The Bible is powerful, but many Christians still feel unsure about how to read it, understand it, or make it part of everyday life. In this message, we look at what Scripture says it does in us: teaching, correcting, training, preparing…
We spend a lot of time looking for ways to make life better, easier, and more effective. But what are the practices that actually shape us into the people we've been created to be? Psalm 19 points us to three things worth doing every day…
In Acts 14:22, we are reminded that hardship is part of the Christian journey, but it is not the end of the story. Scripture encourages us not to let present suffering overshadow the good God is still doing. Suffering is temporary, it…
Romans 12 gives us a beautiful picture of what the life of a disciple should look like - but sometimes that calling can feel impossible. Romans 7-8 reminds us that God never intended for us to live this life by our own strength; he gives…
Continuing the call to overcome evil with good, Romans 12 shows us what that looks like: blessing those who hurt us, refusing every form of retaliation, pursuing peace, and forgiving. Forgiveness does not mean ignoring sin or allowing…
Romans 12 calls us to offer our whole lives to God, including the way we respond when others hurt or wrong us. Allowing evil to shape our response distorts our relationships with the offender, with others, and even with ourselves, while…
The gospel is good news, but to understand just how good it is, we first have to face the bad news: all of us have sinned and fallen short of God's standard. We cannot excuse our sin, compare ourselves to others, or earn our way out of its…
Romans 12:16 calls us to live in harmony with one another, which requires the humility to recognize that we may not always be right. Following Jesus means refusing to let pride, differences, or disagreements determine how we see and treat…
Romans 12:15 calls believers to do more than acknowledge one another's joys and sorrows—it calls us to enter them. In this teaching, we explore what it means to genuinely rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep…
Romans 12:14 calls followers of Jesus to respond to persecution in a way that is completely contrary to our natural instincts: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." Instead of returning evil for evil, we're called to…
Hospitality is more than entertaining guests, it's the intentional pursuit of welcoming strangers into our lives with the same grace God has shown us. From Leviticus to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, holiness is expressed not…
Throughout the New Testament, reminders that Christ's kingdom is coming are often followed by practical calls to love, generosity, and hospitality. Romans 12 is no exception. As Paul calls believers to "contribute to the needs of the…
The Bible gives us a breathtaking picture of the world God has promised, a kingdom filled with peace, justice, healing, and joy. Yet until that day comes, we live in a world marked by suffering and tribulation. Followers of Jesus are…
Romans 12:11 calls believers to more than hard work - it calls for hearts that are fervent in spirit and fully devoted to serving the Lord. Looking at Jesus' words to the church in Laodicea, discover the danger of spiritual lukewarmness…
"Not lagging behind in diligence" is more than a call to work harder, it's an invitation to faithfully serve the Lord with energy and purpose. Proverbs contrasts this kind of life with the sluggard: someone who loves comfort, makes…
Romans 12:10 calls believers to a radically different way of living: not seeking honor for ourselves, but eagerly looking for ways to honor others. True honor recognizes the God-given value of people and expresses that value through our…
Believers from every background have been brought from death to life through the grace of Jesus Christ and united as one family. Because Christ has broken down the barriers that once divided people, we are called to love one another with…
True Christianity extends beyond mere church attendance; it is a fundamental transformation defined by a life of sacrificial devotion to Christ and the profound reality of Jesus's suffering and sacrifice serves as the ultimate motivation…
God designed His truth to be remembered, repeated, and lived. Romans 12 reminds believers that discipleship is not built on complicated ideas, but on simple truths repeated and practiced over time. One such example is Romans 12:9, a short…
Romans 12:9 calls believers to “let love be without hypocrisy.” This message explored how genuine Christian love is more than kindness, emotion, or outward action - it is sacrificial, sincere, and rooted in the example of Jesus Christ…
Romans 12:4–8 reminds us that God intentionally designed the church with different people, personalities, and gifts. Rather than allowing differences to divide us, believers are called to grow through community, serve faithfully in the…
Some people think they are everything. Others think they are nothing. God says both are wrong. In this message from Romans 12:3, we examined how pride and insecurity distort our self-perception and how the gospel calls us to finally see…
Because of all that God has already done for us, we are called to actively participate in our transformation by renewing our minds and refusing to conform to the patterns of the world. Following Jesus is not about becoming a better version…
Romans 12:1 challenges us to see our lives as something entrusted to us by God, not something we’ve achieved. In light of His mercy, we are called to offer our whole selves as living sacrifices, giving Him not just our emotions and…
The Parable of the Talents challenges us to examine both our understanding of God and how we are responding to what He has entrusted to us. Through the contrast between the foolish servant and the faithful servants, we see how wrong…
When Saul encountered the risen Jesus, everything changed. His life was completely redirected—not by effort or intention, but by a real encounter with a living Savior. That same encounter remains the source of true transformation and…
What does it really mean to love others the way Jesus calls us to? Looking at the story of the sinful woman in Luke 7, we’re reminded that love doesn’t come from trying harder, but from realizing how much we’ve been forgiven. When we lose…
Jesus calls us to love one another, not in theory, but in real, everyday life. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, we see the contrast between a self-protective mindset that asks, “What will happen to me?” and a compassion-driven life…
Jesus calls his disciples to a kind of love that goes beyond appearances and reaches people where they really are. When Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, he showed that this kind of love is humble, costly, and willing to move toward people…
Jesus taught that the clearest evidence of true discipleship is love for one another, a love modeled after his own self-giving life (John 13:34-35). Instead of seeking status, comfort, or attention, Christ consistently entered spaces with…
Jesus promises that when we seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, his good Father will provide everything we truly need. God has the resources, the desire, and the wisdom to care for His children. We are reminded that God’s…
The gospel reveals that through faith in Christ, we have been made righteous and brought into a restored relationship with God. Though we were once enemies, alienated, helpless, and lost, Jesus reconciled us through his death, settling…
The Christian life is more like a marathon than a sprint. Spiritual growth takes endurance, discipline, and perseverance, especially when progress feels slow and the journey becomes difficult. We are encouraged to keep going, remember why…
What does it mean to seek first God’s righteousness? Scripture calls us to cultivate a hunger to know and do what is right before God, rather than relying on our own instincts or cultural assumptions. In this message, we explore how…
The Bible does not only tell us how to enter the Kingdom of God - it also tells us what will keep us from it. This message explores those warnings, calling us to examine our lives, lay aside what entangles us, and pursue holiness through a…
God has graciously given His people everything needed for life and godliness, but the journey to His kingdom is not passive. In 2 Peter 1, believers are called to make every effort, to intentionally grow in faith, character, perseverance…
Jesus calls us not only to seek God, but to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Through Scripture’s picture of the coming kingdom as a great wedding feast, we see both the generosity of God’s invitation and the seriousness of our…
What we give our attention to shapes our hearts, and our hearts determine the direction of our lives. In a world full of distractions and constant anxiety, Jesus calls His followers to examine what truly comes first in their lives. Rather…
Hear how God has been working in and through His people this last year. A closing word of encouragement from Galatians 6:8-10.
Christmas reminds us of all we receive through Christ - hope, peace, joy, and love. But have we considered what we can give the one who's birth we are actually celebrating? What does Jesus want for his birthday? Like the Magi, whose true…
At the core of every longing is a hunger for love that no relationship, experience, achievement, or pleasure can sustain. Isaiah 55 invites us to stop chasing what cannot satisfy and to come to the God who freely gives what our hearts most…
In a moment when words feel insufficient to heal real pain, this message reminds us that Jesus remains unchanged - faithful yesterday, today, and forever. Joy is not shallow happiness or denial of suffering, but as a deep, sustaining gift…
Psalm 23 shows us that true peace is found in the LORD and shepherd he has sent, Jesus the Christ. This shepherd knows us, leads us, and remains with us. For the Christian, Jesus brings peace to the lonely by being our personal shepherd…
God answers Moses’ cry to “show me Your glory” not with a vision but with His character. Exodus 34 reveals the Lord as compassionate, gracious, patient, abounding in steadfast love, faithful, forgiving, and just—the most repeated…
After the golden calf, God tells Israel He will still give them the Promised Land—but He will not go with them. What sounds like mercy becomes “a disastrous word,” because the people finally realize that the true gift was never the land or…
The golden calf isn’t just a moment of foolishness - it’s spiritual betrayal. Israel still wanted the promised land, still wanted God’s blessings, but not God Himself. In contrast, Moses responds with a heart radically centered on God -…
When Moses didn’t come down from the mountain as quickly as the people expected, Israel grew restless—and in their waiting, they turned to something they could see. What began as delay led to distortion, compromise, and idolatry. In this…
God gave His people detailed instructions for building a place where His presence would dwell—because worship matters to Him. Every detail pointed to relationship, reverence, and obedience. These instructions weren’t meant to overwhelm but…
In Exodus 24, God establishes His covenant with Israel—sealed in blood, confirmed by sacrifice, and celebrated with a shared meal in His presence. Though His people later broke that covenant, God’s mercy endured. In Jesus Christ, the true…
God didn’t just redeem His people to obey Him—He redeemed them to walk with Him. In Exodus 23, we see that God leads, protects, and provides through His presence, sending His angel to guard and guide His people on the journey. Along the…
We tend to make life all about us. Even when we seek the LORD, our pursuit of Him is often so we can get what we want or to make our lives better. The people who do not know God have no choice but to live for themselves, why would we…
God’s people are called to live differently—to reflect His heart and character in a world that needs to know Him. We’ve been set apart by His grace and invited to show His love, truth, and compassion through the way we live and love…
God calls His people to remember who He is and who they are meant to be before Him. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6 and Jesus’ words in Matthew 22, this message reminds us that everything God has spoken—from the Law to the prophets—rests on one…
Israel’s encounter with God at Sinai reminds us that the same God who rescues with grace is also the God who reigns in glory. Their fear before the mountain was right and pleasing to Him—a holy awe that He still desires from His people…
God doesn’t start with demands; He starts with deliverance. At Sinai, Israel learned—and we must remember—that obedience grows out of God’s saving work already done. Yahweh is not like the gods of Egypt, demanding sacrifice to earn his…
Hearing, believing and obeying God's word, revealed in Scripture is what brings change to our lives. Church attendance, serving, singing and fellowshipping are important and great - but it is God's word that transforms. Let's renew our…
Jethro saw what Moses couldn’t: he was doing good work, but not in a way that could last. Jethro's approach with Moses models good and godly counsel. Through this passage, we are reminded that God often uses wise voices around us to show…
The victory over Amalek came when Moses’ hands were lifted, Joshua fought, and Aaron and Hur gave their support. This story reminds us that God values every person, that our faithfulness impacts others, and that we were never meant to walk…
At Massah and Meribah, Israel faced a familiar test—but instead of learning from the past, they defaulted to complaint and unbelief. God used the moment to show them that the real question was not about water, but about His presence. This…
Every testimony begins with a test. In the wilderness, God taught His people—and us—that when we trust Him in the trial, He provides, sustains, and shows Himself faithful. Tests in our lives reveal where we are weak, but they also reveal…
From the Red Sea to the bitter waters of Marah, Israel went from worship to worry overnight. Their test revealed hearts quick to complain rather than trust. Our tests serve the same purpose—not to fail us, but to form us, teaching us to…
We live in a culture that wants to ‘cut to the chase’—to skip the process and get straight to the result. But in Exodus 13, God takes Israel the long way out of Egypt, protecting them from battles they aren’t ready for and teaching them to…
Jesus not only taught his disciples how to pray - he also prayed for them. In John 17, we find the longest recorded prayer of Jesus, revealing the heart of our Lord as he prays not only for his first disciples, but also for us, his…
At first glance, it’s surprising that the disciples—who walked with Jesus and ministered in his name—would ask, “Lord, teach us to pray.” But prayer is something we can become overly familiar with, even jaded toward, despite how central it…
Sometimes we can only see the problem in front of us—but God sees the full picture. In this message from 2 Kings 6, we’re reminded that the God who knows where a small lost item is also knows where we are, and He invites us to trust Him…
When life is hard, praise can feel far away. But Scripture shows us a different rhythm—one where worship rises not from comfort, but from conviction. Even when you're far away and alone, in the belly of a fish or a wilderness of fear, God…
In a story full of brokenness, injustice, and pain, the encounter between Hagar and God in the wilderness reveals a profound truth: God hears and God sees. Though Hagar was mistreated, forgotten, and cast out, the LORD met her personally…
The disciples had experience, knowledge, and authority—yet they couldn’t cast out the demon. In Mark 9, Jesus reveals that some battles can’t be won by effort, argument, or familiarity—they only come out by prayer. This message calls us…
Jesus has been exalted as king, priest, and leader of the church. And yet his exaltation hasn't changed his heart. Jesus remains a friend, inviting us to come to him and know him.
