Yesterday I gave a sermon titled, “Work in Progress”. The manuscript and video are found here. The manuscript includes discussion questions.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q7zMJjVP-4n7MfqtPOksyHf1UHHd5F9o9xlxMmSjxGk/edit?usp=sharing.

This theme is one the Lord has been putting on my heart lately. I am slowly reading through Dallas Willard’s “Renovation of the Heart” and it really brings to focus the importance and hope of personal inward transformation, to become more like Jesus.

In what ways are you growing and being stretched to be more like Him?

There is One who is pleased with you, not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus has done. He found you at your worst, and brought you home. Truly, you are not what you think about yourself. You are not what you do. You are not your accomplishments. You are not what you have. You are a child of God. Known, formed, and loved.

Christians continue to debate the ministry roles of women in the Church. This continues to show up in the news in articles such as this one in today’s USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/06/12/sbc-southern-baptist-convention-women-pastors-ban-fails/74071691007/

Galatians 3:28 says “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Perhaps the most compelling argument in favor of women in all offices of ministry has to do with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In Paul’s lengthy discussion about spiritual gifts, he never indicates that some gifts are for men and other […]

By Matt Messner

Revelation is a difficult yet fascinating part of our Bible. It’s a book full of mystery, angels, beasts, bottomless pits, and judgments. Many modern readers (and pastors) pass it over because it is challenging to confidently interpret and understand this book.

Here are some keys to help you understand this book:

1. Remember that it is God’s Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit.

2. Recognize the three types of literature that it is and approach it accordingly.
a. It is a letter. This is an epistle, written and circulated among the seven churches to […]

The focus of our thoughts shapes our emotions. Where is the focus of your thoughts today?

I can be frustrated with people, or I can love people.

I can judge others, or I can compassionately pray for others.

I can be self-consumed, or I can be consumed by a love for others.

I can choose a side, or I can choose love.

I can carry offenses, or I can forgive.

Without love, we live in fear. Fight or flight becomes our default response to situations.

Let’s live out this truth today: 1 John 4:18 “Where God’s love […]