The Prodigal Son: A Story of Grace UNPLUGGED S-1809 Andy and Me: Picture of Grace Mrs. Crosley got me in. My performance wasn’t good enough. My performance doesn’t get me …
Tag:
Grace
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One day I was surprised when a childhood friend said to me, “Oh Jan, you never thought the rules applied to you.” I wasn’t sure what she was referencing, …
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Why do we give? The first hit when you Google “why should I be generous?” is this article which lays out four reasons: 1) Giving frees you from the “burden …
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As the people of God, we live COUNTERCULTURE. When we love our enemies, heaven invades earth. When we pray for those who persecute us, heaven invades earth. When we bless …
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Bible Studies
Learning to Be Gentle to Ourselves (Bloom in the Desert 6)
by Jan Shraderby Jan ShraderI was crushed when I read the letter. The homeowner’s association had the audacity to call them weeds. The first tiny sprouts had promised me red tubular flowers set against …
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Yellowed and shriveled up, the sight before me was inconceivable. The cactus looked dead but was flush with flowers. Gently and carefully my coworker moved around the thorns to pick …
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Bible Studies
How Spiritual Dryness Facilitates Healing (Bloom in the Desert 4)
by Jan Shraderby Jan ShraderThe instructions were simple, but I was struggling to actually believe them. “Make sure you transplant the cactus and succulents with dry soil.” Really? These directions confused me because before …
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Grace can be defined as an undeserved gift, that which is given, not because of any attribute of the receiver, rather out of the pure joy of the giver. It …
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When loss happens, bitterness wants to move in. Especially when your personal feelings of loss or emptiness come because of another person’s selfishness or irresponsibility, causing something in your life …
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I may or may not know your pastor. But I know one thing: your pastor is tired. I have the blessing of being a part of a couple of local …
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Our Psalm today, 88, is probably the darkest of all of them, and therefore to our ears, it will feel like the strangest worship song ever. But obviously it is …
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How do we live in peace? James teaches us why we fight and how we make peace: “Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the …
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How can you become heavenly-minded and hopeful? 1. Remember that eternal life starts now. Jesus said in John 17:3: “Now this is eternal life; that they may know You, the only eternal God …
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King Nebuchadnezzar had no peers. He was the uncontested ruler of the world of the 6th century B.C. Babylon, his city, rose out of the desert plains like a Manhattan skyline. …
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Some years ago I passed through a time of discouragement. I can’t remember the source of the struggle, but I recall the fruit. I created a tool for divine encouragement. …
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Sometimes I like to think I’m good at this grace thing.Mostly this happens after I have listened to the song “Oceans” by Hillsong United. Having been hit with the audio …
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My Daddy was an extrovert. He never met a stranger. Dad, a consummate salesman, built a successful construction company from the ground up. Pop was a joiner! He served as …
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Last summer, our purebred chocolate lab enlivened our home with a litter of puppies. One of them captured the hearts of many visitors, both in person and online. Flash had …
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I know a few jerks who have made it pretty far in life. To pretend otherwise would be a lie. Jerks occasionally win. They make lots of money. They get …
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Dear Roger, When I read some of the things Paul wrote about women I understand why many (especially Non-Christians) consider Paul to be chauvinistic and sexist. I will make my …
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“I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians …
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God used a highly unlikely widow-pagan and impoverished, to richly provide for God’s prophet Elijah. Never underestimate. So often we think God cannot use us because we are unlikely. But …
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My youngest son, Miles, and I have a unique mother/son relationship. We most definitely relate on a familial level, but also he appreciates my counsel. As a minister, much of …
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The series “Where Are They Now?” is concluded at Elevation Church with Judah Smith’s message about the story of Jacob and his grandsons. Joseph brought his eldest son to receive …
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We all know what it’s like to do the right thing for the wrong reason. But what about the reverse? Have you ever done the wrong thing for (what you …
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I’ve grown up my whole life hearing that racism was wrong, that “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own …
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I once heard someone say that the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is the most fragile of all human relationships. If you are one of those people, you already …
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All religions: Hinduism, Islam, New Age, Mormonism, Scientology-have some truth and beauty but are not the same. Christianity is far different because a holy, mighty God freely gives the gift …
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Dear Roger, How do I explain to my five-year old why God lets people be poor and homeless? In other words, how do I explain suffering in the world to …
