21This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and …
22A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 17The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17 As these scriptures point out, there are two kinds of broken spirits. One is helpful; one is not. …
Yesterday our sermon was the second in a series entitled, “Talking Points.” The series addresses the difficult subject of politics and religion. Really! Doesn’t every family have a few topics they quietly agree to not talk about and the top two have to be religion and politics, right?! Well, Senior Pastor Jay Shetler is bursting …
Years ago an older gentleman gave me his commentary on Revelation to proofread and critique. I asked how he thought it might be used in the future; he saw it being a tool for a class study on end time events and the coming of Jesus. I looked it over and returned it to him …
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. Romans 8:13 In a society crippled by debt, followers of Jesus have a different mandate. The debt we owe one another is LOVE. Sounds simple, right? But some days it feels …
…though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there …
Today as you enter worship, or contemplate your day, invite Jesus into your thoughts. What is it you need today? Set your intention, check your posture, and prepare to receive. He is in the business of renewal. And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all …