Refuge Audio Podcast http://refuge.mn/ Refuge info@refuge.mn Refuge It's our desire at Refuge to equip the saints for the work of the ministry as we study God's word together. Join Pastor Dominic Dinger of Refuge in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for a weekly in-depth study of the Bible, chapter-by-chapter and verse-by-verse. For more information about Refuge, visit www.refuge.mn It's our desire at Refuge to equip the saints for the work of the ministry as we study God's word together. Join Pastor Dominic Dinger of Refuge in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for a weekly in-depth study of the Bible, chapter-by-chapter and verse-by-verse. For more information about Refuge, visit www.refuge.mn en © 2026 Refuge no Matthew 17:24-27 Death and Taxes? Dominic Dinger Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1909 1 3d7582ddf21da45c2c8efcdcfb3b5ebd no Matthew 17:22-23 True greatness is found in being a servant. Dominic Dinger <p>What does it mean to be greatly used of God? How does Jesus view and define greatness? How does one become great in His Kingdom? These are the questions we asked as we considered the stark and serious statement Jesus made to the Apostles, who promptly argued afterward.</p> <p>What does it mean to be greatly used of God? How does Jesus view and define greatness? How does one become great in His Kingdom? These are the questions we asked as we considered the stark and serious statement Jesus made to the Apostles, who promptly argued afterward.</p> What does it mean to be greatly used of God? How does Jesus view and define greatness? How does one become great in His Kingdom? These are the questions we asked as we considered the stark and serious statement Jesus made to the Apostles, who promptly argued afterward.

]]> Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2018 2 53c746c3e3ede9c49b304d72df045c54 no Matthew 17:9-21 Our only hope is Jesus Dominic Dinger <p>The only hope for lasting change in our country and communities is not found in our own intellect, abilities, or strategies, but only in Jesus. Our only aim is to bring people to Him and watch Him pour out His power in love by His Holy Spirit. This might seem irrelevant in light of the section of scripture we considered this past Sunday. But as we work our way through it, we see the importance of looking up instead of within—of looking to Jesus instead of anything else as we bring people to Him. </p> <p>The only hope for lasting change in our country and communities is not found in our own intellect, abilities, or strategies, but only in Jesus. Our only aim is to bring people to Him and watch Him pour out His power in love by His Holy Spirit. This might seem irrelevant in light of the section of scripture we considered this past Sunday. But as we work our way through it, we see the importance of looking up instead of within—of looking to Jesus instead of anything else as we bring people to Him. </p> The only hope for lasting change in our country and communities is not found in our own intellect, abilities, or strategies, but only in Jesus. Our only aim is to bring people to Him and watch Him pour out His power in love by His Holy Spirit. This might seem irrelevant in light of the section of scripture we considered this past Sunday. But as we work our way through it, we see the importance of looking up instead of within—of looking to Jesus instead of anything else as we bring people to Him.

]]> Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1788 3 d78956e807d3713ac4db52a9c333270d no Matthew 17:1-8 Solitude and then Service Dominic Dinger <p>There are moments in the Gospels when we read of Jesus and His disciples on a mountain. These are typically profound yet temporary moments of intense emotional or spiritual experience. In those moments, we witness a profound sense of connection, joy, or revelation. We can also have those mountaintop experiences—times of solitude that bring clarity and inspiration. And if we are honest, we wouldn’t mind staying put and enjoying times of elation for as long as we could. But life wasn’t meant to be lived just on the mountain. We experience those moments to endure difficult times in the valley. </p> <p>There are moments in the Gospels when we read of Jesus and His disciples on a mountain. These are typically profound yet temporary moments of intense emotional or spiritual experience. In those moments, we witness a profound sense of connection, joy, or revelation. We can also have those mountaintop experiences—times of solitude that bring clarity and inspiration. And if we are honest, we wouldn’t mind staying put and enjoying times of elation for as long as we could. But life wasn’t meant to be lived just on the mountain. We experience those moments to endure difficult times in the valley. </p> There are moments in the Gospels when we read of Jesus and His disciples on a mountain. These are typically profound yet temporary moments of intense emotional or spiritual experience. In those moments, we witness a profound sense of connection, joy, or revelation. We can also have those mountaintop experiences—times of solitude that bring clarity and inspiration. And if we are honest, we wouldn’t mind staying put and enjoying times of elation for as long as we could. But life wasn’t meant to be lived just on the mountain. We experience those moments to endure difficult times in the valley. 

]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2258 4 1720909c57fc1a6c1cfd539e31e0b3dc no Matthew 16:13-28 Life Saving Discipleship Dominic Dinger <p>The life of a believer isn’t just being born again to wait around in a spiritual diaper until He returns. We have work to do that we have been called to do—saving souls and making disciples. To participate with Him in this work, we must learn what it means to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.</p> <p>The life of a believer isn’t just being born again to wait around in a spiritual diaper until He returns. We have work to do that we have been called to do—saving souls and making disciples. To participate with Him in this work, we must learn what it means to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.</p> The life of a believer isn’t just being born again to wait around in a spiritual diaper until He returns. We have work to do that we have been called to do—saving souls and making disciples. To participate with Him in this work, we must learn what it means to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.

]]> Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2073 5 ace66ba0cc84c3329661e408385a6bcf no Matthew 15:21-16:12 The Lesson of the Loaves Dominic Dinger Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2417 6 f3d2eb52750d2130ad31eb41782482b0 no Matthew 14:34-15:20 Legalism versus Love Dominic Dinger <p>Jesus of Nazareth went about doing good, for God was with Him. And yet, the scribes and the Pharisees from Jerusalem were constantly finding fault with Jesus. They were supposed to be devoted to Scripture, but at some point, they began to believe that their culture was more important—even than Scripture. We, too, are guilty of sanctifying our own preferences, or writing our own set of rules, or preserving our own culture at the expense of Scripture. And when we do that, we are in danger of the same exhortation from Jesus we read of in Matthew 15.</p> <p>Jesus of Nazareth went about doing good, for God was with Him. And yet, the scribes and the Pharisees from Jerusalem were constantly finding fault with Jesus. They were supposed to be devoted to Scripture, but at some point, they began to believe that their culture was more important—even than Scripture. We, too, are guilty of sanctifying our own preferences, or writing our own set of rules, or preserving our own culture at the expense of Scripture. And when we do that, we are in danger of the same exhortation from Jesus we read of in Matthew 15.</p> Jesus of Nazareth went about doing good, for God was with Him. And yet, the scribes and the Pharisees from Jerusalem were constantly finding fault with Jesus. They were supposed to be devoted to Scripture, but at some point, they began to believe that their culture was more important—even than Scripture. We, too, are guilty of sanctifying our own preferences, or writing our own set of rules, or preserving our own culture at the expense of Scripture. And when we do that, we are in danger of the same exhortation from Jesus we read of in Matthew 15.

]]> Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2279 7 20af57884bf7ce1b6098cd8bc62aa951 no Matthew 14:22-36 Why does my faith falter in knee deep water? Dominic Dinger Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1746 8 780732b60ac460dc9250a617a7fda8c6 no John 6:41-71 The Bread of Life - Part 2 Nate Van Vooren <p>The day after Jesus fed the multitude, many went looking for Him to get some more free food. Jesus told them that He Himself is the bread of life—the spiritual nourishment that they truly need. Rather than receiving Jesus on His terms, the people took issue with how He spoke about Himself, and many left—including those who had been following Him. </p> <p>The day after Jesus fed the multitude, many went looking for Him to get some more free food. Jesus told them that He Himself is the bread of life—the spiritual nourishment that they truly need. Rather than receiving Jesus on His terms, the people took issue with how He spoke about Himself, and many left—including those who had been following Him. </p> The day after Jesus fed the multitude, many went looking for Him to get some more free food. Jesus told them that He Himself is the bread of life—the spiritual nourishment that they truly need. Rather than receiving Jesus on His terms, the people took issue with how He spoke about Himself, and many left—including those who had been following Him. 

]]> Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1645 9 0ee5fc8e1e883267e805672f16157d21 no Vision Sunday 2026 Dominic Dinger <p>On the first Sunday of the year, we review the history, vision, purpose, and practice of Refuge to answer these questions: What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What does it look like? We turn to the Bible to find the answers to those important questions so we can understand God's vision for His church.</p> <p>On the first Sunday of the year, we review the history, vision, purpose, and practice of Refuge to answer these questions: What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What does it look like? We turn to the Bible to find the answers to those important questions so we can understand God's vision for His church.</p> On the first Sunday of the year, we review the history, vision, purpose, and practice of Refuge to answer these questions: What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What does it look like? We turn to the Bible to find the answers to those important questions so we can understand God's vision for His church.

]]> Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2475 10 368006ba28649098668382574ee749d3 no Matthew 14:1-21 Lessons Learned Dominic Dinger <p>Jesus gave a command to his disciples to do something that was impossible for them to do it—but it was possible for Him. Like the disciples, He has commanded us to do something that is far beyond us. We just don't have the resources to do it. But what we do have, we place in His hands in obedience to His command and watch as He does only what He can do—bless, break, and miraculously multiply. </p> <p>Jesus gave a command to his disciples to do something that was impossible for them to do it—but it was possible for Him. Like the disciples, He has commanded us to do something that is far beyond us. We just don't have the resources to do it. But what we do have, we place in His hands in obedience to His command and watch as He does only what He can do—bless, break, and miraculously multiply. </p> Jesus gave a command to his disciples to do something that was impossible for them to do it—but it was possible for Him. Like the disciples, He has commanded us to do something that is far beyond us. We just don't have the resources to do it. But what we do have, we place in His hands in obedience to His command and watch as He does only what He can do—bless, break, and miraculously multiply. 

]]> Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1915 11 a02299d5fd1f3c1bc3e32616da8e0710 no Christmas Eve 2025 The Infinite becomes infant. The Maker becomes man. Dominic Dinger <p>In each Gospel, we see a different perspective of Jesus that gives us a complete picture of who He really is. In Matthew, we see Jesus as the pre-existent King. In Mark, Jesus is portrayed as the humble suffering Servant. In Luke, Jesus is seen as the Son of Man. And in John, we see Jesus as the Son of God. In each Gospel account, we see these emphases reflected in the account of Jesus’ birth. Watch our service from Christmas Eve as we reflect on the birth of our Savior, when the Infinite became infant and the Maker became man.</p> <p>In each Gospel, we see a different perspective of Jesus that gives us a complete picture of who He really is. In Matthew, we see Jesus as the pre-existent King. In Mark, Jesus is portrayed as the humble suffering Servant. In Luke, Jesus is seen as the Son of Man. And in John, we see Jesus as the Son of God. In each Gospel account, we see these emphases reflected in the account of Jesus’ birth. Watch our service from Christmas Eve as we reflect on the birth of our Savior, when the Infinite became infant and the Maker became man.</p> In each Gospel, we see a different perspective of Jesus that gives us a complete picture of who He really is. In Matthew, we see Jesus as the pre-existent King. In Mark, Jesus is portrayed as the humble suffering Servant. In Luke, Jesus is seen as the Son of Man. And in John, we see Jesus as the Son of God. In each Gospel account, we see these emphases reflected in the account of Jesus’ birth. Watch our service from Christmas Eve as we reflect on the birth of our Savior, when the Infinite became infant and the Maker became man.

]]> Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1209 12 3de435ef2d39713d887c8f400f5f1e3f no Matthew 13:53-58 Familiarity That Breeds Contempt Dominic Dinger <p>Throughout the Gospels, Jesus prioritized teaching over miracles. His goal was for people to seek a genuine relationship with God. Returning to Nazareth (His hometown), there may have been a special hopefulness as He preached and taught the Word of God to his family and friends. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out that way. The unhealthy assumption of familiarity led to contempt, offense, and a tragic limitation of what Jesus was able to do for the people in Nazareth. </p> <p>Throughout the Gospels, Jesus prioritized teaching over miracles. His goal was for people to seek a genuine relationship with God. Returning to Nazareth (His hometown), there may have been a special hopefulness as He preached and taught the Word of God to his family and friends. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out that way. The unhealthy assumption of familiarity led to contempt, offense, and a tragic limitation of what Jesus was able to do for the people in Nazareth. </p> Throughout the Gospels, Jesus prioritized teaching over miracles. His goal was for people to seek a genuine relationship with God. Returning to Nazareth (His hometown), there may have been a special hopefulness as He preached and taught the Word of God to his family and friends. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out that way. The unhealthy assumption of familiarity led to contempt, offense, and a tragic limitation of what Jesus was able to do for the people in Nazareth. 

]]> Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1732 13 f6b0f762874ea0138badc77f60017b01 no Matthew 13:47-52 The Whole Gospel Dominic Dinger <p>It’s essential for every disciple of Jesus who sows the good seed of the Gospel to acknowledge the reality of just judgment found in the Old Covenant as well as the reality of redemption found in the New Covenant. But too often, the Good News is overemphasized without providing the reality of the bad news. People are invited to be saved without truly understanding what they are saved from. The Good News is good only if the bad news is understood. As sowers of God’s Word, we must faithfully share the whole gospel in love with all who have ears to hear.</p> <p>It’s essential for every disciple of Jesus who sows the good seed of the Gospel to acknowledge the reality of just judgment found in the Old Covenant as well as the reality of redemption found in the New Covenant. But too often, the Good News is overemphasized without providing the reality of the bad news. People are invited to be saved without truly understanding what they are saved from. The Good News is good only if the bad news is understood. As sowers of God’s Word, we must faithfully share the whole gospel in love with all who have ears to hear.</p> It’s essential for every disciple of Jesus who sows the good seed of the Gospel to acknowledge the reality of just judgment found in the Old Covenant as well as the reality of redemption found in the New Covenant. But too often, the Good News is overemphasized without providing the reality of the bad news. People are invited to be saved without truly understanding what they are saved from. The Good News is good only if the bad news is understood. As sowers of God’s Word, we must faithfully share the whole gospel in love with all who have ears to hear.

]]> Sun, 14 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1869 14 10ff94f530e69f54e7db598fd478b50b no Matthew 13:31-33, 44-46 The Love of Jesus Dominic Dinger <p>Rather than teaching clearly, Jesus preaches in parables concerning the enemy sowing counterfeits who are full of hypocrisy and duplicity. They play the part of a believer for their own personal gain—with a smile on Sunday, only to start an evil whisper campaign on Monday.</p> <p>Rather than teaching clearly, Jesus preaches in parables concerning the enemy sowing counterfeits who are full of hypocrisy and duplicity. They play the part of a believer for their own personal gain—with a smile on Sunday, only to start an evil whisper campaign on Monday.</p> Rather than teaching clearly, Jesus preaches in parables concerning the enemy sowing counterfeits who are full of hypocrisy and duplicity. They play the part of a believer for their own personal gain—with a smile on Sunday, only to start an evil whisper campaign on Monday.

]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2037 15 f9d6f65026c6824d211e36ad1550c94a no John 4:27-42 Byron Johnson <p>As Jesus traveled to Galilee, He purposely went through Samaria—something a Jewish rabbi in that day would never do. Yet Scripture shows us that Jesus intentionally went through Samaria just to meet one specific person: a Samaritan woman at a well. By the end of the story, this woman came to believe Jesus was the Messiah and brought her whole town to meet Him. Watch our study in John 4 as guest speaker Pastor Byron Johnson led our time considering Jesus’ encouragement for His followers to lift up their eyes and see that the fields are white for harvest.</p> <p>As Jesus traveled to Galilee, He purposely went through Samaria—something a Jewish rabbi in that day would never do. Yet Scripture shows us that Jesus intentionally went through Samaria just to meet one specific person: a Samaritan woman at a well. By the end of the story, this woman came to believe Jesus was the Messiah and brought her whole town to meet Him. Watch our study in John 4 as guest speaker Pastor Byron Johnson led our time considering Jesus’ encouragement for His followers to lift up their eyes and see that the fields are white for harvest.</p> As Jesus traveled to Galilee, He purposely went through Samaria—something a Jewish rabbi in that day would never do. Yet Scripture shows us that Jesus intentionally went through Samaria just to meet one specific person: a Samaritan woman at a well. By the end of the story, this woman came to believe Jesus was the Messiah and brought her whole town to meet Him. Watch our study in John 4 as guest speaker Pastor Byron Johnson led our time considering Jesus’ encouragement for His followers to lift up their eyes and see that the fields are white for harvest.