Christ has been exalted above every name and given as head over all things—for the Church. In this message, we’re reminded that Jesus is not a distant figurehead, but an active, present shepherd who speaks, sustains, and leads His body…
When life is overwhelming and we feel our weakness, we’re reminded that the ascended Jesus is serving as our great high priest. Even in that exalted role, he remains sympathetic and extends mercy, grace, and help. We're invited to draw…
Though Jesus now holds all authority in heaven and on earth, we often wonder why His power isn’t fully visible yet. This message explores the biblical tension between His present reign and His delayed return, reminding us that the delay is…
The ascension of Jesus isn’t just about his departure or physical movement—it’s about his coronation. The Scriptures show us that Jesus has taken His rightful place at the right hand of God, ruling with unmatched authority. And because he…
In a world where our identity is constantly challenged by comparison, criticism, and change, this message reminds us of the unshakable truth: our identity is not something we achieve—it’s something we receive from Christ. When we know…
Isaiah 40 reminds us of God's limitless power, presence, and knowledge. It also describes how the LORD knows the number of stars but also sees us and knows our heart. We often wear ourselves out trying to do God’s job—fixing, controlling…
Change in our lives is less about major moments and crises and more about daily decisions. Over time, small steps in God's direction or away from Him, shape who and where we are today. We all can relate to frustration that comes by…
They didn’t get over it — and neither should we. The resurrection of Jesus launched and fueled the early church and empowers his people today. It was the center of their message, the source of their confidence, and the clarity for their…
The angels didn’t just announce the resurrection—they reminded the disciples of what Jesus had already said. The disciples couldn’t see the resurrection coming—because they were still stuck in their own version of the story. This message…
In this message, we look at how the Day of Atonement points ahead to what Jesus did on the cross. From the torn veil to the scapegoat, it all shows how Jesus made a way for us to be forgiven and come close to God. And even as Jesus is…
What does the Bible say about friendship? How can I find and be a good friend? We'll look at 4 elements of friendship from the Scripture and discover where we can find a trustworthy friend for life. This message was preached by Pastor…
Do you have friends who help bring you to Jesus and encourage your faith? Do you have friends who pull you away and extinguish your faith? Which kind of friend are you? Looking at two gospel stories we discover how relationships are often…
Jesus has already told us what he is going to say on the day of judgement. Hearing his words can help us orient our lives about what really matters now in light of eternity. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living…
Fear stops us from living by faith and fully giving ourselves to God. There is risk involved in trusting God and His way but the reward is great. Playing it safe isn't a virtue of a follower of Jesus. Jesus' parable of the talents from…
It's tempting to take matters into our own hands when doing things God's way seems hard or slow. As David brought the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem, he learned an important lesson about doing things God's way rather than improvising…
The LORD deserves first place in all things. He's not simply a lifeline we call in times of crisis nor an accessory we add to our already cluttered lives for good luck or blessing. Does the LORD have the proper place in our heart today? 1…
John 11 tells the story of Lazarus' death and resurrection and teaches us about hope, hurt, and how Jesus meets us in both places. We discover that sometimes the love of God is known not but the removal of difficulty, but the redemption…
Paul writes that the early church was being told by some that there was no resurrection of the dead. Though falsehoods like this seem obviously false, we too face subtle calls to ignore the reality of the resurrection day. The resurrection…
The prophet Jeremiah believed God's word and made decisions because of this belief. At times he seemed foolish to those who did not have faith in God's promises. Jeremiah believed that even though difficult times and exile were on the…
Death is something our culture avoids thinking about but cannot avoid experiencing in the end. No matter your status in life, all humans share the same fate. The Bible teaches us how death entered our world and God's plan for immortality…
Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, those who trust in Jesus will be raised back to life at his return. This foundational biblical truth isn't just to remember at a funeral, but a reality that give us courage, comfort and our calling…
Pastor Pam Bzdyra has seen God's goodness, provision and power over the course of her life. In this message, she shares the latest update in her cancer journey and calls us to consider the brevity of life. If we believe the gospel of…
How do you interact with new or different information? Do you mindlessly accept it? Do you quickly reject it? The disciples from a city named Berea were commended for their humility to receive Paul's message, but also their commitment…
Hear how God has been working in and through His people this last year. A closing word and prayer from Psalm 24 and 25.
When you read the story of Jesus’ birth, the people involved are filled with wonder, joy and praise. They break out in song, ponder deeply, run, wake up their neighbors and more. One of the reasons why is because they are experiencing the…
The great news of Jesus ought to inspire joy in those who hear and believe this glorious announcement. But joy too often seems just out of grasp. How can we have a deep and inner joy that doesn't get absorbed by the world around us? We've…
We have peace with God through the work of Jesus Christ. This peace allows us to make peace with others because of the grace, mercy, and love we have found from God. God made people with us so we can make peace with others. This message…
Where can we find hope and is it sure? Hope can be found because we have been justified by faith and have God's grace and love surrounding our lives.
