1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Over the years, I have heard a ton of opinions about the Gospel. Some people teach an “easy believeism” where they will tell you that all you need to do is trust in Jesus for salvation with no expectation of anything else such as life-change. Then, I have met others who teach a “Lordship salvation” meaning that when a person is saved, Jesus is instantly the Lord of their lives....  Read More

Week 4Main Point and Overview:   Over the years, many people have gotten “hung up” on “new ideas” from “relevant speakers.” Many times, they compare what they are hearing with the truth of Jesus’ Gospel. If the church is not careful, it can become “bored” with the “simplicity of the Gospel” looking for something that is more “new and fresh.” In the Apostle Paul’s day, he was surrounded by philosop...  Read More

Psalm 34:1-3 I can’t help but think of the Forrest Frank song: Celebration! We sing it with the kids on Sunday mornings and it is such a beautiful reminder to truly Praise God for all He has done! One of the things I love most about the idea of celebration is that it can be done even in the midst of tragedy, heartbreak, uncertainty, doubt and depression! Even in the worst of the worst situations, ...  Read More

1 Corinthians 11:1 This is such a short but powerful verse. Paul is urging his readers to follow him, but more importantly to follow Christ! When I think of this verse, I think about how I am leading my family. I want them to follow Christ, but I must be the example for them just as Paul is the example for me! Paul is the example to the believers. He spent his entire life as a believer doing whate...  Read More

1 Timothy 5:8 After 30 years of marriage a husband and wife came for counseling. When asked what the problem was, the wife went into a tirade listing every problem they had ever had in the years they had been married. On and on she went: Neglect, lack of intimacy, emptiness, loneliness, feeling unloved and unlovable, and an entire laundry list of unmet needs she had endured. Finally, after allowin...  Read More

Colossians 3:23 My first job was as a busboy in a family restaurant in Ortonville. When you have your first job you are excited and start planning on what to do with all the “big money” you will be earning. Being a busboy is not glamorous. Scraping half eaten food off dishes, cleaning tables, washing dishes, taking out the trash, makes you question your life choices. My worst experience was draggi...  Read More