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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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“Preach the gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words.” This classic quote, misattributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, is both clever and catchy. It just isn’t biblical. Evangelism—communicating …
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Long before Jesus took on the imagery of the vineyard for Himself, God had been using vineyard imagery to communicate His heart to the people. The Song of …
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“Every one should get what they deserve.” If a teen studies, works hard, and succeeds in high school, then that teen should be allowed to go to college. If …
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Are you miserable, disgruntled, discontent or just plain crabby? Solomon’s initial words in Ecclesiastes will cause you to grow gloomy, desperate, even suicidal. But, believe it or not, the most …
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Dear Roger, I have been deeply offended because my spouse has been mistreated by a trusted friend and I can’t seem to get past it. How do I find it …
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It is amazing how quickly a reputation can be ruined! I had been asked to be the speaker at my home church’s women’s retreat one fall. The more I prayed …
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Most times the reason we don’t let go of worldly things is that we don’t seem to realize that there is something better and more important than what the world …
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Dear Roger, I hear people talking about praise and worship. Are they the same? If not, how are they related? What is the difference between them? Sincerely, Liz …
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Joy Hlavka Forney grew up in our church. She is a missionary to Uganda and teaches powerfully on how to live victoriously in the midst of difficult circumstances. Here are Joy’s …
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Dear Roger, I have had a friend ask me a question about ghosts. They have stated that they have seen a ghost, a man who stands by a window. …
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Mark 6:32–56 Successful ministry involves meeting people’s needs in the power of God. Disciples commissioned by the divinely powerful Jesus are themselves divinely empowered by him to meet any need. …
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STOP: Trying to make it happen and get it done. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” Ps. 37:7. STOP: Focusing on yourself, your issues, your …
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Let’s be clear from the outset: The Roman Catholic doctrine of purgatory is taught nowhere in Scripture. It was invented to accommodate Catholicism’s denial of justification by faith alone. And …
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Dear Roger, So much interest and confusion today are “swirling around” the issues of Muslims, Islam, acculturalization, burkas, terrorists and Islamic Jihad. Could you please give us a simple …
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Grace is almost incomprehensible to the human mind, because we believe we have something to offer God apart from Christ. Grace is free and cannot be earned or bought. Francis …
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Skipping rocks on the lapping waves. Cleaning fish and playing stickball. Playing hide and seek among the olive trees. John and Jesus were probably lifelong buddies. In fact, most historians …
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The Bible does not describe us merely as wayward, broken, or needing a moral boost but as those who are dead in sin (Eph. 2:1). Dead men and women do …
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Did you know that your kids use anger to control the people around them? Anger may be a natural emotion, yet we have seen the devastating effects it can have …
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My weight tends to fluctuate by about 20 pounds. That’s not an issue though because I’m a 6’8” linebacker in the NFL and you can barely tell. (Most of the …
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What should you pray for your children? Pray a virtue a day: 1. Salvation—”Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in …
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True peace is the fruit of being confident in God’s love; it is born of the revelation that, regardless of the battle, “Greater is He who is in you than …
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The fog of the broken heart. It’s a dark fog that slyly imprisons the soul and refuses easy escape. It’s a heavy cloud that honors no hour and respects no …
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When we ask the question about what draws others to us, we might first want to determine why we’re asking the question. This magnetism is not about popularity, attractiveness or …
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What is the point of Jesus’ parables? We must learn the context, the question and the hinge moment (the outlandish surprise element). The legal experts only wanted to call other …
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Dear Roger, I’m just confused on one point, where does it say that satan has open access to Heaven? and there are scriptures that say no sin can dwell …
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I have always found Jesus’ words in Matt 5:21-22 to be shattering. He begins by reminding his listeners that anyone who murders will be judged. But then he gives three …
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We affirm people when we treat them with dignity, knowing that they matter to God. If you want to stand out in your leadership, one secret puts you head and …
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Paul teaches that we are God’s poema-His “masterpiece” designed to reflect His character on the earth. Grace is God’s means for our transformation. Preached at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship. YouTube link …
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WHAT DID YOUR WIFE REALLY NEED FROM HER FAMILY THIS YEAR? Husbands are often clueless to the needs of their wives. If you are like me, your mind raced and …
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Anticipate and reflect! Experiences aren’t truly yours until you think about them, analyze them, examine them, question them, reflect on them, and finally understand them. — Warren Bennis My favorite …