]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1913 16 01bf1c055a833f83824d8ffdb4697271 no Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 “Just don't give up.” Dominic Dinger <p>Jesus gave His disciples the interpretation of the Parable of the Sower—those who lingered longer to learn from Him. They would also be sowers, sharing the Good News with others. But they needed to know that Gospel ministry was not inherently successful. Sowing the good seed of God’s Word will be difficult, heartbreaking, gut-wrenching—yet worthy work. But most sowers don’t give up, even though this worthy work can be difficult. Most give up over what Jesus articulates in His next parable in Matthew 13. Watch our study as we consider the Parable of the Weeds and find encouragement to not give up.</p> <p>Jesus gave His disciples the interpretation of the Parable of the Sower—those who lingered longer to learn from Him. They would also be sowers, sharing the Good News with others. But they needed to know that Gospel ministry was not inherently successful. Sowing the good seed of God’s Word will be difficult, heartbreaking, gut-wrenching—yet worthy work. But most sowers don’t give up, even though this worthy work can be difficult. Most give up over what Jesus articulates in His next parable in Matthew 13. Watch our study as we consider the Parable of the Weeds and find encouragement to not give up.</p> Jesus gave His disciples the interpretation of the Parable of the Sower—those who lingered longer to learn from Him. They would also be sowers, sharing the Good News with others. But they needed to know that Gospel ministry was not inherently successful. Sowing the good seed of God’s Word will be difficult, heartbreaking, gut-wrenching—yet worthy work. But most sowers don’t give up, even though this worthy work can be difficult. Most give up over what Jesus articulates in His next parable in Matthew 13. Watch our study as we consider the Parable of the Weeds and find encouragement to not give up.

]]> Sun, 23 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1930 17 8a73bdb2ff64fe2421f1df99ae096f6e no Matthew 13:1-23 The Parable of The Sower Dominic Dinger <p>Jesus knew that parables aren’t easily or immediately understood. And so, He ended His first parable by saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” But wouldn’t Jesus want everyone to hear and understand? Yes—but only those who genuinely desired to understand Him. For hard-hearted hearers, parables protect them from further accountability. Jesus used parables to weed out those in the multitudes who were following Him for a multitude of reasons—not simply to worship Him and hear The Ministry of The Word.</p> <p>Jesus knew that parables aren’t easily or immediately understood. And so, He ended His first parable by saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” But wouldn’t Jesus want everyone to hear and understand? Yes—but only those who genuinely desired to understand Him. For hard-hearted hearers, parables protect them from further accountability. Jesus used parables to weed out those in the multitudes who were following Him for a multitude of reasons—not simply to worship Him and hear The Ministry of The Word.</p> Jesus knew that parables aren’t easily or immediately understood. And so, He ended His first parable by saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” But wouldn’t Jesus want everyone to hear and understand? Yes—but only those who genuinely desired to understand Him. For hard-hearted hearers, parables protect them from further accountability. Jesus used parables to weed out those in the multitudes who were following Him for a multitude of reasons—not simply to worship Him and hear The Ministry of The Word.

]]> Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1693 18 223084539e63afaaffb30027a590b926 no Matthew 12:33-37 “By this we know…” Dominic Dinger <p>Have you ever wondered if you truly have eternal life? Many hope, wish, or even strive for it, but still aren't sure. So how can we be certain about eternal life? What are the criteria? How can we know for sure? God’s word is clear—He extends eternal life to all who believe in the name of Jesus, and wants you to know that you have eternal life. In fact, in the letter of 1 John, there are 8 times that John emphatically tells us, “By this we know…”</p> <p>Have you ever wondered if you truly have eternal life? Many hope, wish, or even strive for it, but still aren't sure. So how can we be certain about eternal life? What are the criteria? How can we know for sure? God’s word is clear—He extends eternal life to all who believe in the name of Jesus, and wants you to know that you have eternal life. In fact, in the letter of 1 John, there are 8 times that John emphatically tells us, “By this we know…”</p> Have you ever wondered if you truly have eternal life? Many hope, wish, or even strive for it, but still aren't sure. So how can we be certain about eternal life? What are the criteria? How can we know for sure? God’s word is clear—He extends eternal life to all who believe in the name of Jesus, and wants you to know that you have eternal life. In fact, in the letter of 1 John, there are 8 times that John emphatically tells us, “By this we know…”

]]> Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1754 19 7d6ca6cf15345cccdaa82f4d21fe4cdd no Philippians 4:10-20 No Fools Here: 7 Marks of God-Glorifying Givers Jim Stigman <p>Compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, all worldly treasure is ultimately insignificant. We are called to give up those things we cannot keep in order to gain a deeper, Christ-centered, joy-filled life. What might it look like for us to invest our earthly treasure for eternal impact? Watch our study of Philippians 4:10-20 as guest speaker Jim Stigman led our time considering seven marks of God-glorifying givers.</p> <p>Compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, all worldly treasure is ultimately insignificant. We are called to give up those things we cannot keep in order to gain a deeper, Christ-centered, joy-filled life. What might it look like for us to invest our earthly treasure for eternal impact? Watch our study of Philippians 4:10-20 as guest speaker Jim Stigman led our time considering seven marks of God-glorifying givers.</p> Compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, all worldly treasure is ultimately insignificant. We are called to give up those things we cannot keep in order to gain a deeper, Christ-centered, joy-filled life. What might it look like for us to invest our earthly treasure for eternal impact? Watch our study of Philippians 4:10-20 as guest speaker Jim Stigman led our time considering seven marks of God-glorifying givers.

]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2238 20 5ee0513703f2286c3452056b62bdf3b2 no Acts 2:42-47 The First Works of Your First Love Dominic Dinger <p>On the 1,500th Feast of Pentecost, God poured out His promised Holy Spirit upon believers in Jerusalem. After the Apostle Peter preached Christ and Him crucified, around 3,000 souls were added to the church on that day. Saved, sealed, and filled with the Holy Spirit, there were a few core components for these brand-new Spirit-filled believers: the Word of God, fellowship, prayer, and communion. These simple core components have been the foundation for the church since then. Not because we want to earn points with God, but because we truly love Him. </p> <p>On the 1,500th Feast of Pentecost, God poured out His promised Holy Spirit upon believers in Jerusalem. After the Apostle Peter preached Christ and Him crucified, around 3,000 souls were added to the church on that day. Saved, sealed, and filled with the Holy Spirit, there were a few core components for these brand-new Spirit-filled believers: the Word of God, fellowship, prayer, and communion. These simple core components have been the foundation for the church since then. Not because we want to earn points with God, but because we truly love Him. </p> On the 1,500th Feast of Pentecost, God poured out His promised Holy Spirit upon believers in Jerusalem. After the Apostle Peter preached Christ and Him crucified, around 3,000 souls were added to the church on that day. Saved, sealed, and filled with the Holy Spirit, there were a few core components for these brand-new Spirit-filled believers: the Word of God, fellowship, prayer, and communion. These simple core components have been the foundation for the church since then. Not because we want to earn points with God, but because we truly love Him.

]]> Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1981 21 c258274e9c0206f376d99b5d5a871ea6 no 2 Timothy 3-4 The Problem…The Solution Dominic Dinger <p>In Matthew 24:12, Jesus warns us that because of the increase of wickedness in the last days, the love of most will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). There is a slow-moving, seemingly unstoppable wave of what the Bible calls wickedness. The only way to withstand this flood of wickedness is to have your life firmly founded on the rock of Jesus Christ. Otherwise, you too will be swept up and carried away without even realizing it's happening. Watch our study on 2 Timothy 3-4 for encouragement from Paul's words to Timothy.</p> <p>In Matthew 24:12, Jesus warns us that because of the increase of wickedness in the last days, the love of most will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). There is a slow-moving, seemingly unstoppable wave of what the Bible calls wickedness. The only way to withstand this flood of wickedness is to have your life firmly founded on the rock of Jesus Christ. Otherwise, you too will be swept up and carried away without even realizing it's happening. Watch our study on 2 Timothy 3-4 for encouragement from Paul's words to Timothy.</p> In Matthew 24:12, Jesus warns us that because of the increase of wickedness in the last days, the love of most will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). There is a slow-moving, seemingly unstoppable wave of what the Bible calls wickedness. The only way to withstand this flood of wickedness is to have your life firmly founded on the rock of Jesus Christ. Otherwise, you too will be swept up and carried away without even realizing it's happening. Watch our study on 2 Timothy 3-4 for encouragement from Paul's words to Timothy.

]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1797 22 7ce7d748d8d6ec86fb1432e8b86467cb no 2 Corinthians 8:1-12 The Grace of Giving Dominic Dinger <p>You’ve probably heard someone say at some point that God calls us to give tithes and offerings. They are often coupled together in our vernacular, but in scripture, they are unique—each serving a particular purpose. Tithes are our regular, planned, proportional, and responsive giving, echoing back to God a portion of what He gives us. This kind of giving is a regular act of worship. Offerings are above and beyond our tithes. This is sacrificial giving or a particular purpose. Watch our study from 2 Corinthians 8:1-12 as we consider the difference between these two ways of worshiping the Lord through our giving.</p> <p>You’ve probably heard someone say at some point that God calls us to give tithes and offerings. They are often coupled together in our vernacular, but in scripture, they are unique—each serving a particular purpose. Tithes are our regular, planned, proportional, and responsive giving, echoing back to God a portion of what He gives us. This kind of giving is a regular act of worship. Offerings are above and beyond our tithes. This is sacrificial giving or a particular purpose. Watch our study from 2 Corinthians 8:1-12 as we consider the difference between these two ways of worshiping the Lord through our giving.</p> You’ve probably heard someone say at some point that God calls us to give tithes and offerings. They are often coupled together in our vernacular, but in scripture, they are unique—each serving a particular purpose. Tithes are our regular, planned, proportional, and responsive giving, echoing back to God a portion of what He gives us. This kind of giving is a regular act of worship. Offerings are above and beyond our tithes. This is sacrificial giving or a particular purpose. Watch our study from 2 Corinthians 8:1-12 as we consider the difference between these two ways of worshiping the Lord through our giving.

]]> Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2161 23 fea8fd3acfab60e27f9ce6dcd2e00697 no John 6:22-40 Jesus – The Bread of Life Nate Van Vooren <p>After Jesus fed the 5,000 (John 6), the people wanted to take Him by force to make Him king. But Jesus departed. The next day, some went looking for Jesus and found him in Capernaum. Jesus knew they were looking for Him to get more free food. But rather than dismissing them, Jesus engaged with them and told them that He Himself is the bread of life—the spiritual nourishment that they truly need.</p> <p>After Jesus fed the 5,000 (John 6), the people wanted to take Him by force to make Him king. But Jesus departed. The next day, some went looking for Jesus and found him in Capernaum. Jesus knew they were looking for Him to get more free food. But rather than dismissing them, Jesus engaged with them and told them that He Himself is the bread of life—the spiritual nourishment that they truly need.</p> After Jesus fed the 5,000 (John 6), the people wanted to take Him by force to make Him king. But Jesus departed. The next day, some went looking for Jesus and found him in Capernaum. Jesus knew they were looking for Him to get more free food. But rather than dismissing them, Jesus engaged with them and told them that He Himself is the bread of life—the spiritual nourishment that they truly need.

]]> Sun, 05 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2216 24 aa1c6a7c8792c2335c7ff76dee4b934b no Matthew 12:22-32; 43-45 Jesus is a Gentleman. Jesus is also the Strongest Man Dominic Dinger <p>Holding to cultural superstitions instead of Scripture can lead to some wacky conclusions. That’s why it’s always important to examine a belief to see if it’s following cultural norms or if it’s based in Scripture. Just as in Christian culture today, some in the Jewish culture during Jesus’ time held certain beliefs about what the devil could do that may not have been rooted in Scripture. So Jesus carefully provided some Scriptural teaching to address these ideas. </p> <p>Holding to cultural superstitions instead of Scripture can lead to some wacky conclusions. That’s why it’s always important to examine a belief to see if it’s following cultural norms or if it’s based in Scripture. Just as in Christian culture today, some in the Jewish culture during Jesus’ time held certain beliefs about what the devil could do that may not have been rooted in Scripture. So Jesus carefully provided some Scriptural teaching to address these ideas. </p> Holding to cultural superstitions instead of Scripture can lead to some wacky conclusions. That’s why it’s always important to examine a belief to see if it’s following cultural norms or if it’s based in Scripture. Just as in Christian culture today, some in the Jewish culture during Jesus’ time held certain beliefs about what the devil could do that may not have been rooted in Scripture. So Jesus carefully provided some Scriptural teaching to address these ideas. 

]]> Sun, 28 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1580 25 2a48f863219f0103d851f5006e1d2105 no Matthew 12:15-32 The Witness of God Dominic Dinger <p>Jesus is a gentle man. He calls out to us because He loves us. He corrects us gently and comes alongside us, asking for permission to take His rightful place upon the throne of our hearts. But Jesus doesn’t do this forcefully. He knocks at the door of our heart, but He will never pound and demand entry. He patiently convicts and convinces until a decision is made—either an invitation to enter, or a dismissal of His offer. And like a gentleman, when the knocks go unanswered, He will eventually stop knocking.</p> <p>Jesus is a gentle man. He calls out to us because He loves us. He corrects us gently and comes alongside us, asking for permission to take His rightful place upon the throne of our hearts. But Jesus doesn’t do this forcefully. He knocks at the door of our heart, but He will never pound and demand entry. He patiently convicts and convinces until a decision is made—either an invitation to enter, or a dismissal of His offer. And like a gentleman, when the knocks go unanswered, He will eventually stop knocking.</p> Jesus is a gentle man. He calls out to us because He loves us. He corrects us gently and comes alongside us, asking for permission to take His rightful place upon the throne of our hearts. But Jesus doesn’t do this forcefully. He knocks at the door of our heart, but He will never pound and demand entry. He patiently convicts and convinces until a decision is made—either an invitation to enter, or a dismissal of His offer. And like a gentleman, when the knocks go unanswered, He will eventually stop knocking.

]]> Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1782 26 b2bbed99b8a43814827ac90f2501896b no Matthew 12:1-14 “Have you not read…?” Dominic Dinger <p>After countless confrontations, the religious rulers relentlessly questioned Jesus about His violation of traditions. Sensing their intent, Jesus challenged them about their disregard for God’s commandment in favor of their own customs. This question should have initiated a respectful discussion. Lacking reason, logic, and intellectual integrity, these religious rulers clung to tradition—even when it defied truth. Driven by irrational hatred and senseless malice, they focused solely on destroying Jesus.</p> <p>After countless confrontations, the religious rulers relentlessly questioned Jesus about His violation of traditions. Sensing their intent, Jesus challenged them about their disregard for God’s commandment in favor of their own customs. This question should have initiated a respectful discussion. Lacking reason, logic, and intellectual integrity, these religious rulers clung to tradition—even when it defied truth. Driven by irrational hatred and senseless malice, they focused solely on destroying Jesus.</p> After countless confrontations, the religious rulers relentlessly questioned Jesus about His violation of traditions. Sensing their intent, Jesus challenged them about their disregard for God’s commandment in favor of their own customs. This question should have initiated a respectful discussion. Lacking reason, logic, and intellectual integrity, these religious rulers clung to tradition—even when it defied truth. Driven by irrational hatred and senseless malice, they focused solely on destroying Jesus.

