The word “gospel” means “good news.” But the good news is preceded by bad news. For a person to receive the free salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, he or she must first face the sobering reality of their own sinfulness, wickedness, and brokenness. If a person is never convinced (convicted) of their sin, they will never cry out for a Savior. That’s why the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to first convince people of their sin (that’s the bad news), then convince them of righteousness through Jesus (that’s… Read More

Life is noisy. Kids are noisy. Co-workers are noisy. The news is noisy. Restaurants are noisy. Traffic is noisy. We are so accustomed to noise that we often avoid silence. We have music playing while we read. We leave the tv on while we're at home. We sometimes turn on fans or even phone apps that make "white noise" so we can sleep with noise. Even our church services avoid silence. When is the last time you were silent?When is the last time you turned off the noise? True, you aren't able… Read More

A good friend of mine, Pastor Jerry Dirmann, recently said, "If you change your prayer life, you'll change your life." Prayer is a fundamental, but often under-utilized, difference maker in a believer's life. Not only is Prayer a privilege, it is our responsibility. Prayer invites and permits God's will to be done here "on earth as it is in heaven." Peter admonished believers with these words: “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Here are some… Read More

How would you describe your pace of life? Is your mind overloaded? Is your heart overwhelmed? When is the last time you felt comepletely at peace? Do you have to escape from your daily life to find a sense of rest and refreshment? Although God created us to be strong and resiliant, to work hard and to push through difficulties, He also created a rhythm of life that helps us live at an optimal level. That rhythm includes rest.  Musicians understand the value of a “rest”. Musical scores not only tell the… Read More

Even though I know I’m forgiven, sometimes I don’t feel forgiven.  Satan loves to bring up the past and try to get us to wallow in shame, condemnation, and self-judgment. Old mindsets try to creep back in and we find ourselves vulnerable to temptations we thought we had overcome. Sin lurks at the door – as either a temptation or as a heavy shadow from the past.  But Jesus has conquered sin! Not only has He redeemed you from the shame of sin; He has freed you from the grip of sin. I… Read More