We like to believe that being “in Christ” gives us complete freedom… Independence… Autonomy. But that isn’t what Jesus says. When he talks about serving one of two masters, both options still include a master! Is that right? Am I freed from sin into another form of slavery? Has my perceived freedom been a lie all along?

What does Jesus actually say about being a follower of his? Is it really about some once-and-for-all declaration, or does Jesus point to a difference between those who “say it,” but don’t “live it?”

Some Christians are “sweet…” They are kind, generous, loving. But some are “sour.” They are mean, judgmental, and generally unhappy. What is the difference? It’s the same Jesus, right? What is the ingredient that turns a “sour” Christian “sweet?”

If we are going to do great, BOLD things as Jesus promised, it will require BOLD obedience on our part. How can we live in bold obedience?

Those early disciples prayed some bold, earth-shaking prayers. But not us. We pray weak, chicken prayers. In fact, I think we have been conditioned to using weak prayer language when speaking to God. What has happened to us, and how can we pray bold prayers?

Jesus’ ministry was bold. In the face of the religious structure of the day, Jesus’ life changed everything. And he tells his disciples “you will do greater things.” Is that true? Are we living bold, world-changing lives as Jesus called us to? Or do we keep our faith quiet. What will it take for us to become BOLD?

As our election cycle really heats up, it seems that the liberals on the left ask some very compelling questions about conservatives… They make the case that liberal politics better align with Jesus’ teaching than conservative politics. Is that true? What does Scripture tell us about this?

The way God deals with us is to replace our old nature with His new nature. That means even if you think you “don’t have the gift of mercy,” God is transforming you into a new person… Increasingly remaking you into His image. Mercy is who HE is, and it is who you are becoming.

On Valentine’s Day, we tend to think a lot about love. Jesus did, also… But his definition of love might be a little different than ours. Jesus was insistent that love is a verb, and that we are to show love in ways that we possibly had never considered.

As we approach our church’s 7th birthday, this “State of the Church” describes a little of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we believe God is leading us NEXT. There are some really big changes in store for our little country church! What will be your role as we grow?

When you’re driving on a trip, it pays to keep an eye on your dashboard… Checking your gauges can keep you from being stranded on the side of the road alone. What do we need to keep our eyes on so that we keep on the best path that God has for our lives?

We all get off the right path way too easily. We try to connect all the dots and stay on God’s best path for our lives, but we have difficulty because we can’t predict the future. We don’t have all the best information. And we are off. How can we make those decisions and take better actions?

Your life’s direction comes down to the ability to make a decision… Will you look ahead and change course when necessary, or will you live as a victim?

Many people are victimized by whatever life throws their way. But, what if there were a principle that, properly leveraged, could change the outcome of your life?

Is the church over, or does God still have big plans for you and for me? At a game-changing encounter in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus gives his disciples the KEYS to moving forward. Have we appropriated those keys? Are we using them properly? How does Jesus move us FORWARD in 21st Century America?