]]> Sun, 14 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1778 27 29e2f7faea1cf462a093845bfad3b0be no Psalm 46 Seek Him…Find Him…and Abide in Him Dominic Dinger <p>In times of uncertainty, we can run to Jesus for safety and security. He is our refuge and strength. He is ready to help when we need Him. But how? How do we find a strong and safe shelter in Jesus in the midst of the storms of life? How is Jesus our refuge and strength? How is He helpful in our times of trouble? These are good questions for us to ask—and to keep asking until we find the answers in Psalm 46.</p> <p>In times of uncertainty, we can run to Jesus for safety and security. He is our refuge and strength. He is ready to help when we need Him. But how? How do we find a strong and safe shelter in Jesus in the midst of the storms of life? How is Jesus our refuge and strength? How is He helpful in our times of trouble? These are good questions for us to ask—and to keep asking until we find the answers in Psalm 46.</p> In times of uncertainty, we can run to Jesus for safety and security. He is our refuge and strength. He is ready to help when we need Him. But how? How do we find a strong and safe shelter in Jesus in the midst of the storms of life? How is Jesus our refuge and strength? How is He helpful in our times of trouble? These are good questions for us to ask—and to keep asking until we find the answers in Psalm 46.

]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1863 28 290b911694599e9fda89133da6e00d4d no Romans 4:13-25 Byron Johnson <p>God’s promises are sure, faithful, and reliable—even if they aren’t fulfilled right away or on our preferred schedule. Consider the life of Abraham. He waited 25 years before the fulfillment of God’s promise to have a child. In Romans 4, the Apostle Paul points to Abraham’s faithfulness to remind us that God’s promises aren’t dependent on our obedience to God’s law. Instead, it’s by faith that we receive God’s promises. </p> <p>God’s promises are sure, faithful, and reliable—even if they aren’t fulfilled right away or on our preferred schedule. Consider the life of Abraham. He waited 25 years before the fulfillment of God’s promise to have a child. In Romans 4, the Apostle Paul points to Abraham’s faithfulness to remind us that God’s promises aren’t dependent on our obedience to God’s law. Instead, it’s by faith that we receive God’s promises. </p> God’s promises are sure, faithful, and reliable—even if they aren’t fulfilled right away or on our preferred schedule. Consider the life of Abraham. He waited 25 years before the fulfillment of God’s promise to have a child. In Romans 4, the Apostle Paul points to Abraham’s faithfulness to remind us that God’s promises aren’t dependent on our obedience to God’s law. Instead, it’s by faith that we receive God’s promises. 

]]> Sun, 31 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2608 29 e79d3eab442cd2a581b9e646a62238c7 no 2 Peter 1:1-11 Allan Benson <p>The Apostle Peter wrote 2 Peter to believers in order to prepare them for the difficulties that lay ahead—false teachers, persecutions, hardships, and other challenges they would face. But before he begins his warnings, he starts his letter by building up followers of Jesus with encouragement to grow and mature spiritually in specific virtues. In reminding those in the church what we've received from the Lord, we are reminded of what it is to follow the Lord. Watch our study from Sunday as guest teacher Allan Benson led our time of study in 2 Peter 1.</p> <p>The Apostle Peter wrote 2 Peter to believers in order to prepare them for the difficulties that lay ahead—false teachers, persecutions, hardships, and other challenges they would face. But before he begins his warnings, he starts his letter by building up followers of Jesus with encouragement to grow and mature spiritually in specific virtues. In reminding those in the church what we've received from the Lord, we are reminded of what it is to follow the Lord. Watch our study from Sunday as guest teacher Allan Benson led our time of study in 2 Peter 1.</p> The Apostle Peter wrote 2 Peter to believers in order to prepare them for the difficulties that lay ahead—false teachers, persecutions, hardships, and other challenges they would face. But before he begins his warnings, he starts his letter by building up followers of Jesus with encouragement to grow and mature spiritually in specific virtues. In reminding those in the church what we've received from the Lord, we are reminded of what it is to follow the Lord. Watch our study from Sunday as guest teacher Allan Benson led our time of study in 2 Peter 1.

]]> Sun, 24 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2104 30 2c4a72dbad0ba0a75d857120cdb3a3eb no Empowered to Share Colossians 4:2-6 Dave Gibson Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2524 31 c9af6fbf7b889dfff69bfc95e49be4f5 no Zechariah 4 “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Dominic Dinger <p>Have you ever faced a mountain of a problem & felt like a failure? When you come to the end of your limited human might & power and begin to rely solely upon God’s Holy Spirit that the mountains of problems begin to move. This was God’s encouragement to Zerubabbel in Zechariah 4. God is graciously willing to help when we truly humble ourselves & admit that God’s work must be done in God’s way—not by our might or by our power.</p> <p>Have you ever faced a mountain of a problem & felt like a failure? When you come to the end of your limited human might & power and begin to rely solely upon God’s Holy Spirit that the mountains of problems begin to move. This was God’s encouragement to Zerubabbel in Zechariah 4. God is graciously willing to help when we truly humble ourselves & admit that God’s work must be done in God’s way—not by our might or by our power.</p> Have you ever faced a mountain of a problem & felt like a failure? When you come to the end of your limited human might & power and begin to rely solely upon God’s Holy Spirit that the mountains of problems begin to move. This was God’s encouragement to Zerubabbel in Zechariah 4. God is graciously willing to help when we truly humble ourselves & admit that God’s work must be done in God’s way—not by our might or by our power.

]]> Sun, 10 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2179 32 9b88887a110a39c430b080fb27a66248 no Colossians 3:1-17 Put Off…Put On Nate Van Vooren Sun, 03 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1483 33 1d79dccb5fde4e9ef5c34530755e2a4b no Matthew 11:27-30 "Come...to Me" Dominic Dinger <p>In Matthew 11, we read of Jesus addressing two vastly different groups. On one side were the arrogant, overfed, unconcerned, and self-righteous religious elites who either opposed Jesus or were indifferent to Him. On the other side were the seventy Jesus had sent out to minister to the surrounding cities. These were the foolish, the forgotten, the unworthy, and unimportant in the eyes of the religious elite. Jesus rebuked the first group with a warning and received the second group with rejoicing. But some of the self-righteous just needed a clear invitation for salvation. And so Jesus addresses them and invites them to come to Him.</p> <p>In Matthew 11, we read of Jesus addressing two vastly different groups. On one side were the arrogant, overfed, unconcerned, and self-righteous religious elites who either opposed Jesus or were indifferent to Him. On the other side were the seventy Jesus had sent out to minister to the surrounding cities. These were the foolish, the forgotten, the unworthy, and unimportant in the eyes of the religious elite. Jesus rebuked the first group with a warning and received the second group with rejoicing. But some of the self-righteous just needed a clear invitation for salvation. And so Jesus addresses them and invites them to come to Him.</p> In Matthew 11, we read of Jesus addressing two vastly different groups. On one side were the arrogant, overfed, unconcerned, and self-righteous religious elites who either opposed Jesus or were indifferent to Him. On the other side were the seventy Jesus had sent out to minister to the surrounding cities. These were the foolish, the forgotten, the unworthy, and unimportant in the eyes of the religious elite. Jesus rebuked the first group with a warning and received the second group with rejoicing. But some of the self-righteous just needed a clear invitation for salvation. And so Jesus addresses them and invites them to come to Him.

]]> Sun, 27 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1832 34 53eb75bc92b1265a764d87564891c7d2 no Matthew 11:25-30 The Wise and The Foolish Dominic Dinger <p>As Jesus went to preach and teach in the cities in Judea, He encountered the religious elite who were either indifferent to Him or actively resisted Him. Even after witnessing all that Jesus did, they still did not believe. This prompted Jesus to call out to them with a broken heart, warning the hard-hearted and self-righteous. But even when the majority of people in cities or countries are indifferent to or resist Jesus, there is always a remnant of individuals that accept His invitation to come to Him and find salvation, forgiveness, and rest for their souls.</p> <p>As Jesus went to preach and teach in the cities in Judea, He encountered the religious elite who were either indifferent to Him or actively resisted Him. Even after witnessing all that Jesus did, they still did not believe. This prompted Jesus to call out to them with a broken heart, warning the hard-hearted and self-righteous. But even when the majority of people in cities or countries are indifferent to or resist Jesus, there is always a remnant of individuals that accept His invitation to come to Him and find salvation, forgiveness, and rest for their souls.</p> As Jesus went to preach and teach in the cities in Judea, He encountered the religious elite who were either indifferent to Him or actively resisted Him. Even after witnessing all that Jesus did, they still did not believe. This prompted Jesus to call out to them with a broken heart, warning the hard-hearted and self-righteous. But even when the majority of people in cities or countries are indifferent to or resist Jesus, there is always a remnant of individuals that accept His invitation to come to Him and find salvation, forgiveness, and rest for their souls.

]]> Sun, 20 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2131 35 6c36d3fc96be1cb2c8aecd86b968a862 no Matthew 11:20-30 Resistance, Indifference, or Coming to Jesus? Dominic Dinger <p>Which is worse in terms of someone coming to Christ and finding everlasting life in Him: resistance or indifference? At face value, it seems like a simple question to answer. Those who don’t really seem to care are usually easier to deal with than those who want to argue with you. The question is not who is the easiest to deal with, but what mentality is less open to the Gospel. Those who are consistently critical are actually closer to surrendering to Jesus than those who couldn’t care less. We encounter this more than we realize. And so did Jesus, as we see in Matthew 11:20-30.</p> <p>Which is worse in terms of someone coming to Christ and finding everlasting life in Him: resistance or indifference? At face value, it seems like a simple question to answer. Those who don’t really seem to care are usually easier to deal with than those who want to argue with you. The question is not who is the easiest to deal with, but what mentality is less open to the Gospel. Those who are consistently critical are actually closer to surrendering to Jesus than those who couldn’t care less. We encounter this more than we realize. And so did Jesus, as we see in Matthew 11:20-30.</p> Which is worse in terms of someone coming to Christ and finding everlasting life in Him: resistance or indifference? At face value, it seems like a simple question to answer. Those who don’t really seem to care are usually easier to deal with than those who want to argue with you. The question is not who is the easiest to deal with, but what mentality is less open to the Gospel. Those who are consistently critical are actually closer to surrendering to Jesus than those who couldn’t care less. We encounter this more than we realize. And so did Jesus, as we see in Matthew 11:20-30.

]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1769 36 56d375dd7e78cfe67bf4c1d64adadb11 no Matthew 11:12-19 Rejecting Self-Righteousness, We Believe, Receive, and Respond Dominic Dinger <p>It’s difficult to appreciate just how good the good news truly is without first working through the bad news. Part of that was the responsibility of John the Baptist. He prepared the way for the good news of Jesus Christ by preaching repentance, which meant bringing to the forefront the bad news of sin. Some readily receive the bad news that they are sinners, which prepare them to receive the good news of complete forgiveness and the gift of righteousness. But some reject the good news of Jesus Christ because they reject the reality that they are sinners. In their self-righteousness, they are unable to believe, receive, and respond.</p> <p>It’s difficult to appreciate just how good the good news truly is without first working through the bad news. Part of that was the responsibility of John the Baptist. He prepared the way for the good news of Jesus Christ by preaching repentance, which meant bringing to the forefront the bad news of sin. Some readily receive the bad news that they are sinners, which prepare them to receive the good news of complete forgiveness and the gift of righteousness. But some reject the good news of Jesus Christ because they reject the reality that they are sinners. In their self-righteousness, they are unable to believe, receive, and respond.</p> It’s difficult to appreciate just how good the good news truly is without first working through the bad news. Part of that was the responsibility of John the Baptist. He prepared the way for the good news of Jesus Christ by preaching repentance, which meant bringing to the forefront the bad news of sin. Some readily receive the bad news that they are sinners, which prepare them to receive the good news of complete forgiveness and the gift of righteousness. But some reject the good news of Jesus Christ because they reject the reality that they are sinners. In their self-righteousness, they are unable to believe, receive, and respond.

]]> Sun, 06 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1867 37 be3f141f01d7592ff5aab70d8050ff14 no Luke 24:13-35 Walking with Jesus in Familiar Intimacy Byron Johnson <p>There’s an interaction that Jesus has with two of His disciples in Luke 24 that shows us His heart after His resurrection. He wants to meet with His followers and walk with them in familiar intimacy. But we often tend to miss God in our midst, not because he's too extraordinary, but because he's too ordinary. When our hearts are tuned to His voice, we can experience an intimacy with Him that allows us to enjoy fellowship with Him. </p> <p>There’s an interaction that Jesus has with two of His disciples in Luke 24 that shows us His heart after His resurrection. He wants to meet with His followers and walk with them in familiar intimacy. But we often tend to miss God in our midst, not because he's too extraordinary, but because he's too ordinary. When our hearts are tuned to His voice, we can experience an intimacy with Him that allows us to enjoy fellowship with Him. </p> There’s an interaction that Jesus has with two of His disciples in Luke 24 that shows us His heart after His resurrection. He wants to meet with His followers and walk with them in familiar intimacy. But we often tend to miss God in our midst, not because he's too extraordinary, but because he's too ordinary. When our hearts are tuned to His voice, we can experience an intimacy with Him that allows us to enjoy fellowship with Him. 

]]> Sun, 29 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2021 38 3afc9d474efd2ba27ea42809ef951019 no Matthew 11:7-15 Inseparable Dominic Dinger <p>John the Baptist was the greatest prophet, and yet he still needed to learn how to be content in any and every situation, that God’s grace is sufficient, and that His power is made perfect in weakness. And yet, at times John still wondered about Jesus: “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” This wondering and doubt is something that we struggle with too. Jesus’ answer should be enough for us, but we are still learning the same things that John was learning.</p> <p>John the Baptist was the greatest prophet, and yet he still needed to learn how to be content in any and every situation, that God’s grace is sufficient, and that His power is made perfect in weakness. And yet, at times John still wondered about Jesus: “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” This wondering and doubt is something that we struggle with too. Jesus’ answer should be enough for us, but we are still learning the same things that John was learning.</p> John the Baptist was the greatest prophet, and yet he still needed to learn how to be content in any and every situation, that God’s grace is sufficient, and that His power is made perfect in weakness. And yet, at times John still wondered about Jesus: “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” This wondering and doubt is something that we struggle with too. Jesus’ answer should be enough for us, but we are still learning the same things that John was learning.

]]> Sun, 22 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2162 39 8c600f97aad6403f113b0418f8c26f42 no Matthew 11:1-6 Tough Questions. Tougher Answers. Dominic Dinger <p>Have you endured so much pain & uncertainty that you muster up enough strength & faith to move the hand of God? Does it seem like the Lord is silent but responding to everyone else? You are not alone. The greatest man born among women also experienced this kind of discouragement. He asked Jesus, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” It’s a tough question with a tougher answer</p> <p>Have you endured so much pain & uncertainty that you muster up enough strength & faith to move the hand of God? Does it seem like the Lord is silent but responding to everyone else? You are not alone. The greatest man born among women also experienced this kind of discouragement. He asked Jesus, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” It’s a tough question with a tougher answer</p> Have you endured so much pain & uncertainty that you muster up enough strength & faith to move the hand of God? Does it seem like the Lord is silent but responding to everyone else? You are not alone. The greatest man born among women also experienced this kind of discouragement. He asked Jesus, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” It’s a tough question with a tougher answer

]]> Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1980 40 b902d1253352a80b0dbdbae6ee2b4552 no Matthew 10:27-42 Christian Principles on Mission - Part 2 Dominic Dinger <p>In Matthew 10, we read of Jesus sending the twelve Apostles on their first mission trip and giving them several Christian principles to put into practice. In those principles, we learn that what Jesus was sending them to do had no guarantee of total success. There was a chance that people would treat them poorly. But what often draws us into a deeper and more reliant relationship with Jesus is the pain that comes when people treat us poorly. Not everyone will listen when you share the love of Jesus with them. As Jesus experienced, some may betray and even persecute you—including the very people that you laid down your life to serve.</p> <p>In Matthew 10, we read of Jesus sending the twelve Apostles on their first mission trip and giving them several Christian principles to put into practice. In those principles, we learn that what Jesus was sending them to do had no guarantee of total success. There was a chance that people would treat them poorly. But what often draws us into a deeper and more reliant relationship with Jesus is the pain that comes when people treat us poorly. Not everyone will listen when you share the love of Jesus with them. As Jesus experienced, some may betray and even persecute you—including the very people that you laid down your life to serve.</p> In Matthew 10, we read of Jesus sending the twelve Apostles on their first mission trip and giving them several Christian principles to put into practice. In those principles, we learn that what Jesus was sending them to do had no guarantee of total success. There was a chance that people would treat them poorly. But what often draws us into a deeper and more reliant relationship with Jesus is the pain that comes when people treat us poorly. Not everyone will listen when you share the love of Jesus with them. As Jesus experienced, some may betray and even persecute you—including the very people that you laid down your life to serve.

