Hope. Often times when we talk about hope it’s regarding something that could possibly come to pass. Like how I hope the Mets win the World Series this year, but I actually don’t have a clue if that will happen. People play the lottery with hopes that the numbers they picked will actually be the ones that pop out of the little … Read More
Productivity and the Gospel
Take a glance at the App Store or Google Play, and you’ll notice that productivity apps are among the most popular and downloaded apps in the smart device marketplace. Productivity is trendy (so is using the word “trendy”), and there are no shortage of books, systems, and tools that promise to bring order to your otherwise chaotic life. I must admit … Read More
Signs and Wonders
At the time of this writing, we are in the midst of the sermon series “The Gospel According to John: The Invisible Made Visible.” If you’ve been following from the beginning or have read through the book, you’ll notice that John is a very thematic writer. Like his Rabbi, he cleverly combines spiritual truths with physical illustrations. One theme that has … Read More
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Many myths and legends have circulated throughout the centuries since St. Patrick’s death. What do we know about the man who has come to represent Irish pride (Erin Go Braugh!)? What, if anything, can we Christians celebrate on the holiday that bears his name? First of all, St. Patrick (whose birth-name may have been Maewyn Succat) was not Irish at all. He was born … Read More
Priorities
January is over. Tuesday was Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, so it’s an early spring for us. Sunday is the Superbowl. And it looks like Ted and Hill are the winners. Today is a new day and tomorrow seems to come even sooner. I don’t think any of us haven’t asked, “Where did the time go?” … Read More
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
The Bible tells a story. Not just any story but a redemption story – THE redemption story. From Genesis the story unfolds to reveal the need of a savior, the need for one to come and save people from the sin that plagued mankind from Adam’s sin in the garden. Throughout the Old Testament we see God raise people up … Read More
Thanksgiving and Christology
Some fifteen years ago when I had just become a Christian, I remember talking to pastor Ed about his friend who was a Christologist. I asked what that was, and he explained to me that a Christologist was a man who studied the life of Christ. As I inquired further, I learned that this man wasn’t a believer. That made absolutely no sense … Read More
Biblical Belief
One of the unique features of the Gospel according to John is his use of the word “believe.” John uses it more than all the other gospel accounts combined, almost three more often. And without exception, every occurrence of the word is in the form of a verb. That is telling. The point: believing is active, not passive. It is alive and … Read More
Three Ways to Support The Venture Churches Food Pantry
One of the ways we try to bless our community is by being a part of the Venture Churches Food Pantry which helps to supply food to families in need within the Selkirk-Glenmont area. Here are three great ways to help support the Venture Churches Food Pantry: You can donate a boxed cake mix to be included in their Thanksgiving baskets. … Read More
Living as Branches
Productivity is a top priority within our culture. We want to get as many things done as we can as efficiently as we can. The Apple App store even has a devoted sub category specifically called “Get Stuff Done.” You can find tons of different apps from to-do lists to reminders that can help you organize and complete the tasks … Read More