Free Of Thorns
In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-8), Jesus told about a farmer who scattered seed on four different types of soil: packed, shallow, thorny, and fertile. In this parable, the seed refers to the Word of God and the soil refers to those who hear the Word. Those of packed soil have hearts which […]
The Father’s View
In the message “Cut The Lifeboats” we were encouraged to cut away those areas of our life which still cling to the world’s answers for fulfillment and security – those areas which keep our hearts from being fully devoted to God. But at the same time, we acknowledged this can be a difficult process. One […]
Cut The Lifeboats
At the end of his third missionary journey Paul was arrested in Jerusalem, transferred about 40 miles up the road to Caesarea, and made to sit in prison for over two years before being sent by boat to stand trial in Rome. During the journey to Rome, a storm blew the ship off course and […]
The Other Son
The parable of the prodigal son contains so many practical lessons on relationships (particularly for parents) that we often forget Jesus spoke this parable in response to an accusation from the Pharisees; “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). The message of the prodigal son is really about our Heavenly Father who […]
A Long Way Off
In the last two messages, we have considered the parable of the prodigal son. We’ve seen how we must often “Love Enough to Let Go” and trust that God will continue to work in the life of a prodigal even as they walk through “Their Field of Pigs.” As the son was longing to eat […]
Love Enough To Let Go
In the message “Their Field of Pigs” we considered the parable of the prodigal son and were encouraged to remember that God will use every tool available (even pigs) to draw His children Home. Our highest desire for those who are lost must be to see them secure in the arms of God. Notice that […]
Their Field of Pigs
The parable of the prodigal son has had special meaning to our family over the years. We have witnessed nearly every aspect of this parable work itself out through the life of our eldest daughter, from the pain of her rebellion to the joy of her return. Many of you journeyed through this parable with […]
Carry Us To Completion
A great tragedy within the Christian faith is that many who believe they are on their way to Heaven will one day find they are sadly mistaken. They have been misled into believing that Church membership, being “good,” or working extra hard will ensure Salvation; but on the day of judgment they will be cast […]
Looking At Our Heart
After Joshua died, the nation of Israel was ruled by judges for over 300 years. During this time, the people turned to God when life became difficult, but “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” (Judges 3:7) when the difficult times passed. Finally, they cried out for a king: “We want a king to […]
Set The Example
When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, the gospel accounts of Jesus had not yet been written. Most believers didn’t know many details of Jesus’ life, so it was difficult to encourage by saying to live as Jesus would live. Instead, Paul led others to Jesus through the example he demonstrated in his own life. 1 […]
Watch For His Return
There will always be a fascination with the end times. There will be those who study every detail of scripture in an attempt to pinpoint a date and those who simply believe the end is near because of our current moral decay. Debates will continue about when Christ will return for His Church and exactly […]
Hold Up Their Arms
A short while after Moses and the people of Israel miraculously passed through the Red Sea, “the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites” (Exodus 17:8). The Israelites did not have the power to win this battle on their own, so Moses sent Joshua to the battlefield and then climbed to the top of a hill: […]