9 Letter Word That Begins With “S”
Philippians 1:21-30 (NLT) Paul, Timothy, that fortune-telling, demon-possessed slave girl, the merchant lady and the two girls were charter members of First Church-Philippi. It was the first church in Europe. In addition to Lydia the merchant, her family, and the fortune teller (who been delivered from the demon), the first members of the church also included a jailer and his family. It was quite a church, and it was a church that grew. Writing the letter we know as “Philippians,” Paul was back in jail, probably in Rome, but his...
read moreWhy Read the Bible in 90 Days
Why We’re Inviting You to Read the Bible in 90 Days by Dr. Bob Last month, it became increasingly clear that I needed to preach the revival at First Church. Although I was sure God was behind this, I didn’t know why, and so, quite frankly, I was afraid that the decision might have more to do with me than him. That would have been disastrous! However, when the time came and we had to tell people what we were going to do, I took the plunge and announced that I would be preaching. I was still uncomfortable with the decision and tried to...
read moreThe 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy your consolations. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Exodus 33:12-23 Their time at Mt. Sinai would soon be over. For some, it was a place of rest; for others, it was a place of death, but most importantly...
read moreThe Road Home #1
Read Luke 1:1-38 You have just completed an extraordinary journey: the Walk to Emmaus. Now I’d like you to join me on another journey, back into the world with Jesus. We’ll be using Luke as our guide. Like us, Luke never met Jesus. Instead, he took time out from his busy medical practice, and later, his missionary travels to learn the truth about Jesus. Imagine him standing beside you on Thursday evening as you began your walk, introducing himself as your new friend! And imagine how your friendship would have grown, sitting at the same...
read moreOrchards and Wheat Fields
Sharing How We’ve Lived Our Lives Whether you’ve ever lived on one or not, most of us have a mental picture of a farm. Take a moment and let the image form in your imagination. Then share. What does it look like? What sort of crops are they growing? What’s involved in making “your” farm successful? Sharing the Word Itself Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like...
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