon penned Psalm 127. He was not the model father. God dubbed made the flamboyant monarch the wisest man on earth. When you read Psalm 127, you’ll notice …
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A lot can happen in a year. In Genesis 18, God visits Abraham. While sitting at the entrance of his tent, Abraham notices three men standing before him by the …
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“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29 (NIV) Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “God, please don’t let this be part of my …
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Expect evil, hate evil, endure evil for God’s purposes. Pray for escape from evil. Give thanks for its refining effects, overcome evil with good. Remember that God is in control …
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Dear Roger, If life exists on other planets, did Jesus die and resurrect for them, too? Sincerely, Tom Dear Tom, What a great question! Revelation 13:6 …
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“You’re going to die, retire, quit or get fired,” said Jim Collins (the author of Good to Great). “You’ll not pastor your church forever.” “What!” I thought, as he …
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My first encounter with my daughter’s guardian angel was on a sunny summer afternoon in the back bedroom of our house. Curly-haired, chubby-cheeked Brianna was 10 months old. Brie could …
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Dear Roger, I hate Easter and Christmas! There are only so many creative ways I can think of to preach on the nativity and resurrection! Help! I want to be …
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Almost everyone tries to develop new habits and make improvements at the beginning of a new year. But by the time March rolls around, most of the diets have crashed …
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I wonder if out of reverence for Jesus being divine, we sometimes dismiss his disciple-making practices and think, Well, that’s because it’s Jesus; he’s God. Of course he’s the best people-developer …
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Suffering is only a temporary condition for the Christian, suffering is used by God to bring good, suffering will one day be eliminated.
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Dear Roger, I worry a lot. My friends and family call me a “worry wart.” I have to agree with them. My worrying makes me miserable. Yesterday, our pastor …
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“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle …
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Dear Reader, I receive a number of letters regarding Christians and politics. I hope my answers to several of them are helpful. First, Is God a Republican or a …
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Dear Roger, Most of the Christians I know, myself included, feel like our country is drifting further away from God’s principles at an ever increasing, accelerating pace runaway sin …
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Dear Roger, Recently I saw a bumper sticker with the letters, “WWJD” [“What Would Jesus Do?” I haven’t worn my bracelet in a long time and I am thinking about …
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Dear Roger, How do I know if God is speaking to me? Sincerely, Tom During the worship service, a woman whispered quietly to Julie: “I have a word from the …
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Dear Roger, “I was reading Hebrews 10:19-26. Does verse 26 refer to repeated sins I commit? Do I keep following 1John 1:9 to take care of my sins? Sincerely, Steve …
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How does a man move on with his life after losing his wife and daughters to two ruthless home invaders who tortured, then killed them? Our nation is torn by …
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Dear Roger, If I have a mortal sin on my soul, can I still attend a Sunday mass; will I still receive graces even tough I receive no communion? …
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Elijah called fire down from heaven. But in a moment of weakness, he doubted God and lost his way. How did God speak to him, and how does He speak …
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While abused children and victims of spousal battering have been the topics of widespread study, elder abuse has been relatively hidden until recently. The typical victim of elder abuse is …
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I recently gave a talk on revival, and I want to share some thoughts from it. It’s difficult to find the right word for what we mean when we talk …
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There is a twist—a deeper reason why the perception of hypocrisy exists. It’s not just our lifestyles that have gotten us in trouble; it’s the very way in which we …
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You can’t save your children. You can raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord, guard them from the sinful influences and temptations of the world, and cocoon …
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All of us have been shaped by the words of Billy Graham, whether we know it or not. Here are his most beloved words. Let them inspire and transform …
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What is the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement? TopNonprofits.com distinguishes them this way: Mission Statement (What You Do): A one-sentence statement describing the reason an organization …
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Ask Roger
How to Get Disciplined by God and Like ItHow to Get Disciplined by God and Like ItHow to Get Disciplined by God and Like It
Dear Roger, My friend and I got into a discussion about whether or not God would actually hurt or punish a Christian. I said, “No. He loves us too …
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Dr. Randy Carlson and the Family Life Radio Team have created a diagnostic tool to find out who you are and your primary strengths for serving God and others. A …
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Face it, there are just some things that we don’t like to do. We all have those irritating things that incessantly demand our attention. Every one of us has a …
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I recently returned from a short-term mission trip to Senegal, Africa, where our church has had a partnership with a mission agency and a local village pastor for about five …
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Breath is crucial to our existence. When it is present, it comes with hope, opportunity, and potential. When that breath is the very breath of God, something even greater happens. …
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How do you keep those first-time visitors coming? Every single Sunday, the goal of our services at North Point is the same: to create an experience so engaging that folks …
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “It is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o’clock on Sunday morning.” Progress is slow on racial reconciliation …
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Hi Roger, Here’s one I thought of after your series on the Book of Daniel and the End Times: You said that ‘discerning Christians’ will recognize the signs that the end …
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This Freedom in Christ curriculum is a 14-page guide in four parts. It not only includes solid Bible study, but self-evaluation tools, devotional thoughts and discussion information.
