I Have Good News and Bad News
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
Forgiven and Free
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
A Long Dark Cave
A few years ago I led a trip to Israel. On one of our free days I took a group to Hezekiah’s Tunnel. From entry to exit the tunnel is about 300 yards long, with a few bends along the way. It was (and is) primarily a way for water to flow from one part of Jerusalem to another. Water came up to my thighs at one point. The tunnel is just wide enough for people to walk through in a single file line and, although sections of the tunnel have high… Read More
Why is Life So Difficult?
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self…2 Timothy 3:1-2 ESV Selfishness. It’s the foundation of all that is evil, and the motivation of our flesh. We are born with a sinful nature. That is not to say that babies are wicked. Certainly not. It is, however, to say that no one had to be taught to be selfish – it comes naturally. That’s exactly why we need to be re-born. Being born physically is a miraculous entry of… Read More
Your Past is Robbing You of Your Future
Focusing on your past robs you of the joy of today and the hope of tomorrow. Many people never let go of the past. For some, the shame and regret of former sins keeps them chained to condemnation. For others, the good ole days (or their own glory days) keeps them looking back. Either way, many people can’t enjoy their lives because they are not fully “present.” There is a reason that your vehicle’s windshield is so much larger than its rear view mirror. Seeing where you are and where you are going is… Read More
Pastor Dale Jenkins 