a word from the pastor

Understanding Gossip Biblically

In a recent Christianity Today article, Kate Shellnutt explains how accusations of gossip are frequently used to silence critics and whistleblowers. Indeed, the investigation into the debacle at Ravi Zacharias Ministries revealed how those who voiced legitimate concerns were accused of “spreading...
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Is God Pleased with You?

Enoch is one of two men in the Bible who never actually died. Both he and Elijah were taken up into heaven by God and, as such, represent those who will be alive at Christ’s return and “caught up to meet the Lord in the air.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Enoch is also one of two men in the Bible of w...
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Are You Making God Jealous?

One emotion we don’t normally associate with God is jealousy. Yet, the Bible clearly describes him in this way (see Exodus 20:3,5 and James 4:5). In fact, many people have found this idea offensive, even disturbing. Brad Pitt was raised a conservative Southern Baptist, but in a 2007 interview in ...
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Be a Pillar in Your Church

When James and Cephas [Peter] and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me. -Galatians 2:9 Growing up in church my understanding of being a “pillar” within the congregation came to be those stodgy deacon...
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Are you a student of the Bible?

I recently came across a quote by atheist Andrew Seidel of the Freedom from Religion Foundation that is highly typical of secularism’s attitude toward the Bible. He said: “The road to atheism is littered with Bibles that have been read from cover to cover.” Obviously, the Bible’s message “did the...
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Restoring an Erring Brother

What would you do if you discovered that a brother in Christ was involved in some kind of sinful practice? Or if you witnessed him in some kind of compromising position? Men often avoid confronting an erring brother even though the Bible makes it clear that it’s our responsibility to do so. Guys ...
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Sorting out the Moral Failure of Leaders

Along with the viral pandemic of 2020, a similar moral pandemic spelled the end of ministries known worldwide for their gospel influence. Of particular noteworthiness to me was the posthumous discovery of sexual sin in the life of Ravi Zacharias. I was devastated and heartbroken to learn that the...
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“Do You See This Woman?”

In Luke 7, our Lord Jesus sits down for a meal at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. As they dine, a woman known of ill repute enters and begins to wash the Savior’s feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Taking offense, Simon begins to think, “If this man were a prophet, he would have know...
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The Power to Persist in Pandemic

Teaching through Paul’s letters to his young protégé Timothy has reminded me just how relevant the Word of God is to every situation we might face in this life, even pandemic. One verse in particular that speaks to our current crisis is 2 Timothy 1:7. Encouraging the young pastor in Ephesus, Paul...
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A Spiritual Taste Test

It’s been said that stressed vines make the best wine, meaning the harder the vine works to produce fruit, the more vibrant the flavor. In similar fashion, God uses difficult times to produce within us a vibrant faith, making us more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, generous, and self-con...
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