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Andrea and I grew up in homes that had very different views on eating. Andrea’s family had a value of healthy living. My (Doug’s) family came from a carefree and …
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“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” Here we find an example of Jesus comforting his disciples. When He tells them not to …
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Ask 100 people if they’d like to make significant progress on their goals over the next week and you’ll probably get 100 yeses. (Actually, you’d probably get 99, thanks to that one jerk …
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Israel was hopelessly outnumbered. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon “and all his army, with all the kingdoms of the earth that were under his dominion and all the peoples, were fighting …
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Could be God preparing us for the future, so that we are ready to share our faith in a post-Christian culture, under persecution? Or are we so complacent that we …
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Dear Roger, My life is getting more and more difficult. It seems that everything I do is a struggle. I pray to God to make things smoother; but it seems …
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“There are times when I am so unlike myself that I might be taken for someone else of an entirely opposite character.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Confessions, 1782 Last night Mary and …
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We completely underestimate the power of Jesus. What often happens when you hear the name “Jesus”? Is He namby-pamby or the God of the Universe? Pastor Francis Chan takes a …
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Church health is the result of balance. Balance occurs when a church has a strategy and a structure to fulfill the five New Testament purposes for the church: worship, evangelism, …
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Spring speaks a different dialogue in the country. Its native tongue is the same: warmer days, sudden gusts of air like angels are breezing through, robes caught on branches then …
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Two thousand years ago, Jesus approached twelve seemingly unsuspecting Galileans and bid them: “Come, follow me.” For the next three years, they walked alongside him as he discipled them. Toward …
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Do you know the power of “Same?” Many of us are looking to set new goals, make new changes, and seek new results. However, the key to the changes we …
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Few churches understand how to reach millennials for Christ. Over recent months I’ve been collecting and tweeting(@warrenbird) various research, trends and ideas on that topic. Here are some of my better …
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Dear Roger, I’ve read the book of Daniel several times. Recently, I read a verse that I’d never noticed before that got me quite excited. In Daniel chapter 12 God …
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Peter teaches how deeply Jesus values you and showers you with unconditional love, grace, joy and blessing for the good purpose of blessing others. Imagine the audience in 1 Peter. …
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Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.&“Train up a child.” Rarely is a proverb so often …
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During a home Bible study I attended recently, someone asked the question, “How do I know what God has given me to use for his kingdom?” There were a lot of answers around the …
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Is it possible to have a thriving relationship with God even in the middle of a culture gone crazy? Absolutely! And my confidence is bolstered by the testimony of an …
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After having her whole world rocked—and in a very public way—author and popular speaker, Lisa Whittle was forced to honestly confront her own brokenness for the first time. That time …
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I know a pastor in California who reversed his position on homosexuality. The pastor said that his shift coincided with his 15 year-old son’s announcement that he is gay. This …
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This past year, Barna Group has spent a considerable amount of time studying the unchurched—those who have not attended church within the past six months. Much of that research is …
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Missing From The Bible. Eight Things Jesus Never Said Here are eight things Jesus never said: (1) I am God (2) I created the universe (3) I am higher than …
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Some Christians, in their effort to stress holiness of life, do not put a great deal of emphasis on God’s gracious acceptance of us despite our sins. Others, in their …
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Maybe this is your journey. Here’s the scene: You’re in a battle with sickness, oppression or some similar need. However, you seek God and, in some way, the grace of …
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Understanding the distinctive characteristics of your offspring because of their birth order can dramatically affect your parenting. Here is a concise description of unique birth order qualities. I hope you …
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1. Secularization Is on the Rise Nearly two-fifths of the nation’s adult population (38%) now qualifies as post-Christian (measured by 15 different variables related to people’s identity, beliefs and behaviors. …
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If the church doesn’t read the signs of the times, we will be right where we evangelicals were after Roe v. Wade—caught flat-footed and unprepared. Thankfully, the Catholics were there to …
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This is one of the most common and most important questions people ask about God. The answer is bigger than we sometimes think, and, while it is not always easy, …
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Articles
Ross Douthat on the Character of Christianity’s Decline, Part 1
by Tim Kellerby Tim KellerWhy is Christianity declining in the U.S.? Here are five basic reasons found in Ross Douthat’s new book, Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics. FIVE MAJOR CATALYSTS …
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Loops are negative interactions between two people in which each reaction heightens the conflict. For example, if one person is demanding, the other person will often withhold. Or if one …
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Is she a collection of body parts? Is she made of plastic? Or is she a whole person with a soul, full of all the things that make a person …
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The conclusion of a story reveals the transformation of the characters. To really live the spiritual life, we must die to those things that keep us from fulfilling God’s grand …
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Time is a precious commodity. If traded on the commodities market, its value would be incalculable. But alas, time cannot be bought or sold. And while the length of our …
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What do you do when storms crash around you? Stay in the boat, hold onto Jesus. When life becomes difficult, you deepen your roots in faith. Watch the sermon “Planted …
