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It can be easy to fall into the mindset of thinking everything becomes easier once you decide to follow Jesus. But as we’ve been finding out, it really isn’t. If anything, following Jesus can make life a lot harder. But the blessing that comes with obedience is far better than that of disobedience. Materialism is something everyone battles, even the most generous giver. Putting our desires behind those of Jesus and those… Read More
I said before that I think we are more comfortable talking about issues surrounding sex within the Church than mental health and illness. But that doesn’t mean talking about sex and the issues around that topic are a walk in the park. In fact, for some of us, it can be incredibly difficult because of past choices and experiences. Sexual purity is something that has been preached for centuries from the Church,… Read More
I’m not sure if there is another topic that has been as uncomfortable to talk about in the Church as mental health and illness. I think we are even more comfortable talking about issues surrounding the topic of sex, than we are about mental health. This conversation gives you a deeper look into the lives of myself, and Pastor Dalton, as we process with Pastor Alex our own battles with depression and… Read More
It’s easy in life to be overwhelmed. Life’s situations can come from all directions and all at once, quickly taking you from a sense of being on top of the world to looking for the nearest rock to hide under. When fears and doubts creep up, they can quickly tear us down and make us question every decision we make and thought we have. Strength is a term that seems to have… Read More
You have a Peter moment with your name written on it, waiting for you to allow the Spirit of God to lead you.
The new Church has just exploded in growth. Powerful displays of God’s grace have been witnessed, lives changed, and miracles being performed. Within one day, some three thousand people came to believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their Messiah. We witnessed in Peter’s bold message to the Jews, perhaps the fulfillment of Jesus’ words to him in Matthew 16:18. If nothing else has been shown to us in the previous passage… Read More
The second chapter of Acts can be easily and logically broken into 3 parts. Chances are, your Bible has already done this for you. In the last post we looked at most of the first part, minus the last verse. I intentionally left that verse out because it sets up the miles part of the chapter, which is a powerful message Peter delivers. Verse 13 gives us an idea of what some… Read More
Throughout the Gospels, the term Disciples is used heavily to refer to the 12 men who were the primary followers of Jesus and sat under His teaching. However, this is not the only term used for them, and as the New Testament writings and history progressed a different title often was used. The term Apostle we have today is translated from the Greek word ἀπόστολος (apostolos), which is derived from another Greek… Read More
Luke opens his second book in a very formal way, fitting I guess for a doctor. He addresses the original recipient, Theophilus, reminding him of the intent and contents of his first letter known to us as the Gospel of Luke. He doesn’t waste time doing a lot of in depth recapping, but does still recount the very end of his first letter in a bit more detail. Luke’s focus at the… Read More
Luke Wagner
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