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This moving sermon by John Piper was preached at Watermark Church and was titled “A Tender Word for Pharisees.” Jesus shows God’s love for Pharisees in his parable of the …
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The unbeliever is looking for something deeper and meaningful. He wants to know he matters. Jesus revealed that to reach the seeker we must not crowd people out with dogma …
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What comprises your identity? A sense of relationship with God, an awareness of God’s call on your life and a deeper understanding of who He created you to be. Compare …
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For decades Kathy and I have profited immensely from the pastoral wisdom of the converted slave trader John Newton. As an 18th century Anglican minister, Newton was a good preacher, …
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Faith is relational, not formulaic. If you are frustrated or confused by seeming inconsistencies in Scripture, the God of the Bible longs to meet you where you are, to be …
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How should Christians relate to a secular society that does not know Jesus? Paul’s letter to Titus sheds light on this scenario, showing us how God’s grace should motivate Christians …
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David’s darkest hour running from King Saul was the day he returned home to Ziklag to find his family, flocks, and food cruelly ripped away. How did David deal with …
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You have value because God values you. It has nothing to do with being worthy of it. Rely on God. The Feast of Weeks celebrates His unconditional love and grace.
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Kent Shaffer codified his observations concerning Malcolm Gladwell’s sermon at Catalyst Atlanta 2013. His discussion of David and Goliath is both encouraging and life-changing. Israel was still in its infancy, …
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This blog was originally titled “How to Provoke Your Children” on gty.org. Have you experienced the paralysis of finding a good book on Christian parenting? Visiting your local Christian bookstore …
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No matter what age we are, the Bible tells us that there is still an incredible prize that awaits us. I can celebrate victory because I can celebrate Christ. 1 …
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Hi, Roger, I would like to know if it is a sin if a woman doesn’t cover her head when praying and worshiping the lord. Or even to step inside …
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Galatians is different than other letters written by Paul. In every other epistle, he finds something for which to praise the young churches before giving them advice. However, he’s so …
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“Living together before marriage is one of America’s most significant and unexpected family trends. By simple definition, living together-or unmarried cohabitation–is the status of couples who are sexual partners, not …
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Have you ever heard someone make this statement? “You’re putting God in a box!” I’ve watched it used in two ways. One is legitimate, the other is a deflection from …
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Divorce touches each of us, sooner or later. A friend, a brother, a co-worker, or perhaps, you. If you haven’t been affected by divorce, you probably will be-it’s one of …
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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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“Ninety-five percent of all the decisions you’ll ever make in your career could be made by a reasonably intelligent high school sophomore. But they’ll pay you for the other five …
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The Mosaic Covenant, of the Law, taught the Israelites the truth about their sinful motives and that they couldn’t do enough works to earn heaven. The law stirred within them …
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The Jews go into captivity after years of sin and idolatry. Surprisingly, the prophetic message changes. God promises them His new covenant. Jeremiah proclaims that God will write His laws …
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If you don’t ask for the help that you need, chances are you won’t get that help, support or encouragement you long for. That applies in all times in life, …
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There are a lot of books, articles, and stage talks on how to get things done. In some ways, the topic has become so romanticized in Western culture that some …
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The simple message of the cross is a stumbling block to nonbelievers. The formula for a divine transaction is found in Romans 4: faith plus nothing equals the righteousness of …
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Dear Roger, I joined a women’s Bible study several months ago and recently an argument began over whether or not it is a sin for Christians to have tattoos. The …
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Why do we become tight-fisted during the holidays? The whole message of God is about generosity and grace. He showed unconditional grace to the laborers in the field, regardless of …
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People deal with sexual abuse in different ways. One common method is denial or complete forgetfulness. The memories of the past are so traumatic or painful that a person can …
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Have you ever noticed that the hardest passages of scripture tend to be the ones that call us to the greatest commitment to Christ? I was reminded of this after …
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The service begins with the baptism of a young girl who was supposed to be dead in the womb after a DNC. Instead, she survived and became a powerful testimony …
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What do you want out of your Christian experience? If you’re like most people you might answer that you are looking for peace, strength during difficulties, or even some level …