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If there’s anyone who wants to hurt the church, we have a spiritual enemy who wants I believe to divide us in denominations so we don’t work together. I also …
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Articles
10 Reasons Why Reaching Muslims for Christ Should Be a Priority for Every American Christian
Church history shows us that in key periods of time, God gives specific assignments to His followers. In times past, when God’s church has been at its most prayerful, courageous, …
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Just a few days after my husband’s passing, my phone rang. For the sake of protecting the guilty, let’s say the caller represented Shady Pines Old Folks Home. Me: “A …
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Seeking Sobriety Faithfully When we put a face to someone who uses drugs or abuses alcohol, we usually think of teenagers experimenting with marijuana, abusive fathers who always have a …
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Two stories are juxtaposed here: the story of a nation of people whom God liberates and the story of Moses the deliverer. Israel and Moses, their leader, learned the unfathomable …
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Last week we announced that the U.S. now has at least 8,000 multisite churches, a phenomenon growing in churches worldwide (www.leadnet.org/world) and which Leadership Network tracked in a recent survey. …
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Dear Roger, My husband & I would like to be cremated after our deaths. Our families do not approve. Is there scripture that will back us in our decision? B …
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“As you come to Him, the living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him – you also, like living stones, are being built into …
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The face of religion across the United States has recently changed in five primary areas. These shifts were identified by a national survey conducted in three times over a 14-year …
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Since we all experience losses in our lives, we need to learn how to accept what we cannot change and grow through the crisis. How well we handle any crisis …
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Hebrews 12 is a key passage in perseverance in the faith. Heaven is cheering us on. Jesus is the pioneer who inspires us to run the race without giving up. …
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These words of encouragement to Elevation Church were preached by Pastor Craig Groeschel as he told his own story of LifeChurch.tv. In Acts 5:18, Peter and John healed the lame …
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Like many younger ministers I worked far too many hours, never saying “no” to anyone’s request for my pastoral services. When salary increases were offered to me, I turned them …
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Derek Leman, a messianic rabbi from Atlanta, GA in this guest post for Jewish Studies for Christians deals with an issue of whether or not Jews and Gentiles are bound …
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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 …
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Being pro-choice is passé nowadays. According to The New York Times, younger supporters of abortion on demand are done with the “pro-choice” label, choosing instead to counter their “right to life” opponents …
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We think Millennial ministry is so important our team decided to revisit some of our most popular research on young adults. We want to help you learn more about the next …
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I can still remember the first time I saw one. I had gone to work with my dad—a big thrill for a ten-year-old whose father worked in the oil fields. …
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Leaders have a number of key tasks if we are to operate out of high level of integrity. These include: 1. Confronting myself. Am I calm and clear about what …
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Our ‘Me-First’ culture may seem like a modern problem, but since the beginning of time, we have been consumed by the internal struggle between who we really are and who …
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Jesus said you can overcome, even though you are overwhelmed, out-matched, incapable, and hated by the world. You can be confident because of Christ in you and in this world. …
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When we find ourselves living in a spiritual desert, we must understand God wants us to bloom.
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The ministry of reconciliation and the word of reconciliation are the foundations of revival in the Church. People need to see God’s unconditional love through us.
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Only God can initiate revival in the hearts of His people, convicting them of their sin and prompting them to return to God. Written by Henry and Richard Blackaby and …
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Scientists at the Oregon Health and Science University reported they had produced embryonic stem cells from a cloned human embryo. Here are 9 things you should know about human cloning: …
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Humans have a traitor within. When the truth hurts, most prefer a lie. The three marks of the accountable life are taking responsibility, accepting correction and living transparently. Preached at …
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How can we create a healthy culture and proper values in our churches? These are notes by Tim Schrader from the Catalyst Leadership Conference: Groeschel teaches: • Every organization has …
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Sin hurts ourselves and others, but through confession, we can have a new start. Let’s talk about how we can find freedom, forgiveness and restoration with God and others. Let’s …
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If we do not battle our sinful desires, Satan wins. Victorious Christian living will silence our critics, point people to God and bring others into the family. We all fight …
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When we talk about life, we are talking about a deep belief that God has created all of us to be exactly what He envisions for us to be. Our …
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God calls us to gaze at Him in prayer and only glance at our problems. If we reverse the two, we can allow circumstances to dictate our view of God, …
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Rape is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can endure. Rape and violent death are among the experiences many women fear most. Sexual assault is a very complex …
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Sermons
If Jesus Were the Pastor of Your Church, You Probably Wouldn’t Go
by Francis Chanby Francis ChanThe message of Jesus was hard. He demanded that His followers take up their cross, leave everything behind and follow Him. He didn’t cultivate the crowds, He weeded them out …
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Two Sundays and a Christmas Eve service to go! Panicked or planned? Some guys start in August. If you are swamped, scrooged, or just plain out of ideas, go back …
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An entire nation missed Christmas. All of Rome could have shared in the Savior’s birth, but they missed it. That first Christmas was set in a Roman scene. Herod, for …
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Sermons
Debt’s Dirty Little Secret: 4 Things Your Credit Card Company Won’t Tell You
