a word from the pastor

Signs of Spiritual Growth

Peter’s exhortation to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) implies that spiritual maturity is something for which we all must strive. The Apostle Paul committed himself to the church at Philippi “for their progress and joy in the faith.” (Philippians 1:25) In...
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“With All Your Mind"

The well-known British theologian John Stott once told a story of two women talking. One asked the other why she seemed so anxious. “I am worried,” replied her friend. “I keep thinking about the world situation.” The other woman advised, “You should stop thinking and take things more philosophica...
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Month of Shame

"They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth." (Philippians 3:19 NLT) It began in 2000 when President Bill Clinton officially proclaimed the month of June as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.” Iron...
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A Spontaneous Faith

A lot of people think structure and spontaneity are incompatible, but I disagree. Let me make a confession that will explain what I mean: For over three years I have been using the same Bible reading schedule. Each morning I read the assigned chapters and dutifully check off that day on the sched...
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Living as Pilgrims

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. (1 Peter 2:11) One of the great needs of our day is for Christian men to live as pilgrims. The familiar chorus reminds us, “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing th...
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Deconstruction vs. Discipleship

“Deconstruction” has become a prevalent word in evangelical circles. As of February, there were almost 300,000 Instagram posts with the hashtag “#deconstruction”—many of them referring to the Christian faith. However, the term “deconstruction” has such a wide range of meanings, it must be underst...
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Pray for Your Brothers and Sisters in Afghanistan

Afghanistan now lies in the hands of the Taliban, radical Islamists that threaten the lives of thousands of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In a recent report from CBN several cities with many Christians are surrounded with no way of escape. One anonymous Afghan church leader said that known ...
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Lost in Patterson

Years ago, our family was driving down the Garden State Parkway when we decided to get off and find a place to grab a bite. We ended up lost in a seedy neighborhood in the middle of Patterson, New Jersey. We were completely unaware of Patterson’s reputation for crime and violence. Just moments af...
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Revive Us Again

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in You?” Psalm 85:6 I’m finishing the first volume of Dallimore’s two-volume biograph of George Whitfield. I’ve always enjoyed reading the stories of those whose lives had significant historical impact on the culture of their time. ...
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Discipleship: The Distinctive Christian Identity

Have you ever considered how much non-Christian activity goes on in the name of Christianity? For example, go to the YMCA (Young Men’s “Christian” Association) website and try to find anything pertaining to Jesus’ gospel. There are even cults that operate under the Christian label. Furthermore, c...
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