There's plenty to complain about in life, but much more to give thanks to God for! Considering His love, salvation, personal care and power dramatically shifts the scales from grumbling to gratitude. A look at Psalm 118, the final Hallel…
Difficulty, disappointment, darkness and delay can all inspire doubt, even in the heart of a believer. When our expectations of God aren't met, we can struggle and question. Where we go and what we do with our doubts makes all the…
The Bible is filled with records of miracles, power and victory. It is also filled with records of the passage of time during normal everyday life. Noah hears from God and is called to save a remnant of humans and animals and then he…
The world is an unreliable source for help. Looking inside ourselves for help is not where we find the help we need either. There is only one place where we can look to find help for our journey through life and beyond. Psalm 121 is one of…
When you look at the world around you, how do you feel? Are you angry, annoyed, or tempted to withdraw altogether? Jesus engaged with the world and all of its challenges, fueled by one thing - compassion. He interacted with those in need…
Jesus teaches us that this generation is like children who can't be satisfied and yet keep searching for something to fulfill their soul. He says that we're often presented with the very thing we need and yet we reject that thinking…
Surrounded by enemies, with uncertainty and unknowns all around, God's people know what to do. The LORD has promised to fight our battles and always be with us. Looking at the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, we can learn to…
The big question in the election cycle is "who do you think will win?" We have thoughts and feelings on all the various outcomes and candidates. But Scripture guides us to walk through uncertain times with peace and hope because we know…
Jeremiah 29 records a letter to Jewish exiles living in Babylon. They've been transplanted away from home and are living in a foreign land. How should they live and act as strangers in this pagan land? Jeremiah's writes that even though…
You are not just like everyone else. You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world and are called to make a difference in this world. Part 4 of our series on politics This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living…
Even beyond the political world, our world is very divided and divisive. How do we avoid and handle disagreement in our emotionally charged world and represent Christ well? A look at some important truths to help us live above the fray…
Followers of Jesus are called to be set apart from the world around them and yet we're not called to withdraw from the world. 1 Peter 2 outlines some clear directives for God's people, commanding us to "honor all people, love the…
When trying to make sense of the politically charged world we live in, it is important for God's people to be grounded in the biblical truth that God is over all. He is working to ensure His ultimate will is done and so while kings rise…
When facing challenges and difficulty in life, if our expectations of God are based on our circumstances, we will feel let down. If our expectations of God are based on God's faithfulness and history, we will know that even in challenging…
One of the main contributors to personal misery is a self-focused life. A surefire remedy for a miserable life is looking away from self unto God and His greatness. A look at some of the spiritual blessings which call us to look out and up…
There are sure fire way to have a miserable life - too many which we actually may incorporate in our lives if we aren't mindful! This sermon is an ironic look at answering "how to be miserable" and spiritual direction how to avoid such a…
Some days we're on the mountain, some days we're in the valley. In those seasons of darkness and hurt, platitudes just don't work to bring a light and life again to our soul. What pulls us out of that place is God's love. This message was…
The world we're living in is unstable and evil. But the LORD is trustworthy and promises to take care of His people. Looking through the lens of Elijah and his courageous stand against idols, we can see that our God is for us and with us…
The spirit of consecration describes an attitude of heart and approach towards holy living that is motivated not by "have to" but "want to". A passion to give God our best rather than bare minimum with intentionality to be set apart for…
If you knew you only had a short time left to live, what would you do? In a stunning record, King Hezekiah is told he will die and ought to "set his house in order". This pursuit is a high and holy calling for God's people in this moment…
What we believe influences our behavior. Both truth and lies have the power to affect how we live. Daniel models how to believe God's truth in a world system designed to disorient God's people. He knew who he was because he knew whose he…
The gospel is not something we just believe once but something we should remember and believe every day. It is the truth that should shape our thinking, which in turn will shape our lives. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin…
The gospel message is the announcement of the great plan of God and how in the end He will be glorified. A correct response to this good news is to live a life that glorifies God. The end goal of all of life is that God may be glorified…
The return of Jesus Christ is not only the hope of the Christian, it is an important element to the gospel message itself. This truth announces that judgement day is coming to the world and justice is coming for God's people. In addition…
The gospel isn't just true, it's powerful. God has infused this message with a power which brings life and transformation to those who believe it. And yet it is tempting to think the gospel isn't enough because it seems foolish in the…
A Christian's testimony tells the true story of how our lives have been impacted by an encounter with Jesus Christ through the gospel. It tells of who we were and who we are now because of what God has done through Christ. There is great…
The Christian gospel announces the great news that Jesus Christ died, Jesus Christ has been raised and Jesus Christ is coming again. This life changing message is not only the announcement that a good man named Jesus of Nazareth died for…
The gospel is the announcement of what has happened, what will happen and what is happening now because of Jesus Christ. It is not just the news about these events but the declaration of the effect of these events on the world and…
The Christian gospel isn't a good feeling or good advice, it's good news. It is the announcement of something that has happened, something that will happen and something is happening now - all centering in God's great work through Jesus…
Jesus tells a story to illustrate the core message of the biblical gospel and answer the question of whether or a not a person who has lived for themselves be brought back home to God. Often called the "parable of the prodigal son", this…
Pharisees were considered the most righteous people of their time. So when Jesus declares that "unless your righteousness surpasses the Pharisees", his audience must have been in shock. How could this be? The key is that the righteousness…
God doesn't tell His people to stop sinning and leave it at that. He calls us to a new life instead of our old life. He calls us to be holy instead of being unholy. He calls us to truth instead of lies. The daily life of a Christian is…
Humanity's default setting is not to live for God but to live for self. When a person turns their life to Christ and receives the Holy Spirit, things can change and new life begins from the inside out. Even as Christians, we will still…
Jesus' sower parable teaches us how the gospel affects a heart and life. He teaches that those who hear, understand and accept God's word and then hold it fast with perseverance are those who will "bear fruit". So what is the soil, what is…
John 3:16 might be the greatest verse in the Scriptures. This one verse tells us a lot about God, Jesus and all of us, which in turn, is the more important news for all of us to hear and believe. This message was preached by Pastor Victor…
Scriptures tells us: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a one sows, this he will also reap." (Galatians 6:7). So, will we sow spiritual seeds which will produce spiritual fruit or will you plant seeds of self and this…
Scientifically, thorns are made of the same elements as a stem or branch, but something has happened to it to inhibit it’s proper growth. As time passes, we adopt beliefs and behaviors that shape us. What habits, routines or practices are…
The function of thorns is to steal the resources and nutrients needed to bring fruit to maturity. Through the parable of the sower, Jesus warns us about the things of this world which will do that to our spiritual lives. This warning is…
The parable of the sower teaches us that troubles and trials will come, threatening us to only be temporary and then fall away. But, troubles do not have to take us out! The Bible is filled with empowering truth to so we may endure and…
When the children of Israel had a chance to enter the Promised Land, the first generation say "no", because their fears were greater than their faith. The second generation did not repeat their parents' mistakes - choosing to face their…
Emotion, experiences and enthusiasm are tremendous motivators and evidences of God at work - but they also fade and end up being unreliable guides for our life. Jesus calls us to endre difficulty and seasons when outward evidences are hard…
The second place the seed falls in on rocky soil. Rocks are representative of affliction, persecution and temptation. These things threaten the fruitfulness of the word in the heart of a person. Jesus teaches us not only to anticipate…
If our enemy the devil is fighting against us, how should we fight back? James 4 gives us three keys to victory in the spiritual battle - submitting to God, resisting the devil and remaining holy. As God's people with the power of Christ…
Jesus' parable of the sower is his most important parable, filled with lessons on discipleship. He tells his disciples to watch for the evil one who wants to snatch the word from hearts. The devil is determined to fight against God's…
Jesus' parable of the sower is his most important parable, filled with lessons on discipleship. He tells his disciples to watch for the evil one who wants to snatch the word from hearts. Who is this evil one and what is he determined to…
Jesus teaches about the threats against his disciple's progress and maturity by using a story about a farmer planting seed in 4 types of ground. The parable of the sower is a lesson in discipleship to Jesus. The end goal of planting the…
Hear how God has been working in and through His people this last year. A closing word and prayer from Psalm 23 and 24.
One of the greatest expressions of love is just being with someone. As human history moves alongs twists and turns, a great question has been "is God still with us?" Generation after generation He has answered that question in a variety of…
Jesus teaches that we can be joyful even when life tells us we can't be. John 15 tells of a time when there would have been much uncertainty in the hearts of his disciples - yet he tells them they can still have joy. John 15 teaches us…
Jesus promises peace for his followers, but yet we often find ourselves lacking peace. While there are a number of reasons why this might be true, our lack of obedience to Jesus is a major threat to our peace. Rather than run away from the…
Jesus is a good teacher and lord in that he prepares his disciples ahead of time for navigating life in this evil age. He gives wisdom, warning and guidance so that we can be prepared and not be taken out by the troubles that come…
Even when life is hard, God is good. God is great and powerful and near and kind. David's life models how a man focused on the LORD can endure seasons of difficulty or disappointment with a song of praise. This message was preached by…
Gratitude is life changing. Ingratitude is life changing too. When the goodness of God, mercy of Christ and coming Kingdom are our focus, we are motivated to be the people God wants us to be. We have a lot to be thankful for...will we be?
A core value of the Christian faith is the belief in the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings. This truth of the coming kingdom of God isn't just a hope for the future, it is a reality that impacts and shapes God's people today. It is…
The Bible is one of the main ways we hear from God and it ought to saturate our lives and thoughts. As a church, we want the Bible to be central. We want to read, hear, love and obey the Bible. Part 5 of our 2023 Vision Series This message…
Ministry work is not for a few specially gifted pastors and teachers - God's vision for his family is that all of his people are ministers, serving their neighbors and serving each other - all to share the gospel. Each member of God's…
God's design for church is to be a new and loving spiritual family, uniting as brothers and sisters people from all different backgrounds. It is in this family unit that formation and maturity happens - if we stick it out and stick…
Jesus Christ is the foundation and leader of our church. As followers/disciples/apprentices of Jesus, we are called to be with Jesus, become like Jesus and do what Jesus did. We don't want to just "believe in" Jesus but also follow his…
The Jesus teaches the story of the good samaritan to illustrate what love looks like. It's easy to know that love is the most important thing, but knowing is not the same as doing. Christ is calling his church to not just believe we should…
Our church motto is "Love God. Love People" but that's not a just a cute catch phrase - it's the greatest commandment of all. And the call to love God and people is interconnected - for one cannot say they love God and not love people…
The LORD is the everlasting God who never grows weak or weary. He knows the number of starts in the universe, grains of sand on the seashore and the hairs on every human head. And He cares about you! A look at the majesty and nearness of…
The world is filled with things to be anxious and worried about. Is this just the way it goes? Or can something be different for God's children? Jesus commands us not to worry because the worries are not our Lord, he is! Jesus teaches us…
A key to spiritual maturity is to just stay faithful, trusting that over time even seemingly small changes make a big difference. As we seek God, gradual adjustments bring about powerful change and in the end we look more and more like…
Matthew 14 records two amazing stories in the life of Jesus - the feeding of thousands and walking on the water. What do these two stories have in common? They teach us about Jesus and his relationship to his followers. In the big and…
Christian maturity is moving beyond what God gives you and what you can gain from God to an attitude of giving to God. It's time for us to level up beyond just the "minimum requirements" to a devotion and resolve that lives for God no…
1 Samuel 14 tells the story of the power of a person stirred in their soul to live for God. Surrounded by their enemies, God's people were filled with fear and empty of hope. Yet the courage of one man changed everything. Jonathan made a…
To know of the welfare of a village, African tribal warriors would ask "how are the children?" It is our responsibility to show and tell of the greatness of God to the next generation that is watching and listening. Each person in God's…
Have you ever felt numb, detached or "blah"? Do you wonder how you lost your fire or passion for God? Do troubles or worries about life keep you up at night? Psalm 77 models the prayer for these times and the remedy for the times of…
The condition of one's heart is going to directly affect one's life. Proverbs 4:20-27 calls us to guard our hearts with all diligence - giving heed to who we're with, where we go and what we do.
