Growing “Ones” (Matthew 19:13-15)

Growing “Ones” Matthew 19:13-15
One of the most humbling things ever said to me in the context of shepherding the people of this church was said by a young girl.  She approached me one day, looked up at me with a smile and said, in substance: “Pastor Keith, we like you because you like little children.”  [...]

Control! (John 18:1-11)

The desire to take and be in control plagues humanity, and has since the early years of our existence.  It has been well documented that the “Nurses Health Study” revealed that 50% of deaths in the United States is related to lifestyle.  And lifestyle, in a relatively free society like the United States, is arguably nothing [...]

You Know Better (Things) …………..Genesis 18:14

What things move you?  If we were to ask the Old Testament mother Sarah that question, she might respond this way: “My age moves me, my husband’s (Abraham) broken body limits me, my post-menopausal condition grieves me, God’s hand against me frustrates me, my Egyptian servant (Hagar) contends with me, her son bothers me, my lack of children [...]

The Requests of Jesus Christ 2 (John 17:6-19)

John 17:15 has the potential to do one of two things:  It can either strike fear in the heart of a believer, as it reveals the enormous harmful potential of the “evil one”.  Or, it can fill a believer’s heart with boldness and comfort as Jesus indirectly asserts that God can more than protect us [...]

The Requests of Jesus Christ ~ Part 1 (John 17:1-5)

It has been said that death gives man a clearer perspective on life.  Such a statement would not apply to Jesus Christ, for He was no ordinary man, but His impending death, and the prayer in light of that death may offer us a clearer perspective.  May God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit [...]

But Be of Good Cheer (John 16:25-33)

We, as humans, generally assume that we should feel encouraged, be well or live happy lives.  This assumption may stem from our infancy because infants who are wet, hungry or in pain often express their discomfort by crying.  Moreover, in 2007 CNN reported that a 2005 survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and [...]

Is All Truth God’s Truth (John 16:12-15)

It is common for Christians to live by internal convictions, walk by perceived feelings of peace, or decide based upon spiritual “open doors” attributed to God…….but is such a spiritual lifestyle truth?  In John 16:12-15, Jesus offers His followers authentic truth.  May this message glorify Christ.

The Helper(s) ~ John 16:5-11

A few thoughts on Jesus Christ:

“He is the radiance of the glory of God….” Hebrews 1:3a
“You are beautiful beyond description, too marvelous for words” Mark Altrogge, I Stand in Awe, The Celebration Hymnal p. 80
“Not the Pope, but Christ only, is the head….” John Huss
“Take Christ from Christianity, and you disembowel it….Christ is the center [...]

A Mother’s Heart (John 16:1-4)

On Mothers Day we come to John 16:1-4.  Although this passage is not directly about mothers, it is reminiscent of concerned mom.  Notice the main point found in verse 1:  “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.” In other words, what Jesus is saying, and has said, to [...]

The God of the Nations (Revelation 5:1-10)

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Not all, but many Americans have expressed an incendiary frustration over the influx of Latinos into this country.  Long before the attacks on September 11, 2001, many have felt challenged by our neighbors from the south flying, figuratively speaking, into local businesses; however this is only a mid-1960’s to present day development.  Latino immigration [...]