A Skeptic’s Surprise

Why Is The Resurrection Important? “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17) [NIV] The Four E’s Of The Resurrection: 1. Execution “When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and…

How Jesus Changes Everything

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, to recover the sight of the blind, to release the oppressed and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke…

Suffering And The Christian Hope

“I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.” (Isaiah 48:10) [NLT] There are several possible reasons for Christian suffering that are distinct from the reasons for the general suffering experienced by everyone: “5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?…

Who Influences Your Heart?

How are we influenced?2 Peter 2:6-8 NIVif he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous…

Fasting and Prayer in the New Testament

Matthew 6:16 – “16 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do,for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” INTRODUCTION Conversations are “give and take,” and friendships and relationships take time together. • Praying through Scripture to know…

A New Beginning: Reconciling With God

History Nehemiah prayed and fasted  Nehemiah 1:4-6a 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him…