Proverbs 4 describes a father appealing to his son to hold fast to his instruction and not let go of the right ways of God. The father says that the righteous shine brighter and brighter as they walk on the LORD's path. With this in mind…
Disciple isn't easy but it's important. God our Father repoves and corrects His children because He loves them. How will we respond to his correction? Turn our ears and hearts away or recognize that turning towards God's loving word, even…
Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to "trust in the LORD with all of our hearts and lean not on our own understanding." The LORD knows best and sees beyond what we can see. If we trust the LORD and walk in His ways, even when we don't see the…
The spiritual life does not happen on accident. It requires effort and intentionality. Proverbs 2 outlines a parent instructing their child on the requirements and rewards of a godly and intentional life. This message was preached by…
God's wisdom is calling out to all of us: "Come to me! Turn away from the world! Find life! Walk the good path!" Are we listening? Will we turn to Him? Or are we waiting for another time, a better offer or something else? This message was…
God gives wisdom to those who know they need it to help us navigate life. He's ready and willing to give it to all and any who ask. Do you know you need wisdom and help or are we like the fools who try and go on our own? A help look a…
The city walls of the ancient world served to protect the people, give boundaries for the city and create identify for the citizens. When a wall was broken those things were threatened. Through the story of Nehemiah's rebuilding effort, we…
What are your expectations of God working through His Spirit and how do those expectations affect and shape your behavior? This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living Faith Christian Church in Warwick, Rhode Island.
The feast of Pentecost was the time when God's people gathered to celebrate the beginning of the harvest. Families traveled to Jerusalem with their first fruits to rejoice in what God had begun to do. But Pentecost was a celebration of the…
Jesus dies, Jesus is resurrected - but then what? After 40 days with his disciples, he ascends - not just up from the earth out of their sight - but into the heavenly realm where is enthroned as king, seated at right hand of God. The…
After Jesus' resurrection, he spends 40 days talking about the Kingdom of God. Why? Because that is where his followers' attention should be. The glorious hope of God's coming kingdom keeps us from drifting, getting lost or distracted…
Saul's conversion is a powerful example of the ongoing work of the resurrected Christ. Saul was not seeking Jesus, but Jesus was seeking him. From Saul's conversion story we can find hope for ourselves and those who do not follow Christ…
Doubts and questions are not disqualifiers for disciples of Jesus. Instead, he meets us in our doubts and helps us see and believe. In a world that says "I'll believe it when I see it", Jesus says "you'll see it when you believe it." A…
Mary Magdalene wept on Easter Sunday, mourning the loss of her rabbi and rattled by the empty tomb. But she also was wrestling with what the loss of Jesus meant for her personally. It was Jesus who gave her purpose and meaning, freeing her…
The resurrection of Jesus is not the end of the story, it's just the beginning. When Jesus was raised from the dead, everything changed. We shouldn't just consider these truths on Easter and move on to the next thing but linger and…
Two disciples walk away from the cross, away from the empty tomb, and away from Jesus. But though may have given up on Jesus, Jesus hadn't given up on them. As we journey with these disciples, we will discover that our eyes can be opened…
Sometimes we pray and God does a miracle. Sometimes we pray and we wait. Sometimes we pray and things don't go the way we hoped they would. Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane demonstrates how to pray when times are hard. When we are…
In Jesus' most provocative act, he turns over tables in the temple and drives out those selling in the courtyard. Jesus' zeal for his Father's house inspired this act of removing anything standing in the way of people pursuing God. God's…
Oh to have a passion and desire God that is comparable to a deep hunger for food or thirst for water. This kind of longing is deep and affects your whole life - like being "hangry" when your body needs food. God offers us something that…
Honesty is an important part of our relationship with God. As loved children of God, we can come to our Father with our real and raw hearts. Christian maturity is not appearing to have it all together on the outside but actually about…
The devil wants to attack and severe the truth that God loves us and we are his children. Knowing that our identity is a critical point in the spiritual battle, we out to be on guard against the things that might target our belief in God's…
The Christian life is a struggle. We are in a battle against evil spiritual forces. We cannot sit idly by as the devil tries to encroach upon the places God has given us to have authority over. In God's strength, we can stand firm and…
Persistence in prayer is key and challenging at the same time. To teach how important it is for his followers to continue to pray at all times and not lost heart, Jesus teaches a parable about a widow and an unjust judge. This parable…
Jesus taught us to ask, seek and knock as expressions of our prayers to God. Asking is at the core of prayer and the the depths of our asking indicates the depth of our relationship. In our relationship with God, we are children coming to…
God speaks through the Bible and we speak to God through prayer. Uniting these two together is where relationship with God floriouishs. Saturating our prayers in Scripture and the promises of God is how we pray boldly and align with God's…
Good relationships are both intentional and spontaneous. Friends and family have habitual and planned time together and also random and impromptu interactions as well. Our relationship with God is the same. Jesus models a life that is…
We all like to have step by step directions as we travel by car - it allows us to know what is next and where to travel to arrive at our destination. Maps can tell us the route, but not necessarily the right or best route. As we travel in…
Psalm 1 describes the the life of a blessed person and speaks of their life like a growing and fruitful tree. A person becomes like this tree by rejecting wordiness and sin and meditating on and delighting in the LORD. A simple picture of…
As a new year begins we might be discouraged by unfulfilled goals and not even want to start something new. Maybe you find yourself far from where you want or hope to be. But today is a new day and even small steps in God's direction are…
Hear some of the ways God worked in the last year through testimonies from our church family. The sharing time ends with Pastor Victor sharing a prayer and longing for the new year.
During Advent, we've explored themes of hope, peace, joy and love. The final theme on Christmas Eve is light. This light is the light that brings hope, peace, joy and love. The light of Christmas is Jesus himself, for he doesn't just give…
The Christmas Story is the story of God's love. Because of God's love for the world, He sent His son to seek and save those that were lost. Humanity's "lost" condition wasn't just a slight wandering from home but a rejection of God and His…
Who is the most joyful person you know? Does Jesus come to mind when you think of joy? Jesus was full of joy and shows us where joy comes from: from the Father's love, from doing the Father's will and the joy set before him in the age to…
Peace is often associated with the Christmas season. Silent nights, snowy scenes and sleeping babies are sweet but not really what the first Christmas was like, nor what life in general is often like. So what is peace, where does it come…
Advent a special and historic practice of the church which helps us prepare our hearts for Christmas. During this season we remember the promises of God, rejoice in the coming of the King and look forward to his second advent. This week we…
the LORD is the Creator of heavens and earth and yet concerned about small details in our lives. He blesses His people in amazing and precise ways to remind us of His love and goodness. But these blessings are not just for us, they are for…
Tests are one of God’s ways to grow us. Tests and trials of faith are from God and designed to build your endurance and for your good. Temptations are from the devil designed to have you sin and erode your trust in God. One of the greatest…
God makes a promise, we wait on Him to bring it to pass. That's living by faith. But what if His plans are different or take longer than ours? Do we give up, take shortcuts or take over? God is never glorified when we take matters into our…
Abraham's nephew is in Sodom, surrounded by sin, evil and wrong. But the wickedness of Sodom seems to have saturated his heart too. As God mercifully rescues Lot from the place that will soon experience God's judgment, we learn from…
Abraham was different. He wasn't preoccupied with being first. He wasn't out to be the best of the best. He didn't get caught up in the world around him but trusted God with his fate and future. He saw his life and the world through faith…
Abram shows us what it means to be a person of faith. He hears and believes God's promise and obeys God as a result. And while he waits for God's promises to be fulfilled He worships. Part 1 of our teaching series "Faithful Love: The Story…
Psalm 30 expresses David's heart as he looks back at God's faithfulness in his life and his hopes for the future. He invites us into the worship song and calls us dedicate our lives to the LORD. Closing teaching from the 2022 Family…
Jesus redefines what it means to be family with a spiritual connection stronger than blood. We are sons and daughters of God and brothers and sisters to Christ. Opening teaching for our 2022 Family Weekend
Living a "balanced" life seems like a good idea, but it also assumes that things in life have equal weight. In fact, Scripture tells us that there are some things more important than others and that require our attention and devotion. A…
What we give our attention to gets our heart. What we are in awe of gets our attention. We have been born to be in awe and there is no thing that compares to the awesomeness of our God.