by Pete Briscoeby Pete BriscoeIs debt inevitable or is it often incurred to buy things we want rather than need? Three lies credit card companies tell us are as follows: debt is a tool …
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Nobody can take what you already have given away. Never write anybody off but always watch your balance sheet. Real love doesn’t leak, it overflows. Don’t look for people to …
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What can ensure an enduring ministry? Consider Paul. Throughout the book of 2 Corinthians we see that Paul was a sufferer—overwhelmingly—both from outside and inside troubles. Yet at the end …
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The good life defined, is life with God. The good life isn’t determined by what you from from, but Who you run towards. To those who run, find rest and …
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Dear Roger, Have you ever given up on God? Dear Jay, Yes, three weeks ago, for the first and only time in my life. It only lasted about ten …
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What is the difference between necessary judgments of probability and sinful prejudice? How did Jesus respond in these situations? In a reflective look of Martin Luther King’s life and Roe …
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Paul wrote to Titus as a servant of God, appointed by grace, with a clear purpose in mind: to see people come to faith and grow in the faith to …
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No matter what stage of life we are in, every believer needs to understand the link between the faith that we profess and the lifestyle that should characterize us. The …
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SIX MAJOR PERCEPTIONS This Short explores the top six major perceptions revealed from our research and the most common points of skepticism and objections raised by outsiders. Those six major …
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We must be “plugged into God” in order to successfully live the Christian life! Spiritual disciplines like Bible reading/meditation, prayer, solitude, fasting, service, worship, generosity and simplicity all deepen our …
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In Psalm 127, we are encouraged to allow God to “build our house,” or build our lives. We can rest because He is in charge and nothing can be done …
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Dear Roger, I recently became a Christian and I have a question. The woman who led me to Christ encouraged me to start reading my Bible immediately. She told me …
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I had been wearing a promise ring for a few days that meant eventually we’d be together forever. We had dated on and off for five and a half years. …
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God interacts with us through His Word. He does not catalog practical advice like a technical manual, but instead teaches us of His love and interactions with mankind through a …
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ou’re not imagining it: there’s a severe shortage of single men in the church. Not just here in the U.S., but also around the world. When I was writing my …
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Good conversation with God is like tennis, with back and forth exchange. Prayer is two-way communication. God not only hears you, but you can hear Him. In other words, prayer …
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Jesus launched his public ministry in Nazareth, a very small, very poor community. The people who lived in Nazareth knew what need really was.. We are facing life
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In my books I offer a lot of advice for attracting men to church. Among these are the obvious “spiritual” suggestions: preach better sermons, do a better job loving people, …
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Articles
Kevin Leman’s Best: Top Tips for Marriage, Parenting and Singles
by Kevin Lemanby Kevin LemanTips for parenting: 1. Watch your expectations, make sure they are positive and not negative! 2. Make sure your kids get enough Vitamin E (encouragement) and some very essential Vitamin …
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Luke teaches in Acts that listening to the Holy Spirit requires that we are surrendered to God’s will, know Scripture and receive wise counsel from mature believers. We must be …
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Lisa, my wife, and I just finished a great seminar about sexual purity. In it, we covered our “10 Commandments of Purity” (We’ve also put these in our book Sexperiment …
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At the end of this article I will give four very practical steps that I take as I enter the arena of each day where I must make moral choices. …
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Paul teaches in his first letter to Timothy that we should be humble toward others, cling to the truth and avoid materialism. We should always try to do what is …
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We often reduce prayer to a chore or transaction. Prayer is supposed to be the most natural expression of our love for God. Preached at Cornerstone Church, Simi Valley, California. …
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“When Jesus was preparing to return to his father, he commissioned his friends to go—to astronomically expand the impact of their lives. He called them to action in Acts 1:8; …
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“Later, Jesus showed himself to his followers again—this time at Lake Galilee. This is how he showed himself: Some of the followers were together: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael …
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Why do we lie? Perhaps it is to make ourselves look better. Perhaps we lie for personal gain or to avoid negative consequences. Why shouldn’t we lie? God hates it, …
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When we allow God to do His work in us we mature in our faith. As we grow from being spiritual infants to spiritual parents we submit to God’s process …
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Christians are called to be surrendered to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and bring glory to Christ. We are no longer able to live according to what we want. …
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Francis Chan continues his series on how the Holy Spirit operates in our lives and the life of the church. In this sermon from Galatians 5:16-26, he encourages to live …
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There is a place of immunity for the believer, a spiritual fortress in Christ that shelters us from the attacks of the devil. For those who abide in this stronghold …
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We were launching a new ministry project in Mongolia. During a board meeting we wrestled with the issue of why our TV ministry was limited only to a single city …
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A wounded person definitely needs his/her space. For the sake of simplicity I will use “his” for the moment, though the victim may also be a woman or child. “Down” …
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Jonah’s book reveals what we can expect when we say “no” to God’s clear instructions. We head into a “storm” in our lives, we put others in danger. We face …
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Articles
Mormons and Muslims Are Attracting More Men Than Christians
by David Murrowby David MurrowTwo religions that put special emphasis on men are America’s fastest growing, according to a study released this week. Mormons and Muslims are adding the most members, while mainline Protestants …
