9 God didn’t intend for us to suffer his wrath but rather to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. 11 So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing…
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13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do…
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Luke 1:68-79 68 “Bless the Lord God of Israel because he has come to help and has delivered his people. 69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us in his servant David’s house, 70 just as he said through the mouths of his holy prophets long ago. 71 He has brought salvation from our enemies and from…
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Especially in today’s world of extreme absolutes, we must keep in mind that we cannot negate the good work of imperfect people who make mistakes. We keep elevating people to the level of idols, then are disappointed when we find out they are human after all. Poor actions must have consequences, but that does not…
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Psalm 100 A psalm of thanks. Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with celebration! Come before him with shouts of joy! 3 Know that the Lord is God— he made us; we belong to him. We are his people, the sheep of his own pasture. 4 Enter his gates…
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26 In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit himself pleads our case with unexpressed groans. 27 The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because he pleads for the saints, consistent with God’s will. 28 We know that God…
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4 Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. 2 Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, 3 and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you…
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Easter is over, school is out, and summer is here. Now what? As we take time this summer for family, vacations, and relaxation, let us not forget that the work of the church in our community continues. The mission arm through the Upper Room keeps going. The weekly Sunday School and worship times march onward,…
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19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears in the midst of trials that came upon me because of the Jews’ schemes. 20 You know I held back nothing that would be helpful so that I could proclaim to you and teach you both publicly and privately in your homes. 21 You know I have…
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As we enter the period of Lent, it is important that we pause and evaluate our faith journey. Lent is an intentional time of reflection ahead of the glorious celebration of Easter. Lent traditionally lasts 40 days (plus Sundays), from Ash Wednesday to Easter. This year, Lent begins March 1. There is the common idea…
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