The world is after our attention, for what we give our attention to, we give our hearts to. Intentional attention is a critical discipline of disciples of Jesus. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living Faith Christian…
God doesn't want us living to the max, He wants us to live with margin. Rather than filling every moment with things to do, we can give our time towards our relationship with God. When we intentionally live slow, unhurried and not on the…
Sometimes the path towards spiritual change and transformation is a lot simpler than we think. We often think that God works in big and obviously miraculous ways, and He does. But he also and often works in unexpected and more personal…
Salvation and forgiveness are free gifts from God to all who turn to him in faith - there are no works we can do to earn these gifts! However, the Christian life does require work. We don't work for salvation, but we must work from…
When we forget that God is good and that God loves us, we're in trouble. Remembering how God has redeemed us, how He is working in our lives today and what He will do in the end is key to living the Christian life today and not destroying…
It's been said that Christianity is not a religion or list of “dos and don’ts”. It’s a relationship centered in love. But relationships centered in love, do have "do’s" and "don’ts" associated with them. The devil's tactic is to make God's…
We live in a world bent on criticism and judgment. If we're not intentional, these mindsets can creep into the church. If we are intentional we can strengthen each other. Scripture tells us that words our powerful - to either heal or hurt…
Love is the most important thing. The Church has important work to do and truths to expound, but without Christ-like love, we are missing the mark. At times we get off track and the example of Christ's love helps us get back to the heart…
Communion, also known as the Lord's supper, is one of the practices of the church handed down by Jesus himself. So, what is communion? What is its meaning? Who should do it and how often? We will see how this important practice helps us…
Baptism is a biblical, historical and beautiful practice of the Christian Church which is a practical and physical response to the gospel and a declaration of a man/woman’s faith in and allegiance to Jesus Christ. We'll look at baptism in…
Forgiveness is powerful and transforming. It is something each human needs from God and something each human can give to others. In fact, forgiveness is a greater need than other things we desire in this life. It does not change the past…
God's church is a family, but what happens when someone in the family is sinning? Jesus teaches how the church should handle a brother or sister caught in a sin through loving and compassionate appeals from the family, often called church…
Jesus Christ is the head of the church. He is the leader and authority that directs and cares for the church. He is in charge and in love with us and worthy to follow. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living Faith…
The great task of the church is to be with Jesus, become like Jesus and do what Jesus did. This is what it means to be a disciple. And as disciples, or apprentices of Jesus, we are called to help others be with, become like and follow…
God's plan for the church was that they would experience the joy of fellowship - the benefit of spirit-filled believers encouraging and teaching each other. But fellowship isn't just fun, it's needed. Fellowship with other Christians is an…
The church of God is not simply a gathering of religious folks and do-gooders. The church is the people of God that have been filled with and are empowered by His Spirit. Launching on the Day of Pentecost, a distinguishing mark of the…
Why do we sing at church? Music and song were created by God and are powerful to instruct and insipre. Throughout time, God's people have sung to remind themselves of God's goodness and give Him praise. When the church gathers, we should…
The God we worship is the living God who speaks! And He continues to speak today through the Bible. Because of this great reality, the Bible should be central to the church. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living…
We're beginning a new teaching series on the church. In this introductory teaching we look at the beauty and purpose of the church. The church is called "the bride of Christ" and as such she is chosen, called and loved. In addition, the…
The Christian life requires discipline and faithfulness, but there is also great reward. 2 Timothy 2 gives us encouragement to stay faithful to Christ, for it is all worth it in the end. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin…
If we contributed nothing to our salvation, then we can make no claim to it. If Jesus saved us 100%, our lives are 100% his.
Sometimes we go from joy to despair and wonder how? and why? Psalm 42 walks us through the process of honest heart assessment and refocusing on God's faithful love. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living Faith…
The resurrection of Jesus has radical implications on so many areas of life. One transformative reality is that Jesus is the one man that can be trusted completely. He has risen, just as he said, and his invitation to "come and see" is…
Jesus lived a life of love. He cared for the masses and the individual soul. Imagine walking with him during his ministry and seeing and experiencing his love! Imagine then seeing him die on the cross. How the hearts of his disciples must…
The Bible is clear: love is the most important thing. But what does it mean to love? What does love look like In a world filled with definitions of "love", we look to Jesus who modeled love through his life and death. This message was…
Sometimes in the story of God's people, they practice religious devotion but missed the heart of God. What was missing? Love, compassion and mercy. The people of God are called not just to think about love or feel feelings of love, but to…
Jesus calls for his church to stand for truth and fight the good fight of faith. But if we lose our love along the way, we're in trouble. In Revelation 2, he called his church in Ephesus to return to their first love, and he wants us to…
How we live now is completely controlled by what we believe about our future. We have a true and sure hope of God's coming kingdom ahead and this ought to give us the perspective to influence our faithfulness now.
Our society is growing more and more individualized and isolated - yet our hearts on their own are prone to lead us astray. Do we try and navigate this world in the echo chamber of our own thoughts and opinions? There is wisdom and safety…
If we're to "watch our heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23)", what do we need to watch for? What threatens our heart and ultimately our relationship with God? Jesus teaches his disciples what to watch for. This message was preached by…
Are you ever distracted when you try and pray? Does spending quiet time with God seem hard? If you struggle to pray, what does this mean and what should you do? Some helpful suggestions about how to connect with God and abide in Christ…
If the heart directs the course of our life, attending to them is a supremely worthwhile effort. How do we know and care for our hearts? The first step is coming close to God and getting quiet in prayer. This message was preached by Pastor…
Jesus taught that internal change leads to external change and we know that to see good and godly fruit our change starts in the heart. But why does it often seem like we tend to do the very thing we don't want to do? The gospel provides…
We spend a lot of time and effort making the "outside" of our lives look good. But Scripture teaches that that quality of the inner life is most important. What's going on in our hearts will determine what's going on in our lives. This…
It's time for us to get honest. Being honest with God and yourself about where you are in your relationship with Him is a key to change. And once we're honest, it's time to take action. But we can only start where we are to end up where we…
Joe Testa shares with us some practical tools to set and achieve goals in our lives. However, the key to setting and keeping spiritual goals is find in walking by the Spirit. This message will help you discover how.
Ever try and put something together without reading the instructions first? It seems to go quicker but eventually we get jammed up and need to start again. What's true for electronics, building projects or legos is even truer for life. God…
To see change you need to start some things and stop others. We often overlook the need to do both and as a result do not see change. As disciples of Jesus, the call to follow him includes the same truth. There are things we must do, and…
It's been another year of ups and downs with a new year on the horizon, we are left with uncertainty about what's ahead. It's easy to be "done" and want to check out or give up. But Christmas comes at just the right time for our hearts…
The birth of the Messiah was more than a silent night of wonder and awe - it was a spiritual victory for God & His people. Revelation 12 gives us insight into the nativity story that gives a spiritual perspective to what was happening when…
God chose Joseph to be the father and protector of His son, Jesus. In the gospels we discover that Joseph was a man of faith and faithfulness. Through his obedience, Jesus was protected and God's will was done. This message was preached by…
December arrives and the busyness begins. Many of us feel stress, anxious or irritable even though its the "most wonderful time of the year" We can find peace and be present when we minimize distraction, slow down and focus on Christ. A…
Acts 28 closes in an anti-climactic way. The book closes with Paul, under house arrest, is in Rome speaking the gospel. Yet as we look at the final years of Paul's life we see a man who has been through a lot, yet remains tenderhearted…
As Paul travels by ship towards Rome he experiences a powerful storm which jeopardizes not only his itinerary, but his very life. Yet through the storm, Paul remains calm. He trusts in God and the promises He has made to know that whatever…
As we turn towards the end of Acts, we find Paul 25 years after his conversion as passionate as every about the gospel of Christ. Paul finds himself far from where he thought he would be, but through his story we learn that trials…
Paul is determined to go to Jerusalem, even though he knows trouble awaits him there. He must discern between the appeal of friends, the prophetic warnings and his own confidence in what Christ has called him to do. It causes us to…
Paul gathers the Ephesian elders together with an important message. His time with them has come to and end and they must be on guard against threats to Christ's church. They must watch themselves and their flock and the challenges ahead…
Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Can you even imagine the book of Acts without God's Spirit at work? Of course not - disciples of Jesus left without the Spirit is not how God intended His church to function. Acts 19 tells…
Do you have a teachable spirit? How do you respond when presented with new or different information? Acts 18 tells of the faithful couple Aquila & Priscilla meeting with eloquent but under-informed Apollos. A teachable spirit is an…
As the gospel advanced into the Roman Empire, it upset the status quo. The Christians are accused of "turning the world upside down". In truth we know that the gospel actually turns things right side up. As, Paul arrives in Athens and…
Who are you when the trials come? Who are you when things are good? Who are you when the lights are off? Who we really are in these moments doesn't just impact our lives, but the people around us who are in the dark need to see the light…
Acts 15 recounts a new church navigating change, to keep a diverse family united. After the worship of the true God flowing through the Law, the apostles and elders gather to answer whether or not the Gentiles need to become law-keepers to…
Change can be hard. We get used to norms, routines and mindsets and even good changes to those things can turn us upside down. Acts records the early church facing and embracing changes, most notably the integration of Jewish and Gentile…
Nothing could stop Paul & Barnabas from preaching the gospel. In the good times and bad, they were committed to speaking the gospel and sharing the love of God everywhere they went. Sometimes there were great responses, sometimes they…
Acts 13 describes a church that is diverse and devoted to walking with God. The disciples were separated to do the work for the Lord. Opposition didn't stop them, challenges didn't stop them - their love for God and the power of gospel…
Tragedy and triumphs tell the story of Acts 12. James is martyred, Peter is rescued and Herod Agrippa is judged. The common theme throughout the chapter, and the book of Acts is that the people of God prayed. Today we face opposition…
As a new church grows in Antioch, Barnabas is sent to encourage the disciples. They have endured trials and experienced miraculous seasons. Now they need to determine to stay faithful to the Lord so they are ready for whatever may come…
The gospel message is for any and everyone. As the gospel is received by the Gentiles for the first time, we are reminded that God, who is always working, shows no partiality. As His people, we ought to do the same. This message was…
Saul of Tarsus was zealously and violently opposing Jesus and his followers until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. But Saul's conversion is only part of the story. The way the early church responded to Saul shows that they trusted and…
Acts 8 tells the story of a faithful disciple named Philip. Philip was faithful to do the next thing God was asking Him to do and this faithfulness opened the door God to work in wonderful ways. Philip teaches us that there are no small…
As we journey through Acts we read of signs and wonders and miraculous moments. The disciples, faithful to their Lord's work, are on the front lines of God's great power. But something happens in Acts 7 which changes things dramatically…
Acts 6 describes new servants rising up to meet the needs of the church. These servants weren't just apostles or pastors but individuals of good reputation, full of the spirit and wisdom. Following their example, we hear from modern day…
As we journey through Acts, we see opposition to the gospel increasing along the way. Acts 5 recounts Peter and John being arrested for preaching the gospel. Miraculously they are released from prison and they get right back to speaking…
The experiences and stories of Acts didn't just happen, they were fostered in an environment of faith. The early church lived in a way where their love for God and devotion to Christ permeated their daily lives. As we follow their example…
The early church is growing in power and love and then all of the sudden two people drop dead! What is the record of Ananias and Sapphira all about and what should we learn from the story today? This message was preached by Pastor Victor…
Lame man healed and now we're in trouble?! What?! Acts 4 tells the second part of the story after Peter and John are brought in for interrogation. We'll discover why they are views as a threat to the leaders of the time and how the leaders…
Acts 3 tells the story of a remarkable miracle: a lame man is healed! But the miracle is just the beginning of the story. The miracle leads to a crowd that then gets to hear the message of Christ. We can find ourselves in similar…
If we can accept God's love for us, everything will change. Fear, doubt, or worry will not longer drive our decisions, but love for God and others will. We will no longer have to hold back our lives for God, for we find all that we need in…
The church of Acts 2 was a diverse group of men and women from different places and walks of life. What united them was their devotion to God and each other. This unity enabled God to work through them to change the world. This message was…
The Bible gives remarkable accounts of God's presence coming in power to rest on mountains and fill temples. Today God's presence is not just in a place, it's in a people. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living Faith…
We talk about the cross, resurrection and return of Christ, but we rarely think about the significance of the ascension of Christ. The Ascension is an incredibly important event that gives context to the exaltation and continued ministry…
How do you live life well? Live a life of love. On the last day, each person will give an answer to the question "did I love?" How we love today makes all the difference in the end. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at…
God has given us life, what are you doing with it? We will all answer this question on the last day. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living Faith Christian Church in Warwick, Rhode Island.