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We cannot afford to be lukewarm Christians. Paul teaches in Romans 12:11 that serving the Lord means 1) seeing the Lord as worth more than what the appetites offer; and …
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Have you ever grown or tended a garden? There is strategy involved. Within Matthew chapter 13 – Jesus launches into several parables that focus on this concept of Kingdom growth. …
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Her sparkling blue eyes lit up as I slipped into the dimly lit hospital room. Donna McClure, my dearest friend, was a platinum blonde cowgirl with a heart the size …
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Translating beliefs into our lifestyle and relationships hinges dramatically on Romans 12. When we see God’s mercy, it causes us to respond to temptation in surrender and worship. Once and …
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What a great picture of the Christian life: Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15 “if there’s no life after death, then I’m the stupidest person on earth, because I’ve given …
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After sharing a brief but engaging history of God and His people, Francis Chan relates the central message of Haggai. We must put Him first or our lives become unsuccessful …
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Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do.ROMANS 14:1 MSG Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise …
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Francis Chan gives his testimony of how God reignited the fire of love and dedication in his heart. We can learn how to “regain” our first love for Jesus as …
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Dear Roger, Why am I not getting the same message & enthusiasm that I have for years? I know that it’s an attack from Satan & not the church. …
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This is not a defense of the humanity of the unborn. It is an argument that if the unborn are human they ought not to be aborted. There are some …
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A child’s Christmas is always magical-twinkling lights, reindeer hooves, sugar cookies and snowy skies. On Christmas Eve of my fifth year, I was decked to the max. I donned my …
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The Apostle Paul (in 1 Cor. 13) challenges a couple of different paths where the believers have gotten sideways and are missing the “most excellent way” of living. It’s a …
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Dear Roger, After devastating occurrences taking place in my life one after the other I have given up on God! As somebody who from an early age has been taught …
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I am the quintessential questioner. My questioning does not stop at my faith. I’ve lobbed many questions God’s way. I’ve questioned and expressed doubts about my Christian faith, about the …
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Francis Chan speaks of his travels around the world and discovers what is truly important. We must live a life that makes sense. We must live in a manner worthy …
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Pete Briscoe teaches on the application of Scripture and what it means to be a “doer of the Word” instead of merely hearing it. When reading Scripture, Pete encourages us …
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My wife had a bad experience with Chick-Fil-A. But here’s the truth: sometimes we have a single bad experience and never go back. We eat at Chick-Fil-A at least two …
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Dear Roger, This may come as a shock but I was wondering, is it said in the bible that God knows everything? Or is it assumed? Because if God were …
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I believed, at the ripe old age of eight, that Thanksgiving was a wash-a “teaser” holiday that prevented Grandma from shopping for my etch-a-sketch. We got one measly day off …
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There are 2 primary ways of praying in the church: kataphatic – prayer that uses words, images, e.g. Scripture, icons, song, worship and; apophatic – prayer that is beyond words, …
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Our lives must be lived in complete surrender to Jesus, constantly from and eternal perspective. Our daily work and ministry will be fruitful as we obey Him. Even though heaven …
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Maturity is marked more by a weight on relational indicators than performance indicators. Maturity is also marked by our love for God and our understanding of our Kingdom role. We …
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Who can you trust? Who will help you lead your church? In my estimation, people usually have one of these attitudes concerning leadership. #1 – “Can Do” This is the …
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We learn from the life of the patriarch Jacob that God’s will has a what and a when — and both are important. We should never do the wrong thing …
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Breakthroughs often follow breakdowns. All of us love breakthroughs right? We love spiritual breakthroughs when God answers a prayer or some miracle happens. We love breakthroughs, but in my experience, …
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What are young adults looking for when they go to church? 1. “The need to believe that life is meaningful and has a purpose. During a time when sociologists observe …
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We have received all things by the grace, the unmerited favor of God, but all our work is done in the light of that truth and in the strength of …
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Have you heard about this church that’s building itself on a military metaphor? It’s led by a general, not a bishop. Their clergy are not referred to as pastors, priests …
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Where Is God When _______? I had an interesting exchange with a Facebook friend who asked, “Where is God when mass shootings, rape, and starvation are part of everyday life?” …
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We often lose our desire to grow because of apathy, bad spiritual experiences, unconfessed sin and unforgiveness. Healing can take place by worship, connecting, taking a step forward to forgive …
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Invest with the right team. Pray now or pay later. Past obedience guarantees future usefulness. Real discipleship affects our wealth, comfort, power and fame. For the disciple, this world is …
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Believe in the God of power. Cry out, He’ll answer. Stay with God and stay in his presence? That’s what this verse is about—just gazing upon his beauty and spending …
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Paul teaches us that we can know that we are buried with Christ, and raised to new life with Him. We can count ourselves dead to sin and alive to …
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Dear Roger, I have a question regarding a divorce. I married my then spouse for all the wrong reasons. I thought things would change after the marriage, but they …
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Money Matters Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. (13:11)An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end. …
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Watch out for the “dogs” who teach works instead of faith by grace alone. We must count everything as loss for the sake of Christ, and always boast in Him.
