Seeing Jesus

"Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.  So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” —John 12:20-21 Pastors and church leaders often feel pressure to live up to some level of artificial expectations. After years...

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Who Are You?

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might...

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Christmas Lists or Christmas Listening

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 Advent and Christmas...

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All According to Plan

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). The first strokes of brush of the painter on the canvas are just as important...

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The Church’s Mission and the End Times

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 The end of the church year always directs the vision of the saints towards Jesus’ return in glory. With our eyes cast towards...

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Thanksgiving: More Than a Day

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 The familiar words of Psalm 136 have become a frequent refrain at kitchen tables for generations. Thanksgiving is more than just a day of the year. It is also more than just a...

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Our Extravagant God and His Lavish Gifts

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.”  Ephesians 1:7-8 The Great Depression began nearly ninety years ago with Black Tuesday, the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929.  Though we are far removed...

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The Faith Once Delivered to the Saints

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. —Jude 3 There is a difference between a Christian’s faith and the Christian faith. A...

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Where is Martin Luther now?

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10 A year ago, Martin Luther...

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