]]> Sun, 08 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1782 41 6c1ce2c138a78ba1f0fbaf5bd418fd3a no Matthew 10:5-26 Christian Principles on Mission Dominic Dinger <p>After calling the 12 disciples who were called to be Apostles, Jesus sent them on their first mission. And in the remainder of Matthew 10, we read of the way that Jesus prepared them for this special task. He gives them a series of principles to put into practice. It’s a somewhat rapid-fire list of important truths to consider as they encounter much of ministry for the very first time.</p> <p>After calling the 12 disciples who were called to be Apostles, Jesus sent them on their first mission. And in the remainder of Matthew 10, we read of the way that Jesus prepared them for this special task. He gives them a series of principles to put into practice. It’s a somewhat rapid-fire list of important truths to consider as they encounter much of ministry for the very first time.</p> After calling the 12 disciples who were called to be Apostles, Jesus sent them on their first mission. And in the remainder of Matthew 10, we read of the way that Jesus prepared them for this special task. He gives them a series of principles to put into practice. It’s a somewhat rapid-fire list of important truths to consider as they encounter much of ministry for the very first time.

]]> Sun, 01 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1552 42 c8ef4fc921d6d75f1378566804239c14 no The Unlikely Ones: Judas Dominic Dinger <p>The unlikely and gloriously ordinary men that Jesus called to be His Apostles were transformed by His great love. But one of the Apostles missed out on that transformation. He never saw the resurrected Jesus or received the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Though he wrestled with remorse, he never repented. In the end, his sin and unwillingness to repent of it eventually consumed and destroyed him. His name was Judas Iscariot. </p> <p>The unlikely and gloriously ordinary men that Jesus called to be His Apostles were transformed by His great love. But one of the Apostles missed out on that transformation. He never saw the resurrected Jesus or received the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Though he wrestled with remorse, he never repented. In the end, his sin and unwillingness to repent of it eventually consumed and destroyed him. His name was Judas Iscariot. </p> The unlikely and gloriously ordinary men that Jesus called to be His Apostles were transformed by His great love. But one of the Apostles missed out on that transformation. He never saw the resurrected Jesus or received the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Though he wrestled with remorse, he never repented. In the end, his sin and unwillingness to repent of it eventually consumed and destroyed him. His name was Judas Iscariot. 

]]> Sun, 25 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2229 43 e9a31d93eff45f6404fb23c1251c2b48 no Guest Speaker Allan Benson Allan Benson Sun, 18 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1919 44 24b540ffa80694a698ec72dc777d230d no The Unlikely Ones: James, Lebbaeus & Simon Dominic Dinger <p>As we continue our study of the Apostles, we turn our attention to a group of lesser-known Apostles. Though they aren’t mentioned much in Scripture, Jesus chose these three young men from His disciples to be His apostles: James the son of Alphaeus; Judas (not Iscariot), who was also called Lebbaeus and Thaddaeus; and Simon the Cananite, who was also called Simon the zealot. </p> <p>As we continue our study of the Apostles, we turn our attention to a group of lesser-known Apostles. Though they aren’t mentioned much in Scripture, Jesus chose these three young men from His disciples to be His apostles: James the son of Alphaeus; Judas (not Iscariot), who was also called Lebbaeus and Thaddaeus; and Simon the Cananite, who was also called Simon the zealot. </p> As we continue our study of the Apostles, we turn our attention to a group of lesser-known Apostles. Though they aren’t mentioned much in Scripture, Jesus chose these three young men from His disciples to be His apostles: James the son of Alphaeus; Judas (not Iscariot), who was also called Lebbaeus and Thaddaeus; and Simon the Cananite, who was also called Simon the zealot.

]]> Sun, 11 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1704 45 9fcf9e941c9811f15c3ee2f1ede116e1 no The Unlikely Ones: Thomas & Matthew Dominic Dinger <p>As we considered Thomas and Matthew, we again see the kinds of people God calls to follow Him. Thomas was a realist who was often perceived as a pessimist. Matthew was a notorious tax collector—a traitor to the Israelites. But we see that Jesus looks beyond those attributes and changes them from the inside out. Maybe you feel like you say the wrong things and are often misunderstood. Or perhaps you feel like your heart and mind just aren’t working quite right. Jesus loves you as much as He loves Thomas and Matthew. He wants to be with you and mend your broken heart—not just sad hearts, but hearts that don’t function as they should. This is His specialty. He isn’t repulsed or annoyed by your personality. He’s not confused by who you are. He knows you and He loves you—and He’s calling you too!</p> <p>As we considered Thomas and Matthew, we again see the kinds of people God calls to follow Him. Thomas was a realist who was often perceived as a pessimist. Matthew was a notorious tax collector—a traitor to the Israelites. But we see that Jesus looks beyond those attributes and changes them from the inside out. Maybe you feel like you say the wrong things and are often misunderstood. Or perhaps you feel like your heart and mind just aren’t working quite right. Jesus loves you as much as He loves Thomas and Matthew. He wants to be with you and mend your broken heart—not just sad hearts, but hearts that don’t function as they should. This is His specialty. He isn’t repulsed or annoyed by your personality. He’s not confused by who you are. He knows you and He loves you—and He’s calling you too!</p> As we considered Thomas and Matthew, we again see the kinds of people God calls to follow Him. Thomas was a realist who was often perceived as a pessimist. Matthew was a notorious tax collector—a traitor to the Israelites. But we see that Jesus looks beyond those attributes and changes them from the inside out. Maybe you feel like you say the wrong things and are often misunderstood. Or perhaps you feel like your heart and mind just aren’t working quite right. Jesus loves you as much as He loves Thomas and Matthew. He wants to be with you and mend your broken heart—not just sad hearts, but hearts that don’t function as they should. This is His specialty. He isn’t repulsed or annoyed by your personality. He’s not confused by who you are. He knows you and He loves you—and He’s calling you too!

]]> Sun, 04 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2085 46 371ceccc8e180f2fce40c0c44d482eec no The Unlikely Ones: Philip & Nathanael Dominic Dinger <p>Philip and Bartholomew were Apostles of Jesus. They were also real people—just like us. And just like us, Jesus loved them so much that He received them just as they were. But Jesus loves us too much to leave us as we are. He fined-tunes, harnesses, and focuses the best parts of our personalities while He alters, transforms, and changes those parts of us that need His touch.</p> <p>Philip and Bartholomew were Apostles of Jesus. They were also real people—just like us. And just like us, Jesus loved them so much that He received them just as they were. But Jesus loves us too much to leave us as we are. He fined-tunes, harnesses, and focuses the best parts of our personalities while He alters, transforms, and changes those parts of us that need His touch.</p> Philip and Bartholomew were Apostles of Jesus. They were also real people—just like us. And just like us, Jesus loved them so much that He received them just as they were. But Jesus loves us too much to leave us as we are. He fined-tunes, harnesses, and focuses the best parts of our personalities while He alters, transforms, and changes those parts of us that need His touch.

]]> Sun, 27 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1899 47 4865be75a99b0e341bd656aee68e7730 no John 20:1-18 Set Free Dominic Dinger <p>For the past several Sundays, we’ve been looking at portraits of the people Jesus chose to be His followers. They were the unlikely ones—real people with failures and flaws who encountered Jesus and were impacted by His ministry. They were compelled to follow Him. Then, the cross happened. Their hopes and dreams of Jesus being their Messiah were dashed. Had they gotten it wrong? If He was the Messiah, why was He executed? But the cross was not the end of Jesus. He didn’t just lay His life down but had the power to take it up again. And yet, none of His disciples fully grasped what this meant initially—including one follower in the section of Scripture we studied on Sunday. Watch our study from Resurrection Sunday as we consider Mary Magdalene’s interaction with the risen Jesus.</p> <p>For the past several Sundays, we’ve been looking at portraits of the people Jesus chose to be His followers. They were the unlikely ones—real people with failures and flaws who encountered Jesus and were impacted by His ministry. They were compelled to follow Him. Then, the cross happened. Their hopes and dreams of Jesus being their Messiah were dashed. Had they gotten it wrong? If He was the Messiah, why was He executed? But the cross was not the end of Jesus. He didn’t just lay His life down but had the power to take it up again. And yet, none of His disciples fully grasped what this meant initially—including one follower in the section of Scripture we studied on Sunday. Watch our study from Resurrection Sunday as we consider Mary Magdalene’s interaction with the risen Jesus.</p> For the past several Sundays, we’ve been looking at portraits of the people Jesus chose to be His followers. They were the unlikely ones—real people with failures and flaws who encountered Jesus and were impacted by His ministry. They were compelled to follow Him. Then, the cross happened. Their hopes and dreams of Jesus being their Messiah were dashed. Had they gotten it wrong? If He was the Messiah, why was He executed? But the cross was not the end of Jesus. He didn’t just lay His life down but had the power to take it up again. And yet, none of His disciples fully grasped what this meant initially—including one follower in the section of Scripture we studied on Sunday. Watch our study from Resurrection Sunday as we consider Mary Magdalene’s interaction with the risen Jesus.

]]> Sun, 20 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1750 48 50a3af5ef0862bfa651925c1f5878403 no Deny Yourself and Follow Him Mark 15:1-39 Dominic Dinger <p>Pontius Pilate would have been intrigued to hear that Jesus was calling Himself the King of the Jews—or at least that was what the Jewish religious rulers were counting on. They hoped the claim would cause Pilate to do what they wanted. Of course, they would have handled the matter by stoning Jesus, but only the Romans could carry out capital punishment. They perfected it through crucifixion—a brutal, agonizing, and excruciating slow death.  God knew what His people would do when they rejected His Son. And He knew exactly how the Romans would execute Him. In fact, this was all recorded hundreds of years before in Psalm 22, Zechariah 12, and Isaiah 53. Watch our Good Friday service as we reflect on Jesus—the Son of God.</p> <p>Pontius Pilate would have been intrigued to hear that Jesus was calling Himself the King of the Jews—or at least that was what the Jewish religious rulers were counting on. They hoped the claim would cause Pilate to do what they wanted. Of course, they would have handled the matter by stoning Jesus, but only the Romans could carry out capital punishment. They perfected it through crucifixion—a brutal, agonizing, and excruciating slow death.  God knew what His people would do when they rejected His Son. And He knew exactly how the Romans would execute Him. In fact, this was all recorded hundreds of years before in Psalm 22, Zechariah 12, and Isaiah 53. Watch our Good Friday service as we reflect on Jesus—the Son of God.</p> Pontius Pilate would have been intrigued to hear that Jesus was calling Himself the King of the Jews—or at least that was what the Jewish religious rulers were counting on. They hoped the claim would cause Pilate to do what they wanted. Of course, they would have handled the matter by stoning Jesus, but only the Romans could carry out capital punishment. They perfected it through crucifixion—a brutal, agonizing, and excruciating slow death.  God knew what His people would do when they rejected His Son. And He knew exactly how the Romans would execute Him. In fact, this was all recorded hundreds of years before in Psalm 22, Zechariah 12, and Isaiah 53. Watch our Good Friday service as we reflect on Jesus—the Son of God.

]]> Fri, 18 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1795 49 a65991f911bf1b990deb52a8088745df no Palm Sunday 2025 – Luke 19:1-10 Dominic Dinger <p>Palm Sunday commemorates the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem. It wasn’t necessarily how Jesus entered the city (riding on a donkey) that made it a triumph, but how He allowed Himself to be publicly hailed as the Messiah. When Jesus saw the city, He wept over it (Luke 19:41-44) because the people didn’t realize that God was coming to them, making their salvation possible. Just before the Triumphal Entry, Jesus interacted with a man everybody would have counted out. In their conversation, we hear directly from Jesus why He came: to seek and to save the lost.</p> <p>Palm Sunday commemorates the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem. It wasn’t necessarily how Jesus entered the city (riding on a donkey) that made it a triumph, but how He allowed Himself to be publicly hailed as the Messiah. When Jesus saw the city, He wept over it (Luke 19:41-44) because the people didn’t realize that God was coming to them, making their salvation possible. Just before the Triumphal Entry, Jesus interacted with a man everybody would have counted out. In their conversation, we hear directly from Jesus why He came: to seek and to save the lost.</p> Palm Sunday commemorates the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem. It wasn’t necessarily how Jesus entered the city (riding on a donkey) that made it a triumph, but how He allowed Himself to be publicly hailed as the Messiah. When Jesus saw the city, He wept over it (Luke 19:41-44) because the people didn’t realize that God was coming to them, making their salvation possible. Just before the Triumphal Entry, Jesus interacted with a man everybody would have counted out. In their conversation, we hear directly from Jesus why He came: to seek and to save the lost.

]]> Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1771 50 9c0fd8936ab50438a1995507e98bde59 no The Unlikely Ones: James and John Dominic Dinger <p>When Jesus considered sending out ministry workers into the harvest, He chose and sent a rag-tag bunch of young men from Galilee to radically change the world. Young men like James and John—two brothers with a reputation for retribution. They were sectarian, zealous, and ambitious, known informally as the “Sons of Thunder,”… yet they were changed eternally by the love of Jesus.</p> <p>When Jesus considered sending out ministry workers into the harvest, He chose and sent a rag-tag bunch of young men from Galilee to radically change the world. Young men like James and John—two brothers with a reputation for retribution. They were sectarian, zealous, and ambitious, known informally as the “Sons of Thunder,”… yet they were changed eternally by the love of Jesus.</p> When Jesus considered sending out ministry workers into the harvest, He chose and sent a rag-tag bunch of young men from Galilee to radically change the world. Young men like James and John—two brothers with a reputation for retribution. They were sectarian, zealous, and ambitious, known informally as the “Sons of Thunder,”… yet they were changed eternally by the love of Jesus.

]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2054 51 f16c47d8735cd6609814bd252a77bf6a no Mission Share Sunday <p>Over 10 days in March of 2025, a small group of faithful servants traveled over 650 miles to 7 cities in 3 different countries to bring the hope of the Gospel to multitudes of refugees from Ukraine who have been displaced from the war. They had countless conversations, gave lots of hugs, shed many tears, and laughed many laughs. In the places they visited, they had dozens of opportunities to pray over people, serve others, and share Jesus as the Spirit led, provided for, protected, and spoke through them.</p> <p>Over 10 days in March of 2025, a small group of faithful servants traveled over 650 miles to 7 cities in 3 different countries to bring the hope of the Gospel to multitudes of refugees from Ukraine who have been displaced from the war. They had countless conversations, gave lots of hugs, shed many tears, and laughed many laughs. In the places they visited, they had dozens of opportunities to pray over people, serve others, and share Jesus as the Spirit led, provided for, protected, and spoke through them.</p> Over 10 days in March of 2025, a small group of faithful servants traveled over 650 miles to 7 cities in 3 different countries to bring the hope of the Gospel to multitudes of refugees from Ukraine who have been displaced from the war. They had countless conversations, gave lots of hugs, shed many tears, and laughed many laughs. In the places they visited, they had dozens of opportunities to pray over people, serve others, and share Jesus as the Spirit led, provided for, protected, and spoke through them.

]]> Sun, 30 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2482 52 1cecab45831f2899490db8a6132bdd6c no If God is Loving, Why Does He Allow Evil and Suffering? Charlie Campbell <p>We are confronted daily with headlines about wars, famines, earthquakes, tsunamis, terrorists, disease, and death. If God existed, surely He would not allow these things to exist or to continue…or would He? And if so, why? Couldn’t He prevent some of these things? Couldn’t He have made a better world? </p><p><br></p><p>Guest speaker Charlie Campbell answers these and several other tough theological questions related to evil and suffering. For those who have wrestled with these questions, this message is comforting and instructive; but it also equips Christians to be better prepared to answer atheists who think evil and suffering disprove the existence of a loving God.</p> <p>We are confronted daily with headlines about wars, famines, earthquakes, tsunamis, terrorists, disease, and death. If God existed, surely He would not allow these things to exist or to continue…or would He? And if so, why? Couldn’t He prevent some of these things? Couldn’t He have made a better world? </p><p><br></p><p>Guest speaker Charlie Campbell answers these and several other tough theological questions related to evil and suffering. For those who have wrestled with these questions, this message is comforting and instructive; but it also equips Christians to be better prepared to answer atheists who think evil and suffering disprove the existence of a loving God.</p> We are confronted daily with headlines about wars, famines, earthquakes, tsunamis, terrorists, disease, and death. If God existed, surely He would not allow these things to exist or to continue…or would He? And if so, why? Couldn’t He prevent some of these things? Couldn’t He have made a better world? 