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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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Paul gives us a picture of loving restoration in Galatians 6:1-10. We must restore people who have fallen into sin by gently counseling them and bearing their burdens. As a …
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The first consequence of Adam’s and Eve’s sin mentioned in Genesis 3:7 is that “the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves …
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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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I have in mind men and women. For men it’s obvious. The need for warfare against the bombardment of visual temptation to fixate on sexual images is urgent. For women …
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Acts 16:19: “And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers. “ …
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The three parables of the lost sheep, the lost son, and the lost coin all involve something or someone lost, found, rejoicing and celebration in being found. Jesus is the …
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Traditions can be biblical or they can simply be held because one is resistant to change. Distinguishing between the two is critical.
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Christ modeled humility for us by laying aside His heavenly glory, living on earth and dying for our sins. There are several ways we can model His example in selflessly …
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What is the model for the Christian church? We know that Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Paul tells us that as believers we …
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Temptation pushes us to fulfill a legitimate desire in an illegitimate way. Temptation attacks our belief that God can be trusted. It empowers us to be the sole owner of …
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Paul learns how to survive in the darkest circumstances not only by the “grace power” of God, but by the support system of saints around him. When times get really tough, we …
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God encourages us with His grace: promise, pardon and power. Because of the encouragement of God and others, we can live abundant lives.
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Christ calls us to be grace-filled, humble people. We are to love others and pray for them rather than nagging and trying to change them. Self-awareness and self-righteousness are contrasted.
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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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“So [Jesus] told them this parable: ‘What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, …
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God’s grand design for man in the garden was “very good.” His plan was to lead man as rulers in the Garden to become kings and queens in eternity. The …
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People who are searching for Christ are frustrated by feeling they have to keep a set of rules to please God. The concept of receiving unconditional love is foreign to …
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Why should we attend church? We all have our reasons. My gleaming Sunday School perfect attendance pin was the pride of my charm bracelet collection. My third-grade year, it was …
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We live in a stress-filled society. Technology makes us accessible to anyone at anytime. Economic down-turns cause many to fear the loss of a job or a home. Stress has …
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Fierce, contrary winds whipped the waves of the Galilean Sea like a frothy meringue. Jesus’ rag-tag team shivered in their sandals as their tiny wooden skiff tossed about on the …
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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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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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Dear Jessie, My precious little girl with Jesus, I can hardly remember how it felt to hold your tiny frame in my arms. I thought I would forget you, but …
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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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Over the past ten years, I’ve fought an ongoing battle with depression. I go through seasons of life in which it is only barely present: a dull hum beneath a …
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Over the past ten years, I’ve fought an ongoing battle with depression. I go through seasons of life in which it is only barely present: a dull hum beneath a …
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Celtic Christians called the Holy Spirit An Geadh-Glas or the Wild Goose. A wild goose can’t be tracked or tamed. Unpredictability or a hint of mystery or an element of …
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What qualities do you consider most important in the man or woman of your dreams? What kind of person do you think will make a good lover? One woman in …
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Jesus was not always welcomed warmly by earth-travelers. Some saw Him as a threat. Some saw Him as a heretic. Most saw Him as an enigma. Not everyone in Jesus’ …
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Jesus was not always welcomed warmly by earth-travelers. Some saw Him as a threat. Some saw Him as a heretic. Most saw Him as an enigma. Not everyone in Jesus’ …
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“Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.’” Hebrews 13:4 NIV Caring for …
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Dear Roger, Please tell me if I’m to worship the Holy Spirit. What format should a person use in addressing Him? Thanks, Larry Dear Larry, Let’s answer your second question …
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Sometimes we don’t realize how “far down” Jesus had to go to save sinful man. I guess it’s because we really can’t get a handle on the holiness of God. …
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God’s limitless love is beyond logic. How can we pass it on? Love someone when they least expect it and least deserve it. Read Pastor Mark’s Sermon in Punjabi.
