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The Invitation to Audacity
Definition: the quality or state of being audacious: as a : intrepid boldness I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity[a] he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. (Luke 11:8, NIV) There are several things Luke chooses…
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Jesus is Honest About the Cost of the Kingdom… Why Aren’t We?
35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he…
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Treasuring Jesus is Found in SERVING Him
There are precious promises Jesus gives to those who follow him. Luke 12 has some of the kindest words I could read: 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32, NIV) These are words that should take our breath away. Our Father is pleased to give us the…
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Do You Want the Kingdom or Not?
15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feastin the kingdom of God.” 16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for…
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Do NOT Worry
Luke 12. Life is so much more than the anxiety I get from the STUFF I have to deal with. The challenge is trust. The challenge is to understand that with Christ… I am more to him. He has my needs. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.…
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Are We “Off” Our Game?
I was in a discussion today with a fellow pastor about the passionate issues of our day. As we discussed gay marriage, the economy, and other hot topics, something began to occur to us. At first he said, “The Church is off focus. It’s off it’s target.” Then, I thought, “Wait. It’s more. So is the government.” BOTH are “off…
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The Action and Activity of the Spirit
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. (Luke 2:25, NIV) I have begun a project that I hope to lead my church through this summer. We are going to read the New Testament in community. The order…
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Thankful for Those Who Serve
One of the most moving ceremonies I can remember from my youth was a trip to Washington, D.C. and the visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The changing of the guard ceremony was incredible. A very somber moment. We have the freedom to debate being a pacifist or being “active” in the military because we have freedom of…
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Today on Pentecost Sunday BE the Church God Intended
We need a refreshing touch, a new outpouring. We need a fresh reminder of how much we need him, and how lame our efforts are without him. We make too much noise and think it’s God. We need the NOISE of a mighty wind that makes it clear… this is God. When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one…
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The Price of Pentecost
Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. It is celebrated worldwide in the Church. Pentecostals think we’re the only ones who know anything about this. I know that was my mentality for years. Then, I find out the whole Church has a liturgy for this day! One of the prayers for the day: To a world dry and thirstyGod has poured out Living…