Guest speaker Charlie Campbell answers these and several other tough theological questions related to evil and suffering. For those who have wrestled with these questions, this message is comforting and instructive; but it also equips Christians to be better prepared to answer atheists who think evil and suffering disprove the existence of a loving God.

]]> Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2832 53 d5fa580528679eb4eb193383b2cd9453 no The Unlikely Ones: Andrew Matthew 10:1-4 Dominic Dinger <p>This past Sunday, we continued our study of the twelve ordinary men Jesus called to be His apostles and focused our attention on Andrew. Although we read more about his older brother (Simon Peter) God knew that this quiet, bold, faithful, and humble man would be willing to do what God had called him to—the good work of The Good Shepherd. There are three passages in the Gospel of John where Andrew is mentioned individually. In each instance, we see Andrew bringing people to Jesus. Watch our study of Andrew as we meditate on his willingness to come to Jesus and concern that others would come to Christ, too.</p> <p>This past Sunday, we continued our study of the twelve ordinary men Jesus called to be His apostles and focused our attention on Andrew. Although we read more about his older brother (Simon Peter) God knew that this quiet, bold, faithful, and humble man would be willing to do what God had called him to—the good work of The Good Shepherd. There are three passages in the Gospel of John where Andrew is mentioned individually. In each instance, we see Andrew bringing people to Jesus. Watch our study of Andrew as we meditate on his willingness to come to Jesus and concern that others would come to Christ, too.</p> This past Sunday, we continued our study of the twelve ordinary men Jesus called to be His apostles and focused our attention on Andrew. Although we read more about his older brother (Simon Peter) God knew that this quiet, bold, faithful, and humble man would be willing to do what God had called him to—the good work of The Good Shepherd. There are three passages in the Gospel of John where Andrew is mentioned individually. In each instance, we see Andrew bringing people to Jesus. Watch our study of Andrew as we meditate on his willingness to come to Jesus and concern that others would come to Christ, too.

]]> Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2101 54 0077f157ed362a873f38b98a973c03dc no The Unlikely Ones: Peter Matthew 10:1-4 Dominic Dinger <p>Jesus, fully God and fully man, is still only one man. He knows that the opportunities for pastoral ministry are endless, but those willing to partner in the work with Him are few. He instructed His disciples to pray that more workers would be sent into His harvest. When these ordinary people prayed, they probably thought that God would send experts from religious institutions in Jerusalem or super-spiritual people like John the Baptist to do this work. Jesus certainly wouldn’t choose them to be the fulfillment of their prayer…would He? Yes, and first on this list was Simon, who is called Peter.</p> <p>Jesus, fully God and fully man, is still only one man. He knows that the opportunities for pastoral ministry are endless, but those willing to partner in the work with Him are few. He instructed His disciples to pray that more workers would be sent into His harvest. When these ordinary people prayed, they probably thought that God would send experts from religious institutions in Jerusalem or super-spiritual people like John the Baptist to do this work. Jesus certainly wouldn’t choose them to be the fulfillment of their prayer…would He? Yes, and first on this list was Simon, who is called Peter.</p> Jesus, fully God and fully man, is still only one man. He knows that the opportunities for pastoral ministry are endless, but those willing to partner in the work with Him are few. He instructed His disciples to pray that more workers would be sent into His harvest. When these ordinary people prayed, they probably thought that God would send experts from religious institutions in Jerusalem or super-spiritual people like John the Baptist to do this work. Jesus certainly wouldn’t choose them to be the fulfillment of their prayer…would He? Yes, and first on this list was Simon, who is called Peter.

]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2253 55 f283eb0f5f66903e3603378cbfd7e646 no Matthew 10:1-4 The Unlikely Ones Dominic Dinger <p>All of us are called to glorify God in all that we do—no matter the specific call God has for our life. Whether you’re an artist, teacher, banker, plumber, or pastor, God’s call on your life is no less holy and no more sacred than anybody else’s call. The key to bringing God glory is seeing our calling as from Him and for Him. It’s for Him that we work and labor. No matter where or to what He has called you, the opportunity for pastoral ministry is plentiful. But those willing to actually do the work and labor are few. We know this because Jesus said it was so. And after He encouraged His disciples to pray for more workers, He sent them to do this work. Those that He sent weren’t the religious elites. They were ordinary people who had been with Him—the unlikely ones.</p> <p>All of us are called to glorify God in all that we do—no matter the specific call God has for our life. Whether you’re an artist, teacher, banker, plumber, or pastor, God’s call on your life is no less holy and no more sacred than anybody else’s call. The key to bringing God glory is seeing our calling as from Him and for Him. It’s for Him that we work and labor. No matter where or to what He has called you, the opportunity for pastoral ministry is plentiful. But those willing to actually do the work and labor are few. We know this because Jesus said it was so. And after He encouraged His disciples to pray for more workers, He sent them to do this work. Those that He sent weren’t the religious elites. They were ordinary people who had been with Him—the unlikely ones.</p> All of us are called to glorify God in all that we do—no matter the specific call God has for our life. Whether you’re an artist, teacher, banker, plumber, or pastor, God’s call on your life is no less holy and no more sacred than anybody else’s call. The key to bringing God glory is seeing our calling as from Him and for Him. It’s for Him that we work and labor. No matter where or to what He has called you, the opportunity for pastoral ministry is plentiful. But those willing to actually do the work and labor are few. We know this because Jesus said it was so. And after He encouraged His disciples to pray for more workers, He sent them to do this work. Those that He sent weren’t the religious elites. They were ordinary people who had been with Him—the unlikely ones.

]]> Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2017 56 87e590ddea9d156ffd5fe8c802b28bb0 no Matthew 9:27-37 The good work of The Good Shepherd Dominic Dinger <p>At the sight of the multitude, Jesus was moved with compassion because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36). This was specific language God used in the Old Testament to describe His people. Jesus is the Good Shepherd that God promised to do the good word of feeding, tending, and seeking and saving the lost.</p> <p>At the sight of the multitude, Jesus was moved with compassion because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36). This was specific language God used in the Old Testament to describe His people. Jesus is the Good Shepherd that God promised to do the good word of feeding, tending, and seeking and saving the lost.</p> At the sight of the multitude, Jesus was moved with compassion because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36). This was specific language God used in the Old Testament to describe His people. Jesus is the Good Shepherd that God promised to do the good word of feeding, tending, and seeking and saving the lost.

]]> Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2122 57 76cd65c7eca1116869e0b18d8ccb1ecb no Matthew 9:18-26 “Well…timed…help.” Dominic Dinger <p>Have you ever had a situation where you’ve tried every option and exhausted every resource? And yet, there seems to be a two-year-old in all of us that still says, “I can do it myself!” Eventually, our self-sufficiency and pride disappear when circumstances deplete our strength and resources so that nothing is left but to cry out to Jesus. Though He would rather be our first choice, Jesus is willing to be our last resort. When our desperation overrules our hesitation, we finally come face to face with Jesus and might expect anger and frustration, but instead, Jesus shows us compassion, mercy, and grace.</p> <p>Have you ever had a situation where you’ve tried every option and exhausted every resource? And yet, there seems to be a two-year-old in all of us that still says, “I can do it myself!” Eventually, our self-sufficiency and pride disappear when circumstances deplete our strength and resources so that nothing is left but to cry out to Jesus. Though He would rather be our first choice, Jesus is willing to be our last resort. When our desperation overrules our hesitation, we finally come face to face with Jesus and might expect anger and frustration, but instead, Jesus shows us compassion, mercy, and grace.</p> Have you ever had a situation where you’ve tried every option and exhausted every resource? And yet, there seems to be a two-year-old in all of us that still says, “I can do it myself!” Eventually, our self-sufficiency and pride disappear when circumstances deplete our strength and resources so that nothing is left but to cry out to Jesus. Though He would rather be our first choice, Jesus is willing to be our last resort. When our desperation overrules our hesitation, we finally come face to face with Jesus and might expect anger and frustration, but instead, Jesus shows us compassion, mercy, and grace.

]]> Sun, 16 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2064 58 5aa0e41f2ed3ad5423dd824acae77540 no Matthew 9:14-17 New Wine into New Wineskins Dominic Dinger <p>God chose to pour new wine into new wineskins. He decided to pour the person and power of the Holy Spirit into the most unlikely of vessels. But why? So that no one could boast and God alone would get all the glory. In this way, the adventure of the Great Commission could be available to anyone that Jesus would call to follow Him—even if that person is considered lower than low, like a tax collector named Levi. Jesus came to introduce something new, not to patch up something old.</p> <p>God chose to pour new wine into new wineskins. He decided to pour the person and power of the Holy Spirit into the most unlikely of vessels. But why? So that no one could boast and God alone would get all the glory. In this way, the adventure of the Great Commission could be available to anyone that Jesus would call to follow Him—even if that person is considered lower than low, like a tax collector named Levi. Jesus came to introduce something new, not to patch up something old.</p> God chose to pour new wine into new wineskins. He decided to pour the person and power of the Holy Spirit into the most unlikely of vessels. But why? So that no one could boast and God alone would get all the glory. In this way, the adventure of the Great Commission could be available to anyone that Jesus would call to follow Him—even if that person is considered lower than low, like a tax collector named Levi. Jesus came to introduce something new, not to patch up something old.

]]> Sun, 09 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2095 59 9dc885edb786d2bf20149e9653fa8fac no Matthew 9:1-13 “Trouble…for all of the right reasons.” Dominic Dinger <p>Jesus’ words & actions confounded the religious leaders around Him. After all, Jesus was eating with sinners, ministering to sinners, forgiving sinners, healing sinners, and (worst of all) calling sinners to be His followers. The religious leaders thought they were already righteous. They could not comprehend in their self-righteous hearts how the Messiah would come for sinners and not for them. So, the only conclusion they could make was that Jesus must not be the Messiah. But they had failed to see Jesus had come for them, too. It’s just that something needed to happen in their hearts first.</p> <p>Jesus’ words & actions confounded the religious leaders around Him. After all, Jesus was eating with sinners, ministering to sinners, forgiving sinners, healing sinners, and (worst of all) calling sinners to be His followers. The religious leaders thought they were already righteous. They could not comprehend in their self-righteous hearts how the Messiah would come for sinners and not for them. So, the only conclusion they could make was that Jesus must not be the Messiah. But they had failed to see Jesus had come for them, too. It’s just that something needed to happen in their hearts first.</p> Jesus’ words & actions confounded the religious leaders around Him. After all, Jesus was eating with sinners, ministering to sinners, forgiving sinners, healing sinners, and (worst of all) calling sinners to be His followers. The religious leaders thought they were already righteous. They could not comprehend in their self-righteous hearts how the Messiah would come for sinners and not for them. So, the only conclusion they could make was that Jesus must not be the Messiah. But they had failed to see Jesus had come for them, too. It’s just that something needed to happen in their hearts first.

]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2328 60 4dcd8e2f2e53228a7c2f32b2a519ebe9 no Matthew 8:18-34 Through it all… Dominic Dinger <p>There are storms in life. Whether external or internal, there are moments where we feel hopeless to do anything about the circumstances we face. But Jesus has authority over the storms, whether from without or within. Sometimes He rebukes the storm, sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He does neither. Yet through it all, we learn that Jesus is Lord. </p> <p>There are storms in life. Whether external or internal, there are moments where we feel hopeless to do anything about the circumstances we face. But Jesus has authority over the storms, whether from without or within. Sometimes He rebukes the storm, sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He does neither. Yet through it all, we learn that Jesus is Lord. </p> There are storms in life. Whether external or internal, there are moments where we feel hopeless to do anything about the circumstances we face. But Jesus has authority over the storms, whether from without or within. Sometimes He rebukes the storm, sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He does neither. Yet through it all, we learn that Jesus is Lord. 

]]> Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2134 61 83bcf5d1c9094bca031307ca039638b9 no Matthew 8:14-17 Message & Miracles Dominic Dinger <p>There is a stark contrast between someone hired to say something and a good shepherd—someone who has something to say because they live in awe and wonder about the God they love, serve, and believe in. They speak with authenticity, authority, and simplicity as they serve others with what they have learned and long to give away. The people of Capernaum had this experience when Jesus began His earthly ministry by teaching and preaching in their synagogue.</p> <p>There is a stark contrast between someone hired to say something and a good shepherd—someone who has something to say because they live in awe and wonder about the God they love, serve, and believe in. They speak with authenticity, authority, and simplicity as they serve others with what they have learned and long to give away. The people of Capernaum had this experience when Jesus began His earthly ministry by teaching and preaching in their synagogue.</p> There is a stark contrast between someone hired to say something and a good shepherd—someone who has something to say because they live in awe and wonder about the God they love, serve, and believe in. They speak with authenticity, authority, and simplicity as they serve others with what they have learned and long to give away. The people of Capernaum had this experience when Jesus began His earthly ministry by teaching and preaching in their synagogue.

]]> Sun, 19 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1874 62 c124bcf2007d054bb74489d81e3ab723 no Vision Sunday 2025 - Part 2 What is my part in Refuge? Dominic Dinger <p>What is your part in the body of Christ? What is it that God has given you so you can build up others and love your neighbor in this fellowship? Only you and the Lord can answer that question. But whatever it is, it is essential that you “take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord that you may fulfill it.” (Colossians 4:17)</p> <p>What is your part in the body of Christ? What is it that God has given you so you can build up others and love your neighbor in this fellowship? Only you and the Lord can answer that question. But whatever it is, it is essential that you “take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord that you may fulfill it.” (Colossians 4:17)</p> What is your part in the body of Christ? What is it that God has given you so you can build up others and love your neighbor in this fellowship? Only you and the Lord can answer that question. But whatever it is, it is essential that you “take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord that you may fulfill it.” (Colossians 4:17)

]]> Sun, 12 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2435 63 83539c0c5990a2e7d5c38f25988db3db no Vision Sunday 2025 - Part 1 What is Refuge? Dominic Dinger <p>On the first Sunday of the year, we review the history, vision, purpose, and practice of Refuge to answer these questions: What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What does it look like? We turn to the Bible to find the answers to those important questions so we can understand God's vision for His church.</p> <p>On the first Sunday of the year, we review the history, vision, purpose, and practice of Refuge to answer these questions: What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What does it look like? We turn to the Bible to find the answers to those important questions so we can understand God's vision for His church.</p> On the first Sunday of the year, we review the history, vision, purpose, and practice of Refuge to answer these questions: What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What does it look like? We turn to the Bible to find the answers to those important questions so we can understand God's vision for His church.

]]> Sun, 05 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2464 64 c21eab0bb351d6390d02cc2fc5bf5ac4 no Matthew 10:1-8 Byron Johnson <p>At the end of Matthew 9, Jesus saw the crowds around Him and had compassion on them “because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36). It’s this compassion that led Him to encourage His disciples to ask God to send more workers to share the Good News. In the very next chapter, Jesus sent His disciples as those workers. But He doesn’t send them in their strength. He gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. We, too, have been sent by Jesus with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life. Like the disciples, we must pray before we begin this work.</p> <p>At the end of Matthew 9, Jesus saw the crowds around Him and had compassion on them “because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36). It’s this compassion that led Him to encourage His disciples to ask God to send more workers to share the Good News. In the very next chapter, Jesus sent His disciples as those workers. But He doesn’t send them in their strength. He gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. We, too, have been sent by Jesus with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life. Like the disciples, we must pray before we begin this work.</p> At the end of Matthew 9, Jesus saw the crowds around Him and had compassion on them “because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36). It’s this compassion that led Him to encourage His disciples to ask God to send more workers to share the Good News. In the very next chapter, Jesus sent His disciples as those workers. But He doesn’t send them in their strength. He gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. We, too, have been sent by Jesus with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life. Like the disciples, we must pray before we begin this work.

