In times of great cultural upheaval, there is a simple spiritual discipline that Christians the world over have found to be essential for maintaining faith in the midst of trials and tribulations. This discipline takes little time, requires no seminary training, and yet possesses an incredible spiritual potency. Indeed, it can utterly transform our lives…
Suffering can be one of the seemingly insoluble mysteries in life. Philosophers call it the ‘problem of suffering.’ And part of what makes it so challenging is that it can appear to be completely pointless, wasted, agony. Paul, himself writing in the midst of great personal affliction here in 2nd Corinthians, peels back the veil…
How do we know that we are Christians? How do we know that we are saved? When our hearts and consciences trouble us and cause us to wonder or fear, what do we do? How do we respond? For anyone who has wondered about their salvation, today’s passage is a beautiful exposition on what it…
John 3.16 is the most famous verse in the Bible, ‘For God so loved the world…’. But it begs a big question, ‘Why is this?’ What’s the big deal? Doesn’t everyone already know that God is love, regardless of your faith or religion, or spiritual background? Isn’t this statement just a redundant platitude? This morning…
Sin. We don’t like to talk about it. We don’t like to think about it. And yet we know that God takes it seriously. Jesus died to save us from it. But how do we walk the line between legalism and licentiousness? How should a Christian approach sin without ignoring it or becoming overly preoccupied…
2020 has been the hardest year in recent memory. COVID has upended our world in so many ways – physically, emotionally, relationally, and even spiritually. As we look to 2021 and pray for a new day of healing and hope, the apostle Paul gives us a beautiful reminder of how to start this year on the right foot. It’s not a bunch…
The apostle Peter declares, “If you suffer for righteousness’ sake you will be blessed.” In our age of immense suffering, what does it mean to suffer y, and what are these blessings God promises? In today’s passage Peter not only shows us ‘how’ to suffer righteously, but he also gives us the ‘why’ – the…
We know that God loves a cheerful giver. However, if I am honest with myself, my giving is often guilty, grudging, and grumpy. What’s the matter with me, and how can I change? Fortunately, God doesn’t leave us hanging but provides the solution and antidote for grumpy giving. Stay tuned… This sermon was given…
We are living in a time of great loss, stress, and uncertainty. In such times it can be easy to hunker down, protect what we have, and live out of a sense of fear and scarcity. However, this is not the way of the kingdom of God. In today’s passage Jesus offers us a new…
We are always looking for ways to enhance our lives, ways to be happier, more peaceful, and more content. The self-help industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. In the gospels we see that Jesus also has our flourishing in mind, and invites people to abundant and eternal life. However oftentimes going to church, praying, and…