Did you ever notice that certain family names conjure up certain images in your mind: How about the names “Carnegie” or “Rockefeller”? Some family names even have their own family crest! What if you were told that you were born into a royal family? Would that change the way you think …
Think about this: What is God calling YOU to become? What is God calling the CHURCH to become? Are we to be designated as “God’s Chosen Frozen”? Or are we set apart to be the energized assembly of believers sent to make an impact in the world? The answer is …
Did you know that in some parts of the Scriptures, the Devil is described as a “roaring lion” about to pounce on its prey? This Sunday, Pastor Jack takes a closer look at 1 Peter 4:8…quite an intimidating image of the Devil like a lion, attacking us when we are weak and …
Medical doctors are identifying major health concerns in America. Guess which concern is near the top? Loneliness and isolation! People who are lonely and isolated often neglect their own health concerns and are far more likely to suffer from chronic depression. What can we do about it? Join Pastor Jack this …
Where is your favorite place? A tropical beach? A mountain retreat? A golf course? In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus shares that he will reveal his favorite place…and it’s for you to enjoy! It’s the kingdom of heaven…and you have an invitation! Join Pastor Jack this week as he explores …
Did you know that sheep are not very intelligent? Yet, they have an uncanny ability to identify the voice of their shepherd, and then they follow that voice! This Sunday, we recall the words of Jesus: HE is our shepherd, and we are the sheep of his pasture. Let’s all learn …
When was the last time you got into the water and started splashing around…with sheer joy? It is invigorating! In our assigned Scripture reading this Sunday, we read a narrative about 3,000 people all splashing for joy one day…they had just been baptized in the liberating waters of new life…and they …
Once in a while we learn about someone who has received a large inheritance: Consider actress Julia Louis- Dreyfus, who inherited a mere four billion dollars when a family member passed away…or Actor Edward Norton, who received 7.2 billion dollars when his loved one died. Well, according to the Bible, you …
Have you ever walked through a cemetery after dark? It can get kind of creepy and scary. Well, almost 2,000 years ago a few women were walking through a cemetery in the pre-dawn hours…to be shocked by an earthquake, an angel, and other startling occurrences! The Gospel writer Matthew claimed these women were …
Have you ever witnessed a victory parade? How about a ticker tape parade in NYC? Well, what would you think if they had a victory parade BEFORE the victory? Unusual, right? Join Pastor Jack as he reflects on that first Palm Sunday parade…in many ways, it was a Jesus’ victory lap PRIOR …