Category: Abide in Christ

What Was Paul’s Primary Focus

Q: The apostle Paul had much to say to the 1st Century Christian’s (and to us today). What was Paul’s primary focus? A: Paul’s primary focus can be summarized as the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its transformative power for both individuals and communities. His ministry emphasized the following key aspects: 1. …

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Notes for January 2024

My sermon this month is titled, Eyes, Nose, and Shoulder for the Sake of Christ. The primary point is to keep our eyes on Jesus (from Hebrews 12:1). I’ve always like the metaphors of keep your nose to the grindstone and put your shoulder to the wheel. To do the will of God we do …

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Annual Spiritual Checkup from CS Lewis Institute

The annual spiritual checkup begins with “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew …

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Breathing, Mindfulness, and God

I put the following into ChapGPT: How can Christians use Transformational Breathing to grow closer to God? Please tell me the steps. I don’t need to have the benefits reviewed. I just want to know how to do it. The response: Transformational Breath can be incorporated into a Christian’s spiritual practice as a way to …

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Tim Keller on the Decline and Renewal of the American Church

Tim Keller, who I respect very much, has written an extensive article on the decline of the American church. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/tim-keller-decline-renewal-american-church/ It is, in fact, part of a yet larger work. Fuller article here. I am one who does believe in the virgin birth, life, death, physical resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, the transforming power …

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Notes for January 2023

2 Wonderful Hymn/songs Creator God, Our Sovereign Lord,  by Nathan Clark George.  Lyrics are included. Spotify link. Jesus, Saviour,   by Joyful Noise. Lyrics are included. The Soul Three questions one asks oneself to define their soul Who am I? Whose am I?  Suggestions: Psalm 100:3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he …

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Notes for January 2022

Happy New Year!  Here are a few links related to our worship services and sermons in January. The Valley of Vision The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, is a book published in 1975. Includes the prayer for the New Year. Blessed to be a Blessing We are all blessed in …

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Notes for August 14, 2021

  A few notes related to today’s sermon, The Joy of POP (privilege, opportunity, priority). Tony Dungy Books by Tony Dungy here.  They include Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life and The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge. Super Bowl Breakfast Speech Tony Dungy Super Bowl Breakfast 2006 Part 1 …

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Ah-ha, when I walk up to a situation

Phillipians 2:3-5 says: 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Forgive me Lord. When I approach a …

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Macomb/McDonough County Community Gathering

I’m looking forward to the Community Gathering tomorrow (11/7) at 10-11 am at Veteran’s Park, in Macomb. In these crazy times, this is a time for us to gather together as a community and pray for our elected leaders and pastors. Here is the map (google doc) of how we will set up the chairs. …

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