Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I free?” You may think you are, based on your earthly citizenship, but consider instead the essence of the question. Have you chained yourself to a lifestyle or to beliefs that restrict you from a purer and more free existence? We live in the land of the free, but…
We’ve missed fellowship over the last year and a half; it’s something we crave and need. But who are we supposed to fellowship with? Our family? Who is our family? Who is our neighbor? Brandon discusses learning to see who our family really is (and could be!), as well as how to encourage growth and…
Why are we here? At church, that is. Why do we come together every Sunday morning? Faith? Fellowship? Edification? Paul says it best… “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching.”…
There are plenty of crises in the world; plenty of reasons to feel lost, aimless, and empty. But the key to a healthy relationship with God is a continual denial of self. When you’re able to get yourself out of the way of your fulfillment, only then can God fill you completely and perfectly.
As the days grow warmer, sometimes there’s nothing more refreshing than a cold glass of water. Such a thing can restore your strength and clarity, but how many people do without this simple, often-for-granted pleasure (rather, essential provision)? Our God offers us the everlasting waters, that quench our thirst for eternity; are we, in turn,…
Comparing then to now, things have certainly changed (a lot!). But at its core, our purpose and mission haven’t changed at all. As we continue on the path of life, we still aim to lead a quiet existence, mind our own business, work with our hands, and charge ahead. Jesus was the answer, is the…
Spring is upon us; have you been pruned lately? Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” You can only bear fruit if you are part of the vine, and if you do not bear fruit you will be cut away. Pruning, while painful at times, encourages growth and fruitfulness. Bear fruit, appreciate…
Who or what is leading you through life? Dean discusses the leader, the guide, the shepherd that is freely available to us. And the best part is: this isn’t just any shepherd, he’s the Good Shepherd.
Are you well? Really? Do you want to get well? Really? Countless miracles are recorded of Jesus healing the sick, the lame, the deformed, but what he was really healing was their soul; “go and sin no more.” So, are you well spiritually? Do you want to get well? Rise up and walk.
How do you worship God? When Jesus approached the woman at the well and asked for a drink, did that relate to worship? Listen and read as Dean teaches how John 4 completely transformed his understanding of what worship is and what it means to worship.