The resurrection not only gives us hope for the future, it fuels us to live a fearless and selfless life of faith now.
Our world is quick to get rid of broken things and move on to what's next. But this is not the heart of God. He wants to redeem and restore humanity and all of Creation. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living Faith…
Did you ever think about how we celebrate Easter and just move on? What if the message of Easter launched us into a celebration rather than marked the conclusion of one? The reality of Jesus' resurrection has transcendent reach on the…
We know the story of the cross and empty tomb, but there is more than just the historical details of Resurrection Sunday. Revelation unfolds a picture of what happened in the universe at the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus has…
Palm Sunday was filled with shouts of praise and "Hosanna's" in Jesus' direction and just days later, the same crowd, in the same city, are screaming "crucify him!". This dramatic change reveals the sad and true condition of the human…
The presence of troubles, storms and difficulty in life do not always mean you are not walking with God. Walking with God through trials is often the way He leads us to where He wants us to be. This message was preached by Pastor Victor…
To join God in His work in the world, we have to make adjustments to our life, habits and thinking. Often times that adjustments we make are going to look like inconveniences or impractical. But looking at the relationship Jesus had with…
We can't follow Jesus and remain where we are. We can't be filled with God and while we are full of ourselves. As we surrender to God's leading and lay down our lives we will find true life and experience God.
Faith comes alive when we hear God speak and respond in obedience. But your willingness to respond to God's word is determined by your relationship with the one calling you to "jump in." Once we do, this is where we begin to experience…
God desires a relationship with you and any good relationship requires communication. So how does God speak? This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living Faith Christian Church in Warwick, Rhode Island.
The key to hearing from God is to grow in relationship with Him. Communication is key to any good relationship. As God pursues a love-relationship with us, He wants to speak with us. We must believe and anticipate that God will speak to us…
A relationship with God is not an "every once in a while" thing. A true love based relationship permeates our entire lives. God is inviting us into relationship with Him and if we seek Him, we will find Him. This message was preached by…
Any time we experience God at work, we are experiencing His love for us. And His love is not dependent on our deeds, but His goodness. Unless we understand and accept God's love for us first, we can have a dysfunctional relationship with…
God is always at work in the world around us. Do we see Him? Rather than trying to force something to happen for God, if we learn to discern where God is working, we can join Him in His work and experience Him along the way. **the first 4…
We're tempted to become weary and the world is making it harder, but Jesus-like love must be the purpose and mission of our lives. We can't let our love grow cold. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living Faith…
Scripture calls us to "lay aside every weight and the sin that easily entangles us (Hebrews 12:1)". Did you notice the "weights" and "sins" are two different things? There may be "good" things in our lives that are slowing us down from…
2020: What. A. Year. Even during of a year of trials and turbulence, God was at work. Hear some the testimonies, lessons and blessings of this year from Liz McDonald, Dan Matott, Kristine Dunham and Russell Brown.
We find ourselves in between the already and not yet. We wait in between what has happened or begun and what will be finished. Jesus has come but we wait for him to come again. We wait in the middle of a pandemic. We wait for God's work to…
Reflections on the birth of Jesus Christ from scripture and song.
The world is longing for peace. According to Scripture, peace is more than just calm and tranquility, but something deeper and richer. So what is it? How do we find it? And what should we do with it? This message was preached by Pastor…
Genesis 3 gives us historical information which helps us understand why the world is the way it is today. After the devil's treachery and humanity's rebellion, the creation was cursed. This curse affects human relationships, spiritual…
We often busy ourselves with decorating, shopping and social gatherings during the Christmas season. But in that bustle we often miss the point. The most place to prepare is our hearts for Christ. How are your Christmas preparations going?
The Christmas story is messy. But within the mess we learn about the character of our God. He doesn't wait till our mess is cleaned up, He steps into our mess to pull us out. This message was preached by Pastor Victor Gluckin at Living…
Scripture calls us to give thanks "in everything." Really?! In times of trial and seasons of challenge, do we have things to be thankful for and take joy in?! Do we have reason to give thanks in 2020? Yes we do, and yes we must! This…
Christian love is more than just a feeling. It is an active love that gives, shares and responds in deeds. These actions are evidence of our own acceptance of God's love and a signal to the world that we are disciples of Jesus Christ.
The church is a family. But, why does it seem so less connected than a healthy biological family? Part of that is because we are all adopted! And in an adoption situation, more effort, patience, and love is required to bring the family…
God's people must look at life through spiritual eyes. God is working something that we can't always see in the circumstances of our world. Ask God to "open your eyes" today.
We grow when we're in community. When we isolate, in body or in heart, we're in the danger zone.
A family is made up of many different personalities and preferences, but that doesn't mean the family isn't united. For Jesus' disciples, the differences abound, but their mutual devotion to Christ brought them together. For the family of…
Jesus didn't come to start a new religion, he came to call people to be a part of God's family. This family model is more than just a community of kindness and fellowship - but a love and loyalty to each other as brothers and sisters. Our…
As the children of Israel say steps away from the promised land, they made the choice to not go where the LORD had promised and was leading them. They exchanged God's promise for their own plans. Before we look at their story and laugh it…
When we look at our circumstances, there are good and bad things happening. Having faith doesn't just mean focusing on the "positive", it's about believing the promise of God about your life. We must make the choice to complain or believe…
Are you a grumbler? There's plenty to grumble and complain about, but do we realize what our grumbling is doing to our souls? The Bible teaches us about how grumbling, though it seems small can have serious consequences in our lives.
Politics, pandemics, schooling, relationships, social media, fake news, and whatever else seems to be the issue of our day is really not the issue of our day. Christians must remember that our battle is a spiritual one. Though we deal with…
We know we're supposed to love each other - but what does it look like to love each other as we navigate disagreements and differences in the church? Four things to remember as we do life together.
"Cancel culture" is the idea that some mistakes or opinions are too difficult for other to overcome. It fosters a mindset that looks to reject and remove rather than one of repentance and restoration. Differences in others can be looked at…
Russell and Joelle Brown share their story of a family living during pandemic, racial turmoil and the storms of life. When their family contracted COVID-19, their trust in focus on God was their hope and comfort. They share their…
Love is the great motivator as a follower of Jesus. It is what motivates us to give our time and heart for others. Sadly, when our heart is feeling weary, our habits can dry up. The key to godly action and lifestyle is a heart that loves…
Being a disciple is about following Jesus. But what does that mean and look like in our day? Looking at how Jesus interacted with people gives us some insight into his mannerism, attitude and posture - both in body and heart. Considering…
Though most people who believe in Jesus today are called "Christians", the earliest followers of Jesus were called "disciples." A disciple is an apprentice, learning from their teacher how to understand and practice their ways. So what…
Do you have people in your corner? In a world that even before the pandemic was growing isolated, having friends who can help bring you to Jesus is a necessary part of life.
If you continue at the pace and direction you are currently on, will you arrive where God wants you to be? What is helping you run with endurance and what is slowing you down?
As we plan to regather and relaunch our in person services, we're looking at what we want to bring along and leave behind from our pandemic lessons. One thing we've all discovered is how the church gathering is important, but secondary to…
The most critical points of space exploration are the launch and re-entry. As we move towards regathering as a church we have a moment to consider how we will relaunch and re-enter the post-pandemic season as disciples and a church. What…
We're in a difficult season where we're no longer in major crisis but we haven't yet reached conclusion. Many are feeling "blah" and tending towards disengagement. We're like kids in the minivan asking "are we there yet?" If you're feeling…
In a time of unrest, confusion and seemingly ever changing news, many of us are asking "what should I do?" If we ask "what does God want me to do" we find that throughout Scripture God called His people to do justice. That's exactly what…
We are living in quite the moment in our world, nation and state. Racial tensions, social unrest, and oh yeah, a global pandemic. Confusion and polarization abounds. How do we respond? What should we do or say? The first step must be to…
Following Jesus doesn't happen on accident. Being his disciple takes practice, discipline and grace. Like a trellis supports the life of a vine, spiritual disciplines help hold up a disciple so that the life of Jesus can flow to and…
The word "terroir" refers to the combination of factors including soil, climate, and sunlight that gives wine grapes their distinctive character. Every disciple out to look at the factors of our lives so we too can be fruitful. God has…
What is the source of life and power to have a fruitful life? Jesus uses a picture of a vine and branches to teach how his disciples must order their lives around him. We cannot produce fruit unless we're connected to him - in practice and…
Jesus' disciples should live fruitful lives. In his most important parable, Jesus teaches us what to look for and respond to as we follow him. What will help us? What will hurt us? What will help us thrive? What will threaten growth?…
What kind of life do you want? The Bible tells us that whatever a person sows, that is what they will reap. Small, daily choices and actions affect the direction of our lives. These are like seeds we "sow" which eventually bring about a…
It's easy to get stuck focusing on the troubles and lose focus on the goodness of God. King David's life on the run and hiding in a cave teaches us that when God is your refuge, you can glorify Him no matter what's happening around you.