]]> Sun, 29 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2194 65 208a50e752e9d43313447bbfcac94885 no Luke 2:1-20 “Proclaiming, pondering, glorifying & praising God.” Dominic Dinger Sun, 22 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2012 66 39c28b34563d07763e7cd5146af9c4e9 no Mark 1:1 “The Good News of Jesus Christ” Dominic Dinger <p>“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God…” (Mark 1:1) As 21st Century Gentiles, it's difficult for us to grasp just how dangerous, subversive & controversial it would be to write these important words. But when you consider the backstory of the man God used to write them, you can see why he had the courage, the passion & the urgency to publish something so revolutionary. </p> <p>“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God…” (Mark 1:1) As 21st Century Gentiles, it's difficult for us to grasp just how dangerous, subversive & controversial it would be to write these important words. But when you consider the backstory of the man God used to write them, you can see why he had the courage, the passion & the urgency to publish something so revolutionary. </p> “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God…” (Mark 1:1) As 21st Century Gentiles, it's difficult for us to grasp just how dangerous, subversive & controversial it would be to write these important words. But when you consider the backstory of the man God used to write them, you can see why he had the courage, the passion & the urgency to publish something so revolutionary. 

]]> Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1711 67 c5e230efbcf77216f46dcad8f79ee986 no John 1 “God’s genealogy. God’s birth story.” Dominic Dinger <p>The birth story of Jesus in the Gospel of John isn’t easy to find. There’s no list of names like in Matthew. There’s no heavenly host addressing shepherds as in Luke. But it’s still there! Because John highlighted how Jesus is God, we need to rethink what a birth story for God would look like.</p> <p>The birth story of Jesus in the Gospel of John isn’t easy to find. There’s no list of names like in Matthew. There’s no heavenly host addressing shepherds as in Luke. But it’s still there! Because John highlighted how Jesus is God, we need to rethink what a birth story for God would look like.</p> The birth story of Jesus in the Gospel of John isn’t easy to find. There’s no list of names like in Matthew. There’s no heavenly host addressing shepherds as in Luke. But it’s still there! Because John highlighted how Jesus is God, we need to rethink what a birth story for God would look like.

]]> Sun, 08 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1845 68 70f0cf66cbb94270af2dfc9f07b052f1 no Matthew 8:5-13 “Though you have not seen Him…” Dominic Dinger <p>The world has a common saying: “I’ll believe it when I see it.” But is this always the best way to see? Must we always insist on seeing something before we’re willing to believe it has happened? Or is there a better way? Jesus met a man of faith who believed without needing to see. This man exemplified faith, love, and trust. He understood authority and the power of God. But he wasn’t a religious professional—he was a gentile, a Roman Centurion who caused Jesus to marvel.</p> <p>The world has a common saying: “I’ll believe it when I see it.” But is this always the best way to see? Must we always insist on seeing something before we’re willing to believe it has happened? Or is there a better way? Jesus met a man of faith who believed without needing to see. This man exemplified faith, love, and trust. He understood authority and the power of God. But he wasn’t a religious professional—he was a gentile, a Roman Centurion who caused Jesus to marvel.</p> The world has a common saying: “I’ll believe it when I see it.” But is this always the best way to see? Must we always insist on seeing something before we’re willing to believe it has happened? Or is there a better way? Jesus met a man of faith who believed without needing to see. This man exemplified faith, love, and trust. He understood authority and the power of God. But he wasn’t a religious professional—he was a gentile, a Roman Centurion who caused Jesus to marvel.

]]> Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1933 69 b081b33b8624c0ae308cda45c696cc25 no Matthew 8:1-4 “Because of blood, you are clean.” Dominic Dinger <p>As Jesus descended from the mountain where He delivered His sermon, He interacted with a leper. In the parallel passage in Luke 5, we read of another interaction Jesus had with a different man named Peter. While the leper struggled with his external condition, Peter struggled with his internal condition. However, there are similarities in their struggle—and there are similarities in the answer to their struggle. His name is Jesus.</p> <p>As Jesus descended from the mountain where He delivered His sermon, He interacted with a leper. In the parallel passage in Luke 5, we read of another interaction Jesus had with a different man named Peter. While the leper struggled with his external condition, Peter struggled with his internal condition. However, there are similarities in their struggle—and there are similarities in the answer to their struggle. His name is Jesus.</p> As Jesus descended from the mountain where He delivered His sermon, He interacted with a leper. In the parallel passage in Luke 5, we read of another interaction Jesus had with a different man named Peter. While the leper struggled with his external condition, Peter struggled with his internal condition. However, there are similarities in their struggle—and there are similarities in the answer to their struggle. His name is Jesus.

]]> Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2084 70 d8ebdc9f1fd08091e904521079992050 no Matthew 7:28-29 “The Ministry of The Word” Dominic Dinger <p>Jesus wasn’t just a self-help guru sharing practical advice on how to get through life. Those who heard Jesus sensed the Holy Spirit stirring up their spirits as the ministry of the word happened. Something significant and important occurs when the Spirit of God works through the Word of God in the hearts of the People of God.</p> <p>Jesus wasn’t just a self-help guru sharing practical advice on how to get through life. Those who heard Jesus sensed the Holy Spirit stirring up their spirits as the ministry of the word happened. Something significant and important occurs when the Spirit of God works through the Word of God in the hearts of the People of God.</p> Jesus wasn’t just a self-help guru sharing practical advice on how to get through life. Those who heard Jesus sensed the Holy Spirit stirring up their spirits as the ministry of the word happened. Something significant and important occurs when the Spirit of God works through the Word of God in the hearts of the People of God.

]]> Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2087 71 f75da2ff30b2794a4b4431cb36638fe5 no Matthew 7:24-27 “Get up! Go to Him! He’s calling you!” Dominic Dinger <p>Jesus ended His Sermon on the Mount with three warnings and this past Sunday, we considered Jesus’ third warning about faulty foundations. It’s a warning about merely listening to His words without actually doing what He said. Listening to Jesus can’t save you. Hearing sermons (in a building or on a mountain) can’t save you. You have to do what Jesus says. You have to put down your excuses and take the leap of faith. You must get up and go to Him.</p> <p>Jesus ended His Sermon on the Mount with three warnings and this past Sunday, we considered Jesus’ third warning about faulty foundations. It’s a warning about merely listening to His words without actually doing what He said. Listening to Jesus can’t save you. Hearing sermons (in a building or on a mountain) can’t save you. You have to do what Jesus says. You have to put down your excuses and take the leap of faith. You must get up and go to Him.</p> Jesus ended His Sermon on the Mount with three warnings and this past Sunday, we considered Jesus’ third warning about faulty foundations. It’s a warning about merely listening to His words without actually doing what He said. Listening to Jesus can’t save you. Hearing sermons (in a building or on a mountain) can’t save you. You have to do what Jesus says. You have to put down your excuses and take the leap of faith. You must get up and go to Him.

]]> Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2092 72 7fe9c48db176baccd26913d694df97a8 no Matthew 7:21-23b “Don’t be one of the ‘Many’” Dominic Dinger <p>You can’t just declare yourself a Christian. You must be born again. If you have been truly born again, there will be a transformation—you will become a new creation. There will be evidence of a genuine conversion that Jesus calls ‘fruit.’ In <a href="https://refuge.mn/media/xz89kj3/matthew-7-21-23" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">last week’s study</a>, we considered Simon in Acts 8. Whether Simon was a genuine believer has been debated for centuries. Some see Simon as a new believer struggling with sin. Others view him as a false prophet who made a false profession of faith. And yet, it’s an opportunity for us to reflect on. Do you really want the genuine of your conversion to be debatable? </p> <p>You can’t just declare yourself a Christian. You must be born again. If you have been truly born again, there will be a transformation—you will become a new creation. There will be evidence of a genuine conversion that Jesus calls ‘fruit.’ In <a href="https://refuge.mn/media/xz89kj3/matthew-7-21-23" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">last week’s study</a>, we considered Simon in Acts 8. Whether Simon was a genuine believer has been debated for centuries. Some see Simon as a new believer struggling with sin. Others view him as a false prophet who made a false profession of faith. And yet, it’s an opportunity for us to reflect on. Do you really want the genuine of your conversion to be debatable? </p> You can’t just declare yourself a Christian. You must be born again. If you have been truly born again, there will be a transformation—you will become a new creation. There will be evidence of a genuine conversion that Jesus calls ‘fruit.’ In last week’s study, we considered Simon in Acts 8. Whether Simon was a genuine believer has been debated for centuries. Some see Simon as a new believer struggling with sin. Others view him as a false prophet who made a false profession of faith. And yet, it’s an opportunity for us to reflect on. Do you really want the genuine of your conversion to be debatable? 

]]> Sun, 03 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2095 73 4ffce4664305790bfe96a66634afc990 no Matthew 7:21-23 “I never knew you.” Dominic Dinger <p>Near the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives His disciples three dire warnings concerning false prophets, false professions, and faulty foundations. In our last study, we thoughtfully considered those who present themselves as sheep but are inwardly ravenous wolves. We see an example of a false prophet and a false profession in Simon the magician in Acts 8. </p> <p>Near the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives His disciples three dire warnings concerning false prophets, false professions, and faulty foundations. In our last study, we thoughtfully considered those who present themselves as sheep but are inwardly ravenous wolves. We see an example of a false prophet and a false profession in Simon the magician in Acts 8. </p> Near the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives His disciples three dire warnings concerning false prophets, false professions, and faulty foundations. In our last study, we thoughtfully considered those who present themselves as sheep but are inwardly ravenous wolves. We see an example of a false prophet and a false profession in Simon the magician in Acts 8. 

]]> Sun, 27 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1968 74 1fc2d984c4336ec686cdc964e42c31ab no Mathew 7:15-20 “By their fruits you will know them.” Dominic Dinger <p>Jesus warned His disciples about false prophets who would look like them but were not His. They are not sheep but ravenous wolves. Jesus wasn’t using poetic language to make a point. There are some who look like Christians, talk like Christians, and walk like Christians, but are not Christians and intentionally prey upon Christians. So how do we know who these ravenous wolves are? Thankfully Jesus tells us—“by their fruits you will know them.”</p> <p>Jesus warned His disciples about false prophets who would look like them but were not His. They are not sheep but ravenous wolves. Jesus wasn’t using poetic language to make a point. There are some who look like Christians, talk like Christians, and walk like Christians, but are not Christians and intentionally prey upon Christians. So how do we know who these ravenous wolves are? Thankfully Jesus tells us—“by their fruits you will know them.”</p> Jesus warned His disciples about false prophets who would look like them but were not His. They are not sheep but ravenous wolves. Jesus wasn’t using poetic language to make a point. There are some who look like Christians, talk like Christians, and walk like Christians, but are not Christians and intentionally prey upon Christians. So how do we know who these ravenous wolves are? Thankfully Jesus tells us—“by their fruits you will know them.”

]]> Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1957 75 ee8a1caf9211b5d5ca6bae2b2f7abbea no Matthew 7:7-14 “The Narrow Way.” Dominic Dinger <p>Being a dedicated disciple of Jesus is impossible in our strength and with our resources. Even with all of the effort and human willpower we can muster, we will find ourselves lacking what’s required to do what God calls us to do. That’s why we need to cry out to God for His help continually. We must continually ask. We must continually seek. And we must continually knock, knowing that He is a good Father who knows how to give good gifts.</p> <p>Being a dedicated disciple of Jesus is impossible in our strength and with our resources. Even with all of the effort and human willpower we can muster, we will find ourselves lacking what’s required to do what God calls us to do. That’s why we need to cry out to God for His help continually. We must continually ask. We must continually seek. And we must continually knock, knowing that He is a good Father who knows how to give good gifts.</p> Being a dedicated disciple of Jesus is impossible in our strength and with our resources. Even with all of the effort and human willpower we can muster, we will find ourselves lacking what’s required to do what God calls us to do. That’s why we need to cry out to God for His help continually. We must continually ask. We must continually seek. And we must continually knock, knowing that He is a good Father who knows how to give good gifts.

]]> Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1924 76 75924b7a4a0eb87e4e1370bd51984b44 no Matthew 7:1-6 Allan Benson <p>Jesus's words about judging are some of the most quoted, but they are also some of the most misunderstood. Jesus then talks about pieces of wood in peoples’ eyes, jewelry, and animals, which may explain the misunderstandings. But as we press into what Jesus says, we hear His heart around this important issue and things start to make sense. </p> <p>Jesus's words about judging are some of the most quoted, but they are also some of the most misunderstood. Jesus then talks about pieces of wood in peoples’ eyes, jewelry, and animals, which may explain the misunderstandings. But as we press into what Jesus says, we hear His heart around this important issue and things start to make sense. </p> Jesus's words about judging are some of the most quoted, but they are also some of the most misunderstood. Jesus then talks about pieces of wood in peoples’ eyes, jewelry, and animals, which may explain the misunderstandings. But as we press into what Jesus says, we hear His heart around this important issue and things start to make sense. 

]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1981 77 e4620e1e260326fc0796c9a8a7378bd3 no Matthew 6:19-34 “Seek First…the Kingdom of God.” Dominic Dinger <p>Our way of handling worry leads to hoarding, coveting, and even more worrying. When we try to manage worry in our own way, it ultimately leads to life-taking bondage. But God has a better way—one that gives life. God’s way is the antidote to our way. And in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides us with the antidote to reestablish the right order of things in our hearts.</p> <p>Our way of handling worry leads to hoarding, coveting, and even more worrying. When we try to manage worry in our own way, it ultimately leads to life-taking bondage. But God has a better way—one that gives life. God’s way is the antidote to our way. And in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides us with the antidote to reestablish the right order of things in our hearts.</p> Our way of handling worry leads to hoarding, coveting, and even more worrying. When we try to manage worry in our own way, it ultimately leads to life-taking bondage. But God has a better way—one that gives life. God’s way is the antidote to our way. And in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides us with the antidote to reestablish the right order of things in our hearts.

]]> Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2157 78 a6808adefc1e1212793b6dbf8242b12b no Matthew 6:7-15 “Teach us…to pray.” Dominic Dinger <p>In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the proper motivations for everyday activities. As He teaches about the right motivations for prayer, He provides a primer on prayer—an elementary introduction to the construction of our communication with God. In what’s commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer”, Jesus provides topics of conversation for His disciples as they constantly converse with their Heavenly Father. These conversations aren’t just vain repetitions, but real and honest that further our fellowship with God.</p> <p>In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the proper motivations for everyday activities. As He teaches about the right motivations for prayer, He provides a primer on prayer—an elementary introduction to the construction of our communication with God. In what’s commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer”, Jesus provides topics of conversation for His disciples as they constantly converse with their Heavenly Father. These conversations aren’t just vain repetitions, but real and honest that further our fellowship with God.</p> In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the proper motivations for everyday activities. As He teaches about the right motivations for prayer, He provides a primer on prayer—an elementary introduction to the construction of our communication with God. In what’s commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer”, Jesus provides topics of conversation for His disciples as they constantly converse with their Heavenly Father. These conversations aren’t just vain repetitions, but real and honest that further our fellowship with God.

]]> Sun, 22 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2009 79 0c7b8a1e1829eaba25db10492f53e162 no Matthew 6:1-18 “Motivation for Ministry in Everyday Activities.” Dominic Dinger <p>Jesus tells us that our motivation for ministry in everyday activities is important. If we’re motivated by what we get from giving, praying, or fasting, then what we get is all we’ll get. There will be no eternal reward if getting is our motivation. But even more important than the motivation for eternal rewards is fellowship with God. There is nothing greater or more valuable than fellowship with our Heavenly Father.</p> <p>Jesus tells us that our motivation for ministry in everyday activities is important. If we’re motivated by what we get from giving, praying, or fasting, then what we get is all we’ll get. There will be no eternal reward if getting is our motivation. But even more important than the motivation for eternal rewards is fellowship with God. There is nothing greater or more valuable than fellowship with our Heavenly Father.</p> Jesus tells us that our motivation for ministry in everyday activities is important. If we’re motivated by what we get from giving, praying, or fasting, then what we get is all we’ll get. There will be no eternal reward if getting is our motivation. But even more important than the motivation for eternal rewards is fellowship with God. There is nothing greater or more valuable than fellowship with our Heavenly Father.