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Erik Reece is writer-in-residence at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, teaching environmental journalism, writing, and literature. He published a book last April entitled, An American Gospel: On Family, History, …
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Everybody has a legacy. The question is, “What kind of legacy will you have?” Imagine with me that you are attending a funeral service. You sit toward the back, and …
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A Good Dad Makes Godly Decisions The Lord made an agreement with Jacob and gave the teachings to Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children. Then …
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Sermons
Think Hard, Stay Humble: The Life of the Mind and the Peril of Pride
by Francis Chanby Francis ChanTrue humility is not self-focused, but filled with thoughts of God and compassion for others. How can we build them up? Do you want to brag about something? Brag about …
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Rule of Life. The meaning of Rule comes from the Greek word for “trellis.” A trellis is a tool designed to enable a grapevine to get off the ground and …
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The world as we know it will end on October 21st of this year. That’s the newest claim by Christian broadcaster, Harold Camping. Camping earned his 15-minutes of fame when …
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We are to be bridge-builders to the world and learn to relate to those over us, next to us, and under us (in our care.) Submit yourselves to one another. …
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Furnaces come in all shapes and sizes. Some are the fires fueled by pain and suffering. Some fires are caused by our broken world. Some fires are heated for God’s …
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Not everyone in Jesus’ world gave him a warm welcome. Not everyone received him with grace. And many didn’t just ignore him, they rejected him. Isaiah prophesied his reception like …
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Everything God does begins with surrender and worship, not activity. God prepared Moses in the backside of the desert to position him to receive from God. Learn to worship and …
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Is temptation the work of God, Satan or self? God’s free gift of salvation frees us to live pure lives in intimacy with God.
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Not everyone in Jesus’ world gave him a warm welcome. Not everyone received him with grace. And many didn’t just ignore him, they rejected him. Isaiah prophesied his reception like …
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James teaches that being a servant of God is a joyful life. Great servants like Moses, Joshua and David are described. We are encouraged to serve God willingly and gladly.
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What are spiritual gifts and how do they function in the Body of Christ. An overview of Biblical teaching on gifts.
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The local church is a powerful force to be reckoned with as they show together, grow together and go together. Engaging the local church is more significant than we realize. …
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“How was the night?” asked the nurse. The young man’s weary eyes answered the question before his lips could. It had been long and hard. Vigils always are. But even …
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Words like “submit” and “do as you are told” are foreign to our culture. But Jesus said that He did nothing on His own-only what His Father told Him to …
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Psalm 51 is a great pattern for confession and repentance. After visiting a church in the midst of a great revival, Pastor Chan believes the key to revival and spiritual …
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Why is the love of human glory, rather than God’s glory, so contradictory to faith? One is that true faith in Jesus gives all glory to God and none to …
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Our heavenly body, according to Paul, is built for heaven, not for earth. It is perfect, powerful and spiritual. Our life here on earth is like a “job interview” for …
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As you reflect upon last year, what has become your “place of residence”? For Matthew, his choice was to step away from the tax table and follow Jesus. What is …
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“Gabriel.” Just the sound of my King’s voice stirred my heart. I left my post at the entryway and stepped into the throne room. To my left was the desk …
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The parting words of Peter were urgent pleas to seek the Lord in His Word and live life from an eternal perspective. Pastor Chan concurs and challenges us to study …
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Intentionality in the discipline of private prayer where no one else can hear us is a fruit of the gospel. We must obey our Savior, desire to receive more and …
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What is the difference between the baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit? How do you interpret the momentous events of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2? Pastor Chan gives his …
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God’s hope is a hope that whispers and is a hope that will not wither. Hope in Christ is thus something that can remain and be activated in any and all …
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This dynamic service features a newspaper reporter’s observation of revival among the college students in their service. A powerful testimony of Clayton, an 18-year-old boy dying of leukemia, is preaching …
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Sermons
Toxic Relationships: Identify the Interpersonal Traits of Unsafe People
by Chet Weldby Chet WeldUnsafe people can sabotage relationships by dishonesty, selfishness, control, condemnation, codependence, betrayal and secrecy. Learn how to discern the relationships in your life that are healthy and productive.
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It’s important to let the right people into our personal lives. Some people we should let into our personal lives and others just aren’t safe because we must guard our …
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Sometimes God needs to break us out of our comfort zones to see what we can truly be if we surrender our lives to Him. God still stirs hearts – …
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All of you have seen the struggle, the perseverance, the prayers and the miraculous deliverance of these men from the jaws of death… The Chilean miners emerging from the depths …
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Missionary-commissioning, grieving with loved ones because of a tragic accident, testimony of a bereaved widow are all demonstrated in this service. At the conclusion, Pastor Chan goes to 2 Timothy. …
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There’s plenty of internet buzz around the discovery of a new planet, Gliese 581g, some 20 light years from Earth. The buzz started with speculation that the newly discovered rocky …
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Do you remember the “Where’s Waldo” children’s books? Little ones (and their curious parents) search in the sea of faces for one nerdy little guy in a red and white …
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Do you like change? Even those who are the most habit-driven and change averse people would welcome certain changes. There are persistent habits we all desire to see changed in …
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Open doors, chance meetings, fleeting moments with treasured family and friends may soon pass us by. Carpe Diem (seize the moment) is a Biblical principle. Solomon said it best: “There …
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Dear Roger, Recently, I was teaching Christian theology in another country to some pastors and pastors’ wives. One pastor told about a man who came often to church; but his …
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Hi Roger, I’m borderline computer illiterate so I couldn’t figure out how to shoot you a question on Ask Roger. Hope this reaches you. Jesus taught that we are to …
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When it comes to measuring spiritual maturity, it’s about the fruit of the Spirit. If you plant yourself in the right place and let your roots grow deep, your impact …
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When you need to make a big decision, don’t be hasty. Get the facts, inquire of the Lord. Once you’ve make a commitment, keep it no matter what the cost. …
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Dear Roger, What are your thoughts on the “feel good” church, and how do they get away from preaching the gospel and the studies through scripture…..!!?? From Concerned …
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Solomon pens this psalm about building your life, enjoying your family, living protected and focusing on your priorities.
