Have you ever struggled with prayer? Sometimes we can get discouraged because it feels like nothing happened. Sometimes we can resign to the idea that God is going to do what God is going to do. Sometimes we end up focusing more on what we can do, than on prayer. Sometimes we end up turning … Read more
If we preach something we don’t live, that is hypocrisy.If we live something we don’t preach, that is a lack of conviction.If we preach something we live out, that is powerful.As we unpack the life and ministry of Stephen in Acts 6-8, we see this powerful example of someone who not only preached the gospel, … Read more
Fresh off of Easter Weekend, we’re starting a new series on the ministry of the Apostles in the book of Acts. We’re calling it “Stories of Perseverance” and this first message is based on Acts 4:1-21 where Peter and John are arrested and put on trial for healing a man in the name of Jesus. … Read more
So after Jesus’ crucifixion, Joseph and Nicodemus collected Jesus’ body from the cross. Presumably they removed the nails and pealed Jesus’ corpse off the cross. Because they were on the verge of the Sabbath, which began on Friday at sunset, we know that they worked quickly to wrap what was left of Jesus body and … Read more
Sin can severely distort reality especially if our focus in on other people’s sin. But if we look at our own sin it honestly, clarity is possible. That’s what happens with the woman who washes Jesus feet with her tears. She sees her sin for what it is, meanwhile Simon, the Pharisee can’t see his … Read more
In Matthew 12 Jesus’ battle with the Pharisees revolves around “Evil.” Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. The Pharisees take the first swing suggesting that Jesus is casting out demons with demonic power. But Jesus doesn’t lay down on this one, he fires back and exposes both the absurdity of … Read more
In Mark 7 we see Jesus and the Pharisees go toe to toe over traditions. Some traditions can be good and some can be stuffy or empty. The problem is that the Pharisees elevating man-made traditions ahead of God’s actual commands and as a result they have become hypocrites whose hearts are far from God. … Read more
Do you intimately know Christ, and can you recognize when He’s speaking to you? That gives Him the ability to reveal things to you and change you. If you have responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and surrendered your life to Christ, so you could be born again, then you’ve already heard him … Read more
Hebrews 7:25, and Romans 8:34 both mention that Christ is currently interceding for us. To intercede is to intervene on our behalf. Christ brings you and your needs to the father as our mediator. Of course, Christ knows exactly what we need, but there is a lengthy prayer recorded in the gospel of in John, … Read more
As we look at Solomon’s prayer dedicating the temple in 1 Kings 8:22-53, on thing that quickly stands out are the many requests that God would hear and forgive the people. No matter what their situation might be, that if they realign themselves to God, that He would be merciful. As the text unfolds we … Read more