]]> Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1776 80 9370627c5be71ceec5b99aa0cbd09023 no Matthew 5:33-48 “The Expectations of Discipleship.” Dominic Dinger <p>As we work through the Sermon on the Mount, we discover the attitudes, actions, and attributes we must have to continue to be Jesus’ disciples. These are not unattainable ideals but the basic expectations for the disciples of Jesus. Jesus expects His followers to be honest, to have grit, and to be more than conquerors. </p> <p>As we work through the Sermon on the Mount, we discover the attitudes, actions, and attributes we must have to continue to be Jesus’ disciples. These are not unattainable ideals but the basic expectations for the disciples of Jesus. Jesus expects His followers to be honest, to have grit, and to be more than conquerors. </p> As we work through the Sermon on the Mount, we discover the attitudes, actions, and attributes we must have to continue to be Jesus’ disciples. These are not unattainable ideals but the basic expectations for the disciples of Jesus. Jesus expects His followers to be honest, to have grit, and to be more than conquerors. 

]]> Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2130 81 d9e38b8c20384060f0edad8e469119b5 no Matthew 5:27-32 “Deal Decisively With Sin.” Dominic Dinger <p>Not only does Jesus want us to steer clear of adultery, but also of where adultery begins—with one lustful look. Just like contemptuous anger and murder, lust and adultery have serious consequences. We must deal decisively with sin, and yet gouging out our eyes and cutting off our hands isn’t enough. What are we to do? Thankfully Jesus gets to the heart of the issue, which is the issue of the heart. </p> <p>Not only does Jesus want us to steer clear of adultery, but also of where adultery begins—with one lustful look. Just like contemptuous anger and murder, lust and adultery have serious consequences. We must deal decisively with sin, and yet gouging out our eyes and cutting off our hands isn’t enough. What are we to do? Thankfully Jesus gets to the heart of the issue, which is the issue of the heart. </p> Not only does Jesus want us to steer clear of adultery, but also of where adultery begins—with one lustful look. Just like contemptuous anger and murder, lust and adultery have serious consequences. We must deal decisively with sin, and yet gouging out our eyes and cutting off our hands isn’t enough. What are we to do? Thankfully Jesus gets to the heart of the issue, which is the issue of the heart. 

]]> Sun, 01 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2630 82 10576c612e0bd22917d8821d03bfea60 no Matthew 5:23-26 “Reconciliation begins with genuine repentance.” Dominic Dinger <p>Forgiveness and reconciliation are two different things. Forgiveness can happen in a moment. Reconciliation is often a process. Forgiveness releases someone else from your “right” to retaliate. Reconciliation is restoring the relationship to the intimacy that was once present. There is no way to reconcile a relationship without genuine humility and repentance. Jesus clarifies this in the Sermon on the Mount as He addresses contemptuous anger.</p> <p>Forgiveness and reconciliation are two different things. Forgiveness can happen in a moment. Reconciliation is often a process. Forgiveness releases someone else from your “right” to retaliate. Reconciliation is restoring the relationship to the intimacy that was once present. There is no way to reconcile a relationship without genuine humility and repentance. Jesus clarifies this in the Sermon on the Mount as He addresses contemptuous anger.</p> Forgiveness and reconciliation are two different things. Forgiveness can happen in a moment. Reconciliation is often a process. Forgiveness releases someone else from your “right” to retaliate. Reconciliation is restoring the relationship to the intimacy that was once present. There is no way to reconcile a relationship without genuine humility and repentance. Jesus clarifies this in the Sermon on the Mount as He addresses contemptuous anger.

]]> Sun, 25 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2340 83 568742b5a0bc96a011a4a74cf501c9cb no Matthew 5:21-22 “Contemptuous Anger - Anger Born Out of Insecurity.” Dominic Dinger <p>Sin starts in the heart before it ever becomes an outward act. We are just as culpable, accountable, and guilty when sin starts within us as if we actually went forward with the outward act. If we are to continue to be Jesus’ disciples, we must understand the necessity of the Holy Spirit in transforming us deep within so that sin doesn’t even have a chance to begin.</p> <p>Sin starts in the heart before it ever becomes an outward act. We are just as culpable, accountable, and guilty when sin starts within us as if we actually went forward with the outward act. If we are to continue to be Jesus’ disciples, we must understand the necessity of the Holy Spirit in transforming us deep within so that sin doesn’t even have a chance to begin.</p> Sin starts in the heart before it ever becomes an outward act. We are just as culpable, accountable, and guilty when sin starts within us as if we actually went forward with the outward act. If we are to continue to be Jesus’ disciples, we must understand the necessity of the Holy Spirit in transforming us deep within so that sin doesn’t even have a chance to begin.

]]> Sun, 18 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2110 84 c6810cfbadf0a9f7931c87a0857035ac no 2 Peter 3:17-18 Steve Rhoads <p>The Apostle Peter closed his second letter with a warning (2 Peter 3:17) about the age in which we live. Still, he encouraged us in the next sentence (2 Peter 3:18). It is only when we are active and growing in our faith that we yield evidence that the Lord is at work in our lives. Guest speaker Steve Rhoads encouraged and reminded us that God cares about one thing in us—that we are growing in Him.</p> <p>The Apostle Peter closed his second letter with a warning (2 Peter 3:17) about the age in which we live. Still, he encouraged us in the next sentence (2 Peter 3:18). It is only when we are active and growing in our faith that we yield evidence that the Lord is at work in our lives. Guest speaker Steve Rhoads encouraged and reminded us that God cares about one thing in us—that we are growing in Him.</p> The Apostle Peter closed his second letter with a warning (2 Peter 3:17) about the age in which we live. Still, he encouraged us in the next sentence (2 Peter 3:18). It is only when we are active and growing in our faith that we yield evidence that the Lord is at work in our lives. Guest speaker Steve Rhoads encouraged and reminded us that God cares about one thing in us—that we are growing in Him.

]]> Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2446 85 642b1ca1641429c5d0a17025f70518b7 no John 20:19-22 Byron Johnson <p>Near the end of the Gospel of John, we read the account of the day Jesus rose from the dead. John 20:19-22 records the first interaction between Jesus and His disciples after His resurrection. What would Jesus say to these men who gave up everything to follow Him but fell away at His arrest and crucifixion? As He stood among them, He said to them, “Peace be with you.” Pastor Byron Johnson led our time in John 20:19-22 as we consider how Jesus meets us where we are.</p> <p>Near the end of the Gospel of John, we read the account of the day Jesus rose from the dead. John 20:19-22 records the first interaction between Jesus and His disciples after His resurrection. What would Jesus say to these men who gave up everything to follow Him but fell away at His arrest and crucifixion? As He stood among them, He said to them, “Peace be with you.” Pastor Byron Johnson led our time in John 20:19-22 as we consider how Jesus meets us where we are.</p> Near the end of the Gospel of John, we read the account of the day Jesus rose from the dead. John 20:19-22 records the first interaction between Jesus and His disciples after His resurrection. What would Jesus say to these men who gave up everything to follow Him but fell away at His arrest and crucifixion? As He stood among them, He said to them, “Peace be with you.” Pastor Byron Johnson led our time in John 20:19-22 as we consider how Jesus meets us where we are.

]]> Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2233 86 1e4b677eff22b6b16a31edf9fbf359c8 no Matthew 5:21-48 “Our…current…understanding?” Dominic Dinger <p>Most people think the way to attain eternal life is by being good. This line of thinking evaluates righteousness as a point system, concluding that someone will get into heaven if their good works outnumber their bad deeds. Jesus confronts this current understanding repeatedly in the Sermon on the Mount with this simple statement: “You have heard that it was said to those of old…but I say to you…”  </p> <p>Most people think the way to attain eternal life is by being good. This line of thinking evaluates righteousness as a point system, concluding that someone will get into heaven if their good works outnumber their bad deeds. Jesus confronts this current understanding repeatedly in the Sermon on the Mount with this simple statement: “You have heard that it was said to those of old…but I say to you…”  </p> Most people think the way to attain eternal life is by being good. This line of thinking evaluates righteousness as a point system, concluding that someone will get into heaven if their good works outnumber their bad deeds. Jesus confronts this current understanding repeatedly in the Sermon on the Mount with this simple statement: “You have heard that it was said to those of old…but I say to you…”  

]]> Sun, 28 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2255 87 a36ea903b86488534d965a8584ce7f68 no Matthew 5:17-20 “Another way?” Dominic Dinger <p>The people listening to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount weren’t “religious professionals”. They were common, everyday, ordinary people—all of them sinners. And yet, He told them, “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Just how were these ordinary people supposed to exceed the righteous “religious professionals” who centered their entire lives around following the law—especially if Jesus wasn’t going to abolish the law? There must be another way!</p> <p>The people listening to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount weren’t “religious professionals”. They were common, everyday, ordinary people—all of them sinners. And yet, He told them, “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Just how were these ordinary people supposed to exceed the righteous “religious professionals” who centered their entire lives around following the law—especially if Jesus wasn’t going to abolish the law? There must be another way!</p> The people listening to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount weren’t “religious professionals”. They were common, everyday, ordinary people—all of them sinners. And yet, He told them, “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Just how were these ordinary people supposed to exceed the righteous “religious professionals” who centered their entire lives around following the law—especially if Jesus wasn’t going to abolish the law? There must be another way!

]]> Sun, 21 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1775 88 04c133f7bd6093f3b5c0d7ce66df02fc no Acts 8:26-40 “A servant…obedient…to The Holy Spirit.” Dominic Dinger <p>Philip was one of seven men who were appointed by the apostles to serve physical food so that the apostles could continue to serve spiritual food. While Philip served, God was teaching, training, and forming him in preparation for what was next. Philip didn’t know it, but God was training him not only to be the first great missionary in the church but also to be the first great evangelist in the church.</p> <p>Philip was one of seven men who were appointed by the apostles to serve physical food so that the apostles could continue to serve spiritual food. While Philip served, God was teaching, training, and forming him in preparation for what was next. Philip didn’t know it, but God was training him not only to be the first great missionary in the church but also to be the first great evangelist in the church.</p> Philip was one of seven men who were appointed by the apostles to serve physical food so that the apostles could continue to serve spiritual food. While Philip served, God was teaching, training, and forming him in preparation for what was next. Philip didn’t know it, but God was training him not only to be the first great missionary in the church but also to be the first great evangelist in the church.

]]> Sun, 14 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1861 89 3b8b3787022f3d55b058ff130a4ad85d no Matthew 5:13-16 “A good for nothing…Christian?” Dominic Dinger <p>Light and salt were two sermon illustrations Jesus used in the Sermon on the Mount. But He didn’t use them at random. He chose these because they illustrate the Beatitudes and help us see what our attitudes must be if we continue in this beautiful, worthy difficulty called ‘ministry’ and what kind of influence these attitudes have on those around us.</p> <p>Light and salt were two sermon illustrations Jesus used in the Sermon on the Mount. But He didn’t use them at random. He chose these because they illustrate the Beatitudes and help us see what our attitudes must be if we continue in this beautiful, worthy difficulty called ‘ministry’ and what kind of influence these attitudes have on those around us.</p> Light and salt were two sermon illustrations Jesus used in the Sermon on the Mount. But He didn’t use them at random. He chose these because they illustrate the Beatitudes and help us see what our attitudes must be if we continue in this beautiful, worthy difficulty called ‘ministry’ and what kind of influence these attitudes have on those around us.

]]> Sun, 07 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1960 90 286884e135b193c85dcd5cf79eb3b606 no Matthew 5:10-12 “Jump for joy!” Dominic Dinger <p>To be genuinely content, we must not be self-serving, but self-sacrificing. We must be gentle, merciful, pure in heart, yearn for righteousness, and seek to make peace on God’s terms. This is what we endeavor to do—even if these attitudes cause persecution and suffering. Jesus gives us full disclosure as we serve others and lets us know that as we love and care for people in this way, we can anticipate and expect persecution. </p> <p>To be genuinely content, we must not be self-serving, but self-sacrificing. We must be gentle, merciful, pure in heart, yearn for righteousness, and seek to make peace on God’s terms. This is what we endeavor to do—even if these attitudes cause persecution and suffering. Jesus gives us full disclosure as we serve others and lets us know that as we love and care for people in this way, we can anticipate and expect persecution. </p> To be genuinely content, we must not be self-serving, but self-sacrificing. We must be gentle, merciful, pure in heart, yearn for righteousness, and seek to make peace on God’s terms. This is what we endeavor to do—even if these attitudes cause persecution and suffering. Jesus gives us full disclosure as we serve others and lets us know that as we love and care for people in this way, we can anticipate and expect persecution. 

]]> Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2139 91 1b1738a6e3c3953245a0943545d2b3aa no Matthew 5:9 “Peace-makers.” Dominic Dinger Sun, 23 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2330 92 0488f7cd252bac182fec5caf185dd754 no Psalm 23 “The Lord…is my Shepherd.” Dominic Dinger <p>Psalm 23 is usually read at somber and solemn occasions in an effort to bring comfort to those who are mourning or grieving. While this isn’t inappropriate, there is certainly more to this psalm that we can appreciate. Within its lines, we see a celebration and declaration concerning the many blessings of having the Lord as our Shepherd.</p> <p>Psalm 23 is usually read at somber and solemn occasions in an effort to bring comfort to those who are mourning or grieving. While this isn’t inappropriate, there is certainly more to this psalm that we can appreciate. Within its lines, we see a celebration and declaration concerning the many blessings of having the Lord as our Shepherd.</p> Psalm 23 is usually read at somber and solemn occasions in an effort to bring comfort to those who are mourning or grieving. While this isn’t inappropriate, there is certainly more to this psalm that we can appreciate. Within its lines, we see a celebration and declaration concerning the many blessings of having the Lord as our Shepherd.

]]> Sun, 16 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1873 93 034c284bf170625a34429c7f6d0dd6f9 no 1 Peter 5:5-9 Bill Welsh <p>The letter of 1 Peter is the Apostle Peter at his best. This fisherman-turned-fisher-of-men wrote to other believers of Jesus struggling amid persecution. Near the end of his letter, Peter encourages them to conduct themselves courageously for the sake of Christ. Watch our study from Sunday as Guest Speaker and good friend of the fellowship Pastor Bill Welsh led our time in 1 Peter 5 and reminded us of the place we have at the table with Jesus through communion.</p> <p>The letter of 1 Peter is the Apostle Peter at his best. This fisherman-turned-fisher-of-men wrote to other believers of Jesus struggling amid persecution. Near the end of his letter, Peter encourages them to conduct themselves courageously for the sake of Christ. Watch our study from Sunday as Guest Speaker and good friend of the fellowship Pastor Bill Welsh led our time in 1 Peter 5 and reminded us of the place we have at the table with Jesus through communion.</p> The letter of 1 Peter is the Apostle Peter at his best. This fisherman-turned-fisher-of-men wrote to other believers of Jesus struggling amid persecution. Near the end of his letter, Peter encourages them to conduct themselves courageously for the sake of Christ. Watch our study from Sunday as Guest Speaker and good friend of the fellowship Pastor Bill Welsh led our time in 1 Peter 5 and reminded us of the place we have at the table with Jesus through communion.

]]> Sun, 09 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2601 94 a033c293395b65a68fe222938b887dee no Matthew 5:8 “We…get to see…GOD!” Dominic Dinger <p>God purifies us as we follow Him. He works in our lives to remove the things that contaminate us and then refines us with what He gives us. Through His refining work in our lives, we start to see Him—just as Jesus said: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). Watch our study as we continue to work through the Sermon on the Mount.</p> <p>God purifies us as we follow Him. He works in our lives to remove the things that contaminate us and then refines us with what He gives us. Through His refining work in our lives, we start to see Him—just as Jesus said: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). Watch our study as we continue to work through the Sermon on the Mount.</p> God purifies us as we follow Him. He works in our lives to remove the things that contaminate us and then refines us with what He gives us. Through His refining work in our lives, we start to see Him—just as Jesus said: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). Watch our study as we continue to work through the Sermon on the Mount.