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A little boy had a part in the school play that read, “It is I, be not afraid.” He came out on stage and said, “It’s me and I’m scared!” …
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He was a professional thief. His name stirred fear as the desert wind stirs tumbleweeds. He terrorized the Wells Fargo stage line for thirteen years, roaring like a tornado in …
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The Bible has a great deal to say about hope. In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter writes “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give …
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God is always at work. We must join Him in His work and commit our daily tasks on God’s altar as an offering.
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Christ condemning the fruitless fig tree and temple were both acts that illustrated the sad spiritual condition of the nation of Israel. The call for us as Christ-followers is to …
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He had always loved those who were his own in the world, and he loved them all the way to the end. (Jn. 13:1) Give thanks to the Lord because …
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Suffering for the sake of Christ is not optional. If we truly follow Jesus, we will suffer as He did. Pastor Chan tours teaching on suffering from every New Testament book. …
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At some point in our journey, most of us trade adventure for routine. While some routines can be good, we have to be careful. Sacred routines become empty rituals that …
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Jesus’ goal is for us to follow Him and to do in the lives of others what someone has already done in our own. To follow Christ means to fish …
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In Ephesians 5, Paul encourages us to open our hearts to God the Holy Spirit so that we can be infused with the character and power of the Living Christ. …
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Paul teaches us that to discover God’s will we must ask for directions, consider God’s mission and our priorities, consult other godly people, stay close to God and be decisive.
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Roger, Thank you for your column here first of all. In Mark 10:11-12 Jesus says, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And …
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As we mature, we take on the character of Jesus Christ and are different than worldly people. Spiritual adults draw others to Jesus. Preached at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship. Used …
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Peter writes in his letter that we should make every effort to cultivate Christ-like character qualities. Righteousness results from intimacy with Christ.
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Paul teaches us that Jesus is the content of our message. Jesus is the messenger, and Jesus is the context in which we learn and hear. Preached at Bent Tree …
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The unnoticed women, the faces in the crowd that are overlooked are surprised by kindness. Most tourists step over beggars and the homeless instead of showing Christ’s love by giving …
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Our work is worship and we should bring our best to all of it as a response to the work God has already done for us. We must strive to …
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What causes Peter’s transformation? He is transformed by his journey through suffering, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the words of Jesus. To be changed by Christ, we must …
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As we seek to be obedient, the blessings of honoring one another pour out into the body of Christ. It really is the key to proper functioning. (1 Cor. 12:12, …
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Christians may suffer because of sin’s consequences, Satanic attack, or because we live in a fallen world. God uses suffering to make us like Christ.
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Spiritually mature Christians know God intimately and experience His revelation deeply. They persevere in ministry, compassionately nurturing others.
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God communicates with us by the Bible, by reason, by godly counsel, by circumstances, by dreams, signs and wonders. He speaks Holy Spirit to human spirit. How do we know …
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Man is body, soul and spirit. Cultivating the inner spirit is critical because that is where God the Holy Spirit indwells and speaks.
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Spiritual young men and women use their spiritual gifts, are outward-focused, generous givers and are secure in their identity in Christ.
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Spiritual children are often immature and dependent on others for care. They are just learning to apply scripture and struggle with fear and faith.
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We mature spiritually by processing through identifiable stages of development: children, young men and women and spiritual mothers and fathers.
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As image-bearers of Christ, we are refined throughout our lives; suffering and brokenness are integral parts of God’s sanctification process.
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When believers give the Bible its rightful place of authority in their lives, they intimately experience its Author in life-changing ways.
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Spiritual maturity moves us steadily toward intimacy with God. The greatest tragedy is the Christian who refuses to grow up.
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The Christian leader that builds his role on Christ-centered bedrock is blessed with a sound foundation for setting priorities and is more faithfully followed because those he leads know the …
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The Christian leader that builds his role on Christ-centered bedrock is blessed with a sound foundation for setting priorities and is more faithfully followed because those he leads know the …
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Paul teaches us to be as focused as athletes with our eyes on the prize. What is our goal as believers? To greet, extend friendship, serve and share our story …
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If you trust you “sin struggle” is always going to win, Romans 6 has some great news for you! In this text, Paul reveals a great truth that points to …
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God is wearied by the Israelites’ excessive complaining. Instead of repenting, the Jews compare themselves with their pagan neighbors and ask, “Where is the God of justice?” God responds by …
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How do we know something unknowable or measure something immeasurable? There is only one way to lose self and that is to love another and be lost in Him. Preached …
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Jesus’ parable of the soils challenges us to allow God’s Word to penetrate our life, to count the cost of following Christ and to take steps to move forward on …
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The prophet Malachi encourages us to stop living Christian lives riddled with lifeless formalism and lethargy. God has chosen us and longs to bless us.