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To my dear Muslim friends: The Quran and the Injeel (the Gospels) in the Bible reflect very different views of God. God’s love is the basis for all relationships and …
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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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Here I am toe-tapping again, my silent protest to waiting. My body weight shifts every few minutes as I check my watch and tap some more. I can feel the …
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Sometimes we are so selfish that we fail to see the needs of the lost. Blinded by his own comfort zone, Jonah refuses to extend to others what God has …
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As pastors and church leaders, we often encounter difficult questions from people who are suffering physically, emotionally and spiritually. How would you answer these questions posed to me early in …
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Boaz exemplified the generosity and condescension of Christ as he bestowed upon Ruth his undeserved favor. We should be grateful for grace and having received it, we give it.
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God’s perfect world is broken because of man’s sin. Relationships are dysfunctional, cultures are oppressed, God is no longer in constant communion with man. God promises redemption and restoration through …
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Our greatest need as believers is to stay deeply connected with Christ (John 15:4-10). He desires us to know, commune and fellowship with Him on a moment-by-moment basis. Christians write, …
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Paul expressed his thanks to God for his brothers and sisters in Christ. He prays for grace-the underserved favor of Christ to be upon them. He prays for the peace …
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Children have an incredible knack at comforting. One mother tells of her little Tina coming home late from school. “Where have you been, Tina?” her mom asked.“Lisa dropped her best …
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We can be free from anxiety and aloneness because we have access to the throne room of God and His gifts of peace and joy. We must live with the …
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Christ saw the Sabbath (and by extension, all of life) as being a time of restoration and connectedness with God. The Pharisees viewed the Sabbath as a day to prove …
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In our overworked, hurried, and self-focused culture, it’s easy for us to go days at a time without having a substantive conversation with another human being. The phrase, “How are …
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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 poses four questions. If we are encouraged by Christ, can we give that same encouragement to others? If we are comforted by Him, can we comfort others? If we …
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Paul enjoins two arguing Christian women to agree in the Lord. We must live harmoniously, responding to our opponents with grace and patience, even as Christ demonstrated humility and condescension …
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God calls us to be clothed in humility just as Christ demonstrates when He washes the disciple’s feet at the Last Supper. The humble recognize that their abilities are not …
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Jesus Christ, as our High Priest, made a once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. As we experience His complete forgiveness in our own lives, we should extend that same forgiveness to …
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Our handicaps, or “thorns” as Paul dubs them, are no accident. God can use them for spiritual service. We must stop window-shopping for what we don’t have and learn to …
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Peter emphasizes the paradox of experiencing joy in the midst of suffering. We can know God’s grace and peace when we suffer for His name and live in the hope …
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“Thorns in the flesh” contemplates Paul’s struggle with handicaps and his healing through the grace of God. No matter what obstacles we face, God is there beside you to carry …
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Session one of Dr. Toussaint’s seminar introduces the theme and the purpose of the book. 1 Peter was written to encourage suffering saints who were being persecuted for their faith …
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Jesus does not emerge to start a new religion. He comes to offer us life in His kingdom where we can live free of guilt and shame because of His …
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God’s Word tells us when we are sick to give thanks in all things, look for God’s refining work in our lives, seek to have His heart and pray in …
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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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Psalm 32 and 51 are twin poems that describe David’s prayer of brokenness and repentance. Psalm 32 paints a portrait of his emotional pain and how he became healed in …
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King David’s prayer of repentance and restoration models what we can do to overcome failure and sin in our lives. Honest confession, brokenness and an assurance of God’s grace can …