King David went from celebrity to cave dweller in a few short chapters. He found himself quarantined in a cave with a crew he didn't choose. Yet during his time in the cave, He learned who he was and what really mattered. We currently lack…
We all go through life navigating its many twists and turns. Some days we seem to have a handle on things, other days we feel upside down. Why is "this" happening? How long will it last? In one way, that's life. But for the disciple of…
An evening of praise, prayer and reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus. Our service includes worship music, prayer and a brief sharing leading into communion. With Passover this year coinciding with our communion service, we consider the…
When Jesus approached his disciples on the stormy sea, he did not immediately calm the waves. In fact, it was the crashing waves that Jesus used to get to his disciples and call them to deeper faith and trust in him. The storm eventually…
The Coronavirus pandemic has been a wake up call for the world - but a wake up call to what end and for how long? Will we soon create a "new normal" that tunes out what God is trying to say to our hearts or will we answer His call?
What should we do while confined at home during the COVID-19 pandemic? The Bible has some answers from a record that shares some similarities to this historical moment. God's people were under siege and they responded in 3 important ways…
A word of encouragement for this season. With our church service canceled because of the Coronavirus, the church of God is not shut down. We have a mighty God who is with us and a very present help in times of trouble. We also have a light…
Jesus was all about connecting with the people around him. In our modern age, we often sacrifice connection for convenience. As followers of Jesus we must fight the cultural current to be connected and yet disconnected at the same time.
Did you know that God loves you before you do things for Him? He loves you even when you're at your best and when you're at your worst. God's love for us is the defining truth that makes us who we are. Will we slow down and accept, believe…
Things in life are moving fast but that doesn't mean we have to. Our world looks at "slow" in a negative way, but could it be that slowing down will allow us to not only walk in step with God but also love others better?
Do you view rest as essential for your relationship with God and discipleship to Jesus? In a world of hurry, tech and entertainment, we do not prioritize sleep, rest and sabbath. Yet, we can't really love God and others well when we aren't…
The world is noisy, busy and in a hurry. God is not like that. God speaks to us in a whisper more often than not, yet we must take the time to be quiet to hear. This takes intentional action and goes counter to everything in the world…
Do you live within your limits? Do you add on to your already full schedule? Are you always on the go? We often think of limits as a bad thing but many of our limitations are gifts from God. The key is to prioritize our lives so that the…
How do you deal with interruptions in life? Jesus was often interrupted and never responded like we tend to do. His life was full yet he was able to be present and welcome interruptions as invitations to join God in His work.
We long for the things Jesus had a part of his life - love, peace, patience - but do we stop and think about the lifestyle he had which fostered those things? As disciples we are called to follow our teacher. Jesus would often spend time…
Being a disciple of Jesus has its own challenges in and of itself, but following Jesus in a world of distraction, busyness, hurry and more as extra challenges to overcome. We often find ourselves busy and missing what really matters. But…
Jesus asks if we only love those who love us. But what about if someone we know and love has doubt? And are we aware of how we might be choosing the splendor of this world rather than God? Jesus asks us to examine our hearts and actions to…
Jesus and Peter's post-resurrection conversation teaches us about our own hearts. Jesus asks Peter "do you love me" and responds to Peter's answer with an invitation to put his confession of love into action.
If an angel showed up to speak to you today, what would they say? One phrase repeated by each of the angelic visitors in the Biblical Christmas story was "do not be afraid." This was repeated not just because sometimes angels show up and…
With the crowds debating who Jesus was, Jesus asks his disciples "who do you say that I am". Peter responds with his first confession of Jesus as Christ and son of God. But what follows his confession is Jesus making his own declaration…
Have we missed it? Each week we gather and hear sermons, listening for God's word to impact our lives. We hear, are stirred, and then leave with what? Do the messages lead us to respond in action or do they just become things we consider…
Jesus invites us to a life of simplicity, free from worry and anxiety. His invitation involves letting go of covetousness, a craving more prevalent and powerful than we might first admit. But rejecting covetousness and embracing generosity…
What are you looking for? John 1 tells the story of some of Jesus' first disciples becoming his followers. Some are told about him and tell their friends about. Some he seeks out and invites them to follow him. But his first words in John…
Mark 10 tells of Jesus' approach towards Jerusalem. While on the way, two different scenarios develop, yet he asks a common question in both. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asks. Just imagine Jesus asking you that question! What…
Jesus as a lame man if he "wished to get well." The correct answer is "yes", but if we put ourselves in the story, there may be some other questions to consider before we just say "yes." What is standing in our way from the life Jesus…
Questions are good for the soul. They help us examine and process what is going on in our lives and hearts. The questions Jesus asks in Scripture affected the people he first asked them to but can also serve an additional purpose as we ask…
Questions play a huge role in the way we communicate and process information. As people seeking God and His ways, there is a healthy role that doubt and questioning play in our journey. Yet many of us are afraid to ask questions and others…
Should Christian's celebrate Halloween? What are the origins of the modern practices we see today and how do they influence our decision to participate or not? How do we hate evil and also be lights in the world? A look at these and other…
What's the point of hearing what God wants you to do and be if it doesn't lead to action? We can often find ourselves hearing God's work but not acting on it. Today is a great day to act on what you hear God calling you to do!
Christians are called to BE the church not just GO to church. It's easy for forget that sometimes and think our lives as Christians are all about the Sunday meeting or when we gather with other disciples. But the church is God's great plan…
We often hesitate to commit our lives to follow Jesus wherever he may lead. We come close but don't go all in. We must consider which path is really worth it all - living for ourselves or living for God. Don't say on the sidelines, don't…
Glimpses in to God's glory are life changing and pale in comparison to the best humanity has to offer. Yet we are tempted to exchange the glory of God for the temporal allure of this world. God's "glory" is more than a light from heaven or…
Faithfulness requires waiting. We wait from when God makes His promise to when it is fulfilled. We wait from when we first pray to when the answer comes. We wait from when we step out in faith and when God works powerfully. Some days are…
Faithfulness is a mark of God's people. Some days we experience His wonders and power and some days we are just called to do the next thing.
The children of Israel were committed to the LORD they had just encountered one day and worshiping a cow the next. How does this happen? They lost the fear of the LORD. As followers of Jesus, we're called to live with fear and trembling…
Christians are strangers and pilgrims in this evil age, waiting for their hope to be realized at the return of Jesus. How do we live as lights in this dark world? One way might surprise you, yet when discovered makes perfect sense. Paul…
Daniel 11 tells us of tough days that are coming for God's people. Trials and trouble will fill the earth. But we have purpose in those days, as the people who know God we have insight into what's really going on and the good news of what…
Daniel 10 is intense. It gives us a window into what is really going on in the world and clarity on what we call the "spiritual battle." It also helps think deeper about why things might be the way that are in our lives. There is a lot…
We all know we've been called to love. But what does it look like for us to love? Love isn't a consumer based relationship, nor is it a competition style relationship. Jesus like love is about commitment. A look at what love is not with an…
Since Adam & Eve's expulsion from Eden, humans have been longing for their home, living as exiles away from God's original desire. This theme runs throughout Scripture with glimpses of restoration and countless examples of humanity's…
Daniel in the lion's den is one of the most beloved and well known stories in Scripture. And for good reason. We can glean a great lesson from this story: faithfulness. Facing threats and trials, Daniel was faithful. Faithfulness isn't the…
After all the Nebuchadnezzar had seen and experienced of the LORD, one would think he would have made the LORD his God. Yet, Daniel 4 reveals that Nebuchadnezzar had trusted in his own strength and only acknowledged the true God when it…
The pressure of the world around us is heavy. The push of this age is to get Christians to compromise, even slightly, and not stand for God and His ways. Living in Babylon was a similar climate, yet Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego chose to…
Daniel is threatened with death and stays steady and faithful. How did he do it? The lessons we learn from his life in Daniel 2 can teach us how to live as Christians today waiting for God's kingdom to come. Part 2 of our series on the…
How do we live as Christians in this evil age? The story of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael & Azariah provides some tremendous examples. These four men were living as exiles in Babylon yet made up their minds to honor God. Part 1 of our series…
Jesus calls us to come to him, so that we can hear his words, so that we can act upon what we have heard. To be a disciple is more than just knowing the words of Christ, it is to do the words of Christ. Part 11 in our series "Things Jesus…
It may be a surprise, but Jesus actually spoke a lot about money. Money is such a central part of our lives and so following Jesus should impact our finances. But what is the call of Christ regarding economics, greed, and money?…
We are living in an increasingly partisan time. In the lead up to what is sure to be an intense political season, should we jump into the fray? Avoid things all together? In the 9th part of our series "Things Jesus Didn't Say", we look at…
Do you feel that by doing good things you will earn God's love? Perhaps you think that when you do bad things God loves you less? Jesus often clashed with the Pharisees who, though very religious missed the heart of God for they thought…
Jesus was always pointing people towards an eternal perspective. He knew there was more to live for than just what this life offered and appealed to the world to live in light of the coming kingdom. Living in light of eternity is what it…
The world around us likes to imply that "life is gray" - ignoring the black and white truth of Scripture. Society works hard to be "politically correct" and encourages people to find "your truth." This isn't the way of Jesus. Jesus always…
God calls us to live a victorious life. But this is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. The followers of Jesus are given another helper to enable and empower them to be who God calls them to be. This truth is so profound…
We often say "I'm always going to be like this" or "this is just who I am" but when it comes to sin in our lives, those confessions aren't true. With the power of God at work in our lives and through the work of Jesus Christ, we can be…
We've heard "life isn't fair" since we were kids. Yet there often remains a part of us as adults that still thinks or at least hopes that it is. Jesus is direct when he prepares his disciples or whatever life will bring. In the end, God…
Sometimes the tough times in life get the best of us. Pressure, trial, or suffering often leaves one frustrated, angry and empty. Yet Jesus endured more than we can imagine and his verbal response points us to a better way to get through…
The world around us puts an emphasis on the outward appearance. This pressure can subtly creep into the church too. Jesus never said that "it's the outside that counts" instead he showed a new way to live and worship God - one that starts…
Jesus meets people where they are at to bring them to a place of life and hope. Even in the midst of death and despair, Jesus steps in to show us that there is more to this life. This message isn't just for funerals or on Easter, its a…
Just as a branch must stay connected to a vine to remain alive and ultimately produce fruit, so the disciple of Jesus must remain connected to Jesus for life and spiritual fruit. Using this metaphor Jesus teaches us what it means to be his…
Jesus comforts his troubled disciples as only he could. He calls for them to believe in God and trust in him, for their futures are safe in their hands. He tell them that though he will leave them for a short while, it is only so he can…
Jesus is the good shepherd and oh how our soul rejoices with this news! To have a guide for life who loves and cares for us, who will call to us as we wander! John 10 outlines the role of this "good shepherd" and it leads us to ask - "are…
Jesus is the door to the sheepfold. There is a lot of meaning within this phrase. The sheepfold was the place of protection from the dangers threatening the sheep. In a similar way, Jesus is the way to find salvation from the evil of this…
Jesus is the light of the world. Following him is the way to God, the way of light, truth and freedom. The Pharisees were enslaved to a path of darkness and deception, thinking they were pleasing to God. Humanity can still choose which way…
The crowds followed Jesus for the things he could give them to improve their lives now. The disciples of Jesus follow him for the eternal life he brings. Which group are you? Jesus doesn't just give bread for your life, he is bread of…
One of devil's main objectives is to stop God's people from living on purpose and fulfilling God's mission. He's working hard to keep the world in darkness and bondage and we must stay vigilant to help bring light and freedom to the world…
Do you know what you're up against in this world? What are the devil's go-to moves against God's people? Looking at how Jesus overcame temptation in Luke 4 can help us see some of the common ways the devil works, so that we can be ready to…
For a football team to be successful, each member must do their job. For the players on the field, knowing the "playbook" is of utmost importance. This book contains the way each team member must function in the game. And yet there are…
The early church was led by some dynamic and notable figures. However, it was many of the simple and unknown disciples that moved the gospel and changed the world. It is those same men and women the Lord is calling to serve Him today!