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TEACHER TO TEACHER This is the last lesson in our Faith Foundations study series. It contains four “big ideas.” First, we describe Casas as a Kingdom church whose primary mission …
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Knowing and loving God is facilitated by the revealed light of Christ and His Word and by intimately connecting with Jesus on a personal, experiential level.
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Bible study must include observation, interpretation and application, but must also include relational questions about intimacy with God and others.
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Bible fellowships must be an authentic biblical expression of Christian community where assembled believers experience intimacy and utilize their unique spiritual gifts.
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A healthy marriage is characterized by mutual giving and receiving. Parents must teach biblical values, invest love and defer to their needs.
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We are free to choose how we will relate to God and others. We may selfishly indulge our sinful nature, or we can choose to use our resources to lovingly …
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TEACHER TO TEACHER One of my early mentors in the art of teaching was fond of saying, “review, review, review.” He knew that people learn new material by associating it …
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Six biblical prayer principles include faith, persistence, right motives, zeal, and obedience. Intercede for spiritual growth and evangelism.
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Christ received His authority and power from His Father. Our authority as believers is through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name. We operate in faith, love and …
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Three parts of the Lord’s Prayer are discussed: daily bread (God’s provision through Christ), forgiveness out of grace, and resisting temptation. We learn that prayer requires humility and persistence. Prayer …
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The disciplines of reverencing His Name, pleading for His kingdom to come and submitting to His will should impact our passion for the world, our intimacy with God, and our …
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Believers pray understanding there is one True God who is personal, living and hears their prayers, who is caring and involved in their lives, and who wants to have the …
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Each of us has a race to run and everyone of us can finish well. Great racers strip down and develop endurance.
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Jesus not only proclaimed Himself to be our shepherd, king, the Way, Truth and Life. He also chose to call us friends. A friend is someone who knows all about …
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Faith is the secret ingredient to life that explains the extraordinary behaviors of ordinary people and the supernatural events that surround them.
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God loves us unconditionally and simply asks us to love Him intimately, humbly serve Him, and to walk with Him in submission and obedience.
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Jesus calls us to a lifestyle of serving, making disciples, evangelizing the world and reflecting the right view of the real God to those around us.
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iSight gives you a clear perspective on God’s plan for successful relationships with significant others in your life.
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The most vital relationship we can help our children develop is with the Lord. As parents, grandparents and other family members, we are called to invest in our children the …
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It is important to reduce stress by setting a wise balance in this imbalanced world and by being proactive in preventing disease.
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Paul warns young Christians to be wary of legalistic pretending instead of grace-filled discipleship. Being obedient to the Holy Spirit means serving with a loving heart. We can do so …
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Paul, in Philippians one, didn’t just make the best of a bad situation, he actually saw the positive results of his imprisonment. We must recognize God is working in and …
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Hebrews 11 is the “Hall of Heroes”-portraits of faithful men and women like Moses, Noah, Abraham and Sarah. Their lives inspire us to emulate their obedience and trust in God.
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Lately I’ve become increasingly more aware of the enemy’s subtle tricks and deceptions in my life. As someone who works in ministry as a vocation, it is easy to get …
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Mary asked the angel two questions: Is this Jesus worth it, and can God do this? We ask the same questions every day. Is following God worth the sacrifice, and …
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A list of common misconceptions about forgiveness is discussed, forgiveness is defined and a step-by-step process for forgiving is included.
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The personality, position, power, purpose and destiny of Satan is carefully studied. His demonic forces are described, and the victorious power of God over the Adversary is taught.
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Paul teaches us there are four kinds of men: the natural man who does not receive the things of God, the baby Christian who is not ready to receive the …
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Pride is deceptive. A proud attitude can cause us to be self-reliant, and to steal God’s glory for our own self-aggrandizement.
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A life script is an ongoing program for our lives that we act out automatically. The script can be constructive, destructive, non-productive or a combination of all three. Family, culture …
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To walk by the spirit is to live with a moment-by-moment dependency on, and sensitivity to, the initial promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit intends to produce in …
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Satan’s objective is to block us from closing the gap to the abundant life God intends for us to enjoy. Satan steals us from intimacy with God by keeping us …
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The key to abundant living is to abide in Christ, to drink of His “living water.” Many see life filled with scarcity, stagnation and misery instead of a life with …
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Closing the gap in our spiritual lives means moving from where we are to where God longs for us to be — experiencing the abundant life. It is possible to …
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We often cruise through life without asking for directions. Often we rush to make decisions without the GPS of God’s Word and will. Instead, we strike out on our own. We haven’t …
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