When the Mirror of Reality Becomes a Window of Hope
The tri-unity of God is a fundamental truth of Christianity. There is one God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Three in One. Unity amid diversity in the community of the Trinity. Paul wrote to Timothy and said, “For God is one, and there is one Mediator between God and the sons of men—the true man, Jesus, the Anointed One.” 1 Timothy 2:5 TPT It is a mind-boggling concept – one that defies the limited logic of our human understanding. We shouldn’t be surprised that there are things about God that… Read More
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
Turning Up the Radio Won’t Fix the Engine
Remembering my own sin keeps me from judging other people bound by sin. Sin is a touchy subject because it is attached to the deepest parts of our lives. I recently heard a minister point out that the middle letter of the English word “sin” is what best defines it – “I”. Sin is always about me, my wants, my selfishness, my way, me over anyone else, including God. With sin comes guilt and shame – these things are built in. However, we often create workarounds. We find someone who will justify… Read More
The Power of One
Carrie and I had just gotten married and were both working at the Cracker Barrel. The summer before my senior year of college we were asked to go to another state and help salvage a struggling store. It didn’t take long for Carrie and I to realize why this particular location was doing so poorly. One of the managers was unprofessional, apathetic, and the chief cause of the high turnover rate among the employees there. Have you ever heard the term, “one apple can spoil the whole bunch?” I’m always amazed at… Read More
Pastor Dale Jenkins 