The church of Jesus Christ is a diverse group. Men and women from every nation, tribe and tongue. With that diversity can come challenges. But if we keep our eyes on the goal and love each other, those differences can bring glory to our…
If you want to see your life change, you've got to go straight to the source. We often deal with symptoms and side effects when we need to get to the heart of the issue. If you want to see change in your life, start at the heart.
God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. We are not. Though we wouldn’t claim to be God, we may struggle with doing everything, being everywhere and knowing it all. When we surrender to the truth that we’re realize that we’re not…
There is no doubt that God blesses us, but did you ever think about how you can bless Him?!
We often set out to make change at the start of a new year. Many of us are already discouraged before we begin due to previous failures. Yet a missing key to change just might be making a plan to change that can help you stay on track and…
Have you seen a change in your relationship with God over the past year? If you find yourself in a place other than where you want to be, there may be a clear reason why. God calls to His people to return to the source of eternal…
In the busyness of December we can miss what Christmas is all about. We have plenty of activity and things to do, but Jesus is missing! Unfortunately we can miss what life is all about the rest of the year too.
The saints of old rejoiced as they heard of the Messiah's coming. They interpreted the coming of Jesus as God's merciful saving rescue for the world. How about us? We celebrate that Jesus was born, but do we understand why he came? This…
The Christmas season is special time of year. We have gatherings, traditions, and decorations which light up our calendars and our hearts. But with these things can also come a let down or emptiness. This feeling can actually point us to…
Hospitality is an important Christian practice that Jesus modeled and the New Testament teaches. Hospitality is more than just entertaining or fellowship with the saints - it is the love of the stranger - the very people in our lives and…
When Moses died, Joshua faced the difficult task of leading God's people in the shadow of Israel's greatest leader. God reassured Joshua by reminding him that He would be with Him. The person leading God's people is not as important as the…
King David was a warrior that faced many battles in his life. In what was perhaps his greatest battle, David faces his own sin. Yet the desire of David's heart was to cling to the LORD and be made clean.
When you look back at your life, can you see the hand of God throughout the journey? We all may not be where we would have hoped, but we all can be thankful for how God has worked. David gives God praise and thanks as he looks back at his…
Though life sometimes deals us difficulty, we always have a choice. A choice to praise or complain, a choice to run to God or run from Him. King David knew the great love of God and chose to praise and run to Him.
How do we deal with difficult people in life? From David and his dealings with Saul, we can glean some important lessons to remember when facing folks that make life more challenging.
Do you ever feel like your life is one tough thing followed by another difficult thing? Where's the relief? When is it going to stop? David was well acquainted with season like this and his Psalms give us insight and direction to how we…
One of the things that makes life with God good, is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God, even in trouble. Once we know the goodness of God, we realize what life is all about! David knew this good life and longed for others…
We often wear masks of smiles and good words to cover up what is really going on in our hearts and homes. Social media gives us the impression that everyone's life is neat and clean while we stare at the mess of our own lives in real time…
Every moment, every day: God is enough! May we believe that God is with and for us and take action for Him in light of that truth. A great model for our relationship with God through the life of Gideon.
Paul lived a life of devotion to the mission of Christ because he was convinced that his God would never forsake him and that his Lord would always be with him.
Training and learning is important. Classes, books, and seminars are helpful - but a relationship with God is the most important thing in life. Through that relationship, we have all that we need to be what God says we can be!
Many Christians look at their emotions as bad things - we should never be sad or angry or lonely. However, God has given us our feelings and emotions as signals to a relationship with Him. Rather than ignoring, suppressing or surrendering…
Work is such a big part of our lives. The Scriptures have much to say on the subject of work. As Christians how and why we work is unique opportunity to be different and bring glory to God.
God's heart for our children is for them to come to know Him. He is at work in various ways to draw them to Himself and calls parents, families and churches to join His work. We pray, teach and serve to help them see and know the LORD.
God is always working in the world, and certainly He is working at our jobs. Our co-workers may never attend a church, but God has placed His church right where we need to be - at work. May we have a gospel-saturated hearts of compassion…
God wants a relationship, not a religion. What do we want? What part does church play in our lives and what part do we play in the church?
When Jesus returns, and eternal life begins, God is going to make all that is wrong with the world right. The end of death and sorrow and the beginning of justice and healing and peace. As exciting as the many parts of the Kingdom of God…
Ever wonder if you're in the "will of God"? Ever think you're "off" because of how things seem to be going in your life? These negative circumstances may not necessarily mean you're off track. Instead what determines this is the word of…
God is always working in the world and wants us to join Him in that work. He desires a relationship with each one of us and loves us very much! These transformative realities lead us to experience God Himself!
God invites us to join Him in His work, but in order for us to join Him, it requires that we make adjustments in our life. One can’t continue with business as usual or stay where you are and go with God at the same time.
God’s invitation for us to join Him in His work leads to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. This "crisis" isn't a disaster or tragedy but a point of decision where we must decide whether we really believe God is who He says…
Every day God is speaking. He speaks to reveal Himself, His purposes and His ways. Via the Holy Spirit, God speaks through the Bible, prayer, circumstances and the church.
Do we make plans and hope God blesses them or do we realize God is already working and is inviting us to join HIM in his work? This truth changes the way we look at our lives and the world and leads to fruitfulness and purpose.
God is pursuing a love relationship with you. He is at work initiating this relationship with humanity today. In fact, none of us seek this, it's something He initiates and offers. And it is this love from God that fuels and centers our…
God is always working in the world. This truth affects how we view the world around us and our part in God's story. Rather than struggling to "do something" for God, we first watch for what God is already at work doing around us.
It is the task of the current generation to teach, tell and talk of the wonders of the LORD and His gospel. We are each called to point to His greatness and call them to follow His ways. In this great work we must not just speak of what…
Our bodies are designed to eat food in order to receive the nourishment we need to live. If we eat too much we don't function as we should and the same is true if we don't eat enough. God doesn't want us to be spiritual starved nor obese…
The LORD is so great, worthy of praise! Humanity was created to praise Him and declare his greatness! We are called to praise Him ourselves, speak of His goodness to each other, and tell the nations about our God!
Christians should be "Bible people". The Bible is our source for God's word and through it He speaks to us today. A look at a great example of a generation who had an amazing heart for the God's word.
The earliest manuscripts do not contain the closing line of the Lord’s prayer most are familiar with. But this final phrase is a powerful truth that is rooted elsewhere in the Bible. It is a confession of truth, a pledge of allegiance and…
Prayer is both important and difficult. Jesus gives us a great guide for our prayers, what we call “the Lord’s prayer.” The fifth thing he teaches us in prayer is about being lead away from temptation and delivered from evil. God can lead…
Prayer is both important and difficult. Jesus gives us a great guide for our prayers, what we call “the Lord’s prayer.” The fourth thing he teaches us in prayer is about forgiveness. This request reminds us of our need for daily grace –…
Prayer is both important and difficult. Jesus gives us a great guide for our prayers, what we call “the Lord’s prayer.” The third thing he tells us to pray for is our “daily bread.” This prayer reminds us of our need for daily sustenance…
Prayer is both important and difficult. Jesus gives us a great guide for our prayers, what we call "the Lord's prayer." The second thing he tells us we should pray is that God's kingdom would come, and that His will would be done, on earth…
Prayer is both important and difficult. Jesus gives us a great guide for our prayers, what we call “the Lord’s prayer.” The first thing he tells us we should pray is that God would make His name “hallowed” to us. Learn what this means in…