3/4/11 Setting the Captives Free 3/1/11 Total monthly pledges are $2005 out of $3500 needed 2/24/11 The Power of Confession 2/23/11 Lost Son Grace | 
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Setting the Captives Free
Freedom. From the time we are small there is a part of us that wants to be free. Babies want to walk on their own. Kids want to ride their bikes farther and farther away from the house. Youth just want to hang out with friends and not be trapped by rules and authority. Young adults aren’t ready to face responsibility. Adults realize that freedom comes with a price. But the fact remains that freedom is the desire. read more
The Power of Confession
When events and feelings are kept hidden in our hearts they can weigh us down like a ton of bricks. It can make it hard to sleep at night and they can even affect our health. Relationships are strained when problems go unresolved. Years and years can go by while the whole time we are being held captive by knowledge. read more
A Lesson on Grace from a Lost Son
Chances are really good that you don’t understand grace. No human being can fully understand that God could love them without any condition. It goes against how we operate. If we’re going to love someone they have to fall under a certain set of requirements. God offers his love freely to all people. This love is fully expressed in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Trust in Jesus, God will take you just as you are. read more
Transitioning from Christian to Disciple
Allow me to ask you this question, what does it mean to be a Christian? Ever thought about it? A lot of us say we are Christians but it doesn’t seem to make much of a difference. We still feel far from God and our lives aren’t filled with meaning and purpose like we were told they would be. For the most part we’re pretty sure we’re going to heaven (which seems far away) and we’re just holding on until then. Basically, we try not to do bad things and when we do it’s alright because Jesus loves us.
Church is a place we go to on Sundays and holidays. When you’re young there are crafts with glue and if you’re lucky some snacks. When you’re a young adult there’s pizza and videos and conferences and missions trips and lock-ins and camp. When you’re an adult age 20-35 they have churches just for you but you’ll have to move to a big city. And when you’re older and have kids you’ll take them to a church because they need to hear about Jesus. Wouldn't want the kids missing on the great experience of being a Christian.
Doesn’t this make you wonder if the faith really so great? read more
Who’s faith are you living?
There are some people who just know how to do impressions. By listening to a song or watching a movie they can pick up on the tone of voice and sometimes facial expressions. It’s hilarious and even shocking. How is this familiar sound coming from a different person? Then the game of “say this” begins where you ask that person to repeat phrases not stated in the movie. Never played that? Well, next time you’re around an impressionist friend, go ahead and ask. It could be really fun unless your friend does a terrible impression.
A bad impression of a character can almost be painful to watch and listen to. And those attempting this act seem to be more dedicated than good impressionists. They work so hard to make themselves sound realistic and it never happens. “Wait, wait, give me one more chance.” I find myself laughing at them instead of at the impression. To their credit they are trying. They really want you to believe they’re acting just as well as the actor. Why? What makes a person want to do an impression of somebody else? A deeper question might be what is the difference between an impression and imitation? read more
The most terrifying result of sin in this world is being separated from God. He is the one who created us and we were designed to be with him and love him. Sin has taken this reality and dashed it on the rocks. As a result of sin we are selfish haters of God and our desires go against his very nature. However, because of God’s love, through Jesus Christ he is saving people from their sin so that one day they can be with him. Suddenly in the heart of a believer is a longing to be with God. As we read about the life and person of Jesus Christ we get a glimpse. The Bible gives us just a taste. The Holy Spirit gives the believer chills as they experience God moving in their life. Do you ever yearn to see the face of God? read more
The book of Proverbs in the Bible talks about the benefit of using the wisdom of God. For example Proverbs 3:33 says, “The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright.” If this is true then why do nice guys finish last? Why is it that those who aren’t following God seem to be having a lot more fun and enjoying life way more than the Christian? We’re supposed to be blessed but instead we’re left in the dust. If you’re going to get ahead in this world you’ve got to lie, cheat, and steal your way to the top. From baseball players to housewives, no one is being honest and they still get rewarded for it. Adding salt to the wound is when a person makes the right choice they are often times laughed at and called a freak. How can it be this way? It’s not fair. read more
There is a dreadful and wonderful place that all travelers in this life will encounter. It is called the crossroads. It is where two roads intersect and the sojourner must make a choice. From this point forward nothing will be the same. And for better or worse this is the place of decision. Often times these crossings can seem as insignificant as what to have for dinner or as monumental as letting go of a lifelong dream. It doesn’t matter what you believe or where you’ve come from, all people face these crossroads. read more
There are some things that you just don’t want to forget. There are day to day memories like where your car keys are, the location of your cell phone, the password you use for all your online activities and what time your favorite show comes on T.V. Forget these and they might ruin your day but in time life will get back to normal. There are relational memories dealing with people like birthdays, anniversaries, names, favorite colors, shared events, and promises made. These people based memories carry more weight because there are lives and emotions involved. Watch what happens when you forget someone’s name or an adventure you had together, it can be a huge let down. It’s almost like if you love someone you’ll remember. Suddenly the practice of remembering takes on a greater importance. read more