]]> Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1806 95 68adec93d85742738877459177981d39 no Matthew 5:7 “Mercy…in ministry.” Dominic Dinger <p>Mercy is a core component of ministry. Being kind, even and especially to your enemies, is essential. Jesus gives us a whole new way to be merciful to enemies who would mistreat us. </p> <p>Mercy is a core component of ministry. Being kind, even and especially to your enemies, is essential. Jesus gives us a whole new way to be merciful to enemies who would mistreat us. </p> Mercy is a core component of ministry. Being kind, even and especially to your enemies, is essential. Jesus gives us a whole new way to be merciful to enemies who would mistreat us. 

]]> Sun, 26 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1748 96 845881c39ddeaf3b0b4923a0cbbc62c6 no 1 Corinthians 16 Dominic Dinger <p>In the last chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the collection of offerings, his plans for traveling, and some final instructions to the church in Corinth.</p> <p>In the last chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the collection of offerings, his plans for traveling, and some final instructions to the church in Corinth.</p> In the last chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the collection of offerings, his plans for traveling, and some final instructions to the church in Corinth.

]]> Wed, 22 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1495 97 713cab631cb24e5665a97ff1851b37c9 no Lamentations 3:52-57 “The God Who Hears” Nate Van Vooren Sun, 19 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1578 98 b5f4bd2abe341ba4ecf3a8d6f04496e1 no 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 Dominic Dinger Wed, 15 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1680 99 cabe8f595149e8ed99a8ae46b1e94ae0 no Matthew 5:6 “Is it right?” Dominic Dinger <p>From the mountain, Jesus delivered a sermon to His disciples. He taught them what their attitudes must be like if they were to continue to be His disciples. He wanted to give them (and us) as much disclosure as possible to know what ministry would be like. And this is true with the fourth beatitude, as the Holy Spirit draws those who continue to follow Jesus into an even deeper level of humility.</p> <p>From the mountain, Jesus delivered a sermon to His disciples. He taught them what their attitudes must be like if they were to continue to be His disciples. He wanted to give them (and us) as much disclosure as possible to know what ministry would be like. And this is true with the fourth beatitude, as the Holy Spirit draws those who continue to follow Jesus into an even deeper level of humility.</p> From the mountain, Jesus delivered a sermon to His disciples. He taught them what their attitudes must be like if they were to continue to be His disciples. He wanted to give them (and us) as much disclosure as possible to know what ministry would be like. And this is true with the fourth beatitude, as the Holy Spirit draws those who continue to follow Jesus into an even deeper level of humility.

]]> Sun, 12 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2055 100 f7531429bd6aa495107544559319740b no 1 Corinthians 15:20-34 Dominic Dinger <p>The Corinthian church was compromising on the core issue of the resurrection of Jesus. In his letter to them, Paul addressed this matter with clarity and reminded them that through Christ's resurrection, death has been defeated—and will one day be destroyed! </p> <p>The Corinthian church was compromising on the core issue of the resurrection of Jesus. In his letter to them, Paul addressed this matter with clarity and reminded them that through Christ's resurrection, death has been defeated—and will one day be destroyed! </p> The Corinthian church was compromising on the core issue of the resurrection of Jesus. In his letter to them, Paul addressed this matter with clarity and reminded them that through Christ's resurrection, death has been defeated—and will one day be destroyed!

]]> Wed, 08 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1226 101 07d3a2c1e263e9d714f25e2110f42861 no Matthew 5:5 “A work of the Holy Spirit…” Dominic Dinger <p>We will not survive long if we think we are capable of what God has called us to because of our resume or spiritual skill set. It is only by His mercy that any of us are in ministry. This is especially important to be aware of as we consider the third beatitude—“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5). What does it mean to be meek and why is this an attitude important to have if we are to survive and thrive in ministry?</p> <p>We will not survive long if we think we are capable of what God has called us to because of our resume or spiritual skill set. It is only by His mercy that any of us are in ministry. This is especially important to be aware of as we consider the third beatitude—“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5). What does it mean to be meek and why is this an attitude important to have if we are to survive and thrive in ministry?</p> We will not survive long if we think we are capable of what God has called us to because of our resume or spiritual skill set. It is only by His mercy that any of us are in ministry. This is especially important to be aware of as we consider the third beatitude—“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5). What does it mean to be meek and why is this an attitude important to have if we are to survive and thrive in ministry?

]]> Sun, 05 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1750 102 2d510ff47d585cbde7b17deaa2390ab4 no 1 Corinthians 15:1-19 Dominic Dinger <p>The resurrection of Jesus is central to the gospel. Without it, the message & our hope is meaningless. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all people the most pitiable. But because Jesus Christ is risen and alive, we have a living Lord and a living hope!</p> <p>The resurrection of Jesus is central to the gospel. Without it, the message & our hope is meaningless. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all people the most pitiable. But because Jesus Christ is risen and alive, we have a living Lord and a living hope!</p> The resurrection of Jesus is central to the gospel. Without it, the message & our hope is meaningless. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all people the most pitiable. But because Jesus Christ is risen and alive, we have a living Lord and a living hope!

]]> Wed, 01 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1519 103 1576ec4c263f459dfbd5921e5d49c90a no Matthew 5:4 “It is only by His mercy…” Dominic Dinger <p>As we recognize our own spiritual poverty (Matthew 5:3), we become increasingly aware of our own sin—and mourn over it as we realize just how unworthy we really are. And once we recognize that, we see that it is only by His mercy that we have any ministry at all. </p> <p>As we recognize our own spiritual poverty (Matthew 5:3), we become increasingly aware of our own sin—and mourn over it as we realize just how unworthy we really are. And once we recognize that, we see that it is only by His mercy that we have any ministry at all. </p> As we recognize our own spiritual poverty (Matthew 5:3), we become increasingly aware of our own sin—and mourn over it as we realize just how unworthy we really are. And once we recognize that, we see that it is only by His mercy that we have any ministry at all. 

]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1824 104 20c959e372ba7c3e77c92f627122a0bf no 1 Corinthians 14:20-40 Dominic Dinger Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1882 105 d5f10c0ef4c2485b9eefb83b0b00326e no Matthew 5:3 “If anyone thirsts…let him come to Me.” Dominic Dinger <p>In Matthew 5, we read the message Jesus spoke to His disciples on a mountain in Galilee. This sermon begins with the beatitudes—the attitudes of the citizens of His kingdom. Jesus is not just another earthly ruler. He is the king of the kingdom of heaven. And so, these attitudes run counter to the culture and kingdoms of men. Like the first beatitude—recognizing your spiritual poverty.</p> <p>In Matthew 5, we read the message Jesus spoke to His disciples on a mountain in Galilee. This sermon begins with the beatitudes—the attitudes of the citizens of His kingdom. Jesus is not just another earthly ruler. He is the king of the kingdom of heaven. And so, these attitudes run counter to the culture and kingdoms of men. Like the first beatitude—recognizing your spiritual poverty.</p> In Matthew 5, we read the message Jesus spoke to His disciples on a mountain in Galilee. This sermon begins with the beatitudes—the attitudes of the citizens of His kingdom. Jesus is not just another earthly ruler. He is the king of the kingdom of heaven. And so, these attitudes run counter to the culture and kingdoms of men. Like the first beatitude—recognizing your spiritual poverty.

]]> Sun, 21 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1702 106 c01a16f8a231acea6ad7d0473c14abae no Matthew 5:1-12 “Just choose.” Dominic Dinger Sun, 14 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1872 107 85a05d1f10a5a681a69b3c796c7e45c8 no 1 Corinthians 14:1-19 Dominic Dinger Wed, 10 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1300 108 87fb71fac2c09a09c6db603bbf7e6f6c no Matthew 5:1-12 “Sermon…on…The Mountain.” Dominic Dinger <p>In the Gospels, we read of all sorts of reasons people would follow Jesus. But one interesting aspect of the life & ministry of Jesus was that He often avoided large gatherings. Jesus was more concerned with making disciples. He was focused on individuals who would desire to learn from Him and choose to follow Him for the right reasons. To these individuals, He was constantly teaching about how His kingdom would look like and what it would mean to serve alongside Him. In these moments, He would draw His disciples in, explaining the cost of true discipleship. </p> <p>In the Gospels, we read of all sorts of reasons people would follow Jesus. But one interesting aspect of the life & ministry of Jesus was that He often avoided large gatherings. Jesus was more concerned with making disciples. He was focused on individuals who would desire to learn from Him and choose to follow Him for the right reasons. To these individuals, He was constantly teaching about how His kingdom would look like and what it would mean to serve alongside Him. In these moments, He would draw His disciples in, explaining the cost of true discipleship. </p> In the Gospels, we read of all sorts of reasons people would follow Jesus. But one interesting aspect of the life & ministry of Jesus was that He often avoided large gatherings. Jesus was more concerned with making disciples. He was focused on individuals who would desire to learn from Him and choose to follow Him for the right reasons. To these individuals, He was constantly teaching about how His kingdom would look like and what it would mean to serve alongside Him. In these moments, He would draw His disciples in, explaining the cost of true discipleship. 

]]> Sun, 07 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1639 109 3eff406bd9e2e0277cb5754dc652858b no 1 Corinthians 14:1 “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” Dominic Dinger Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1039 110 5256445800025a05851b1a2372d840a7 no John 20 – “Head…Heart…Hands.” Dominic Dinger <p>The news of Jesus’ body absent from the tomb didn’t bring immediate relief to His followers. They initially thought that someone had taken Jesus’ body. Their confusion slowly gave way to belief as He revealed Himself to them right where they were.</p> <p>The news of Jesus’ body absent from the tomb didn’t bring immediate relief to His followers. They initially thought that someone had taken Jesus’ body. Their confusion slowly gave way to belief as He revealed Himself to them right where they were.</p> The news of Jesus’ body absent from the tomb didn’t bring immediate relief to His followers. They initially thought that someone had taken Jesus’ body. Their confusion slowly gave way to belief as He revealed Himself to them right where they were.

]]> Sun, 31 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1358 111 65270f1b7e2e1714b220645574800099 no John 19 “The power to lay His life down.” Dominic Dinger Fri, 29 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1499 112 656f531a8c34ce151c8789b5fd30e4d8 no Luke 22:1-23 “The Lamb of God…” Dominic Dinger Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1440 113 25189bf1f159fc928944af4af2b90fd8 no Matthew 4:12-25 “Light…has dawned!” Dominic Dinger <p>During His earthly ministry, Jesus preached and taught, warned and discipled—all according to the working of the Holy Spirit. And it all started in the unlikeliest of places—Nazareth and Galilee. In the eyes of the religious elite of the day, these were not destinations to travel to or places to be proud of. And yet, these places were just right for Jesus to begin His public ministry and recruit His followers—for God uses the foolish, the forsaken, and the forgotten things to shame the strong and bring glory to Himself.</p> <p>During His earthly ministry, Jesus preached and taught, warned and discipled—all according to the working of the Holy Spirit. And it all started in the unlikeliest of places—Nazareth and Galilee. In the eyes of the religious elite of the day, these were not destinations to travel to or places to be proud of. And yet, these places were just right for Jesus to begin His public ministry and recruit His followers—for God uses the foolish, the forsaken, and the forgotten things to shame the strong and bring glory to Himself.</p> During His earthly ministry, Jesus preached and taught, warned and discipled—all according to the working of the Holy Spirit. And it all started in the unlikeliest of places—Nazareth and Galilee. In the eyes of the religious elite of the day, these were not destinations to travel to or places to be proud of. And yet, these places were just right for Jesus to begin His public ministry and recruit His followers—for God uses the foolish, the forsaken, and the forgotten things to shame the strong and bring glory to Himself.

]]> Sun, 24 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1623 114 c3863b2887f6e69bfaa4498ab4567414 no Luke 7:1-10 Nate Van Vooren Wed, 20 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1214 115 47a4d264181ea1a72a0a9892d9396dea no Matthew 4:1-11 “The fight…of faith.” Dominic Dinger <p>“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus was tempted in every way that we are tempted. In many ways, His temptations were much, much worse—and yet, He did not sin. But that does not mean He was unaffected by the human experience. His trial of temptation has a profound effect on His life and ministry.</p> <p>“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus was tempted in every way that we are tempted. In many ways, His temptations were much, much worse—and yet, He did not sin. But that does not mean He was unaffected by the human experience. His trial of temptation has a profound effect on His life and ministry.</p> “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus was tempted in every way that we are tempted. In many ways, His temptations were much, much worse—and yet, He did not sin. But that does not mean He was unaffected by the human experience. His trial of temptation has a profound effect on His life and ministry.

]]> Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2129 116 bd15f7c6454d8cfa0adf3aad1e52d62e no 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Dominic Dinger Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1430 117 8344b7c81ffaf80ac4f7af80149eb62a no Guest Speaker Richard Lang Richard Lang Sun, 10 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2168 118 9fb27b1d5f2ee8431c84cc545d0ec969 no 1 Corinthians 13 “Spiritual Gifts in the Last Days” Dominic Dinger Wed, 06 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1591 119 7dbaec81bfc0e011e22685ad2164a36c no Matthew 3:13-17 “He must increase…but I must decrease.” Dominic Dinger <p>John the Baptist’s whole life & ministry was in preparation for the public ministry of Jesus. With each passing day, John knew that Jesus would be coming at any moment. So he faithfully prepared the people to be prepared for the Lord’s arrival. And then…that day came, when the Uncreated Creator not only visited humanity in the frailty of humanity, but also began His earthly ministry. </p> <p>John the Baptist’s whole life & ministry was in preparation for the public ministry of Jesus. With each passing day, John knew that Jesus would be coming at any moment. So he faithfully prepared the people to be prepared for the Lord’s arrival. And then…that day came, when the Uncreated Creator not only visited humanity in the frailty of humanity, but also began His earthly ministry. </p> John the Baptist’s whole life & ministry was in preparation for the public ministry of Jesus. With each passing day, John knew that Jesus would be coming at any moment. So he faithfully prepared the people to be prepared for the Lord’s arrival. And then…that day came, when the Uncreated Creator not only visited humanity in the frailty of humanity, but also began His earthly ministry. 

]]> Sun, 03 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1688 120 ff1a191c6b1e1dc0c2de29e1a617b931 no 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Dominic Dinger Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1147 121 837be6e2a2a72d04efa9558f708ddf68 no Matthew 3:13-17 “Backstory.” Dominic Dinger <p>In Matthew 3, two of the most influential men & ministers in history came to a crossroads. John's ministry was coming to an end and Jesus' earthly ministry was just beginning. In order to understand all that was happening, we have to go back to a time before Jesus and John were born—to the ancient prophecies that foretold their arrival.</p> <p>In Matthew 3, two of the most influential men & ministers in history came to a crossroads. John's ministry was coming to an end and Jesus' earthly ministry was just beginning. In order to understand all that was happening, we have to go back to a time before Jesus and John were born—to the ancient prophecies that foretold their arrival.</p> In Matthew 3, two of the most influential men & ministers in history came to a crossroads. John's ministry was coming to an end and Jesus' earthly ministry was just beginning. In order to understand all that was happening, we have to go back to a time before Jesus and John were born—to the ancient prophecies that foretold their arrival.

]]> Sun, 25 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1930 122 3e7d8f1f1ec70f50375cca4a6a614474 no 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Dominic Dinger Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1923 123 508f7961f766f943cb1fb8127eb71b6e no Matthew 3:1-12 “Prepare…The Way!!!” Dominic Dinger <p>In Matthew 3, we read about one man in the wilderness with one singular purpose—to prepare the way of The Lord. His name was John, and at first glance, he might seem like an odd man. After all, he wore camel’s hair and ate honey and locust. But he had an important message to fulfill his purpose. What was his message to prepare us for The King of The Kingdom that was at hand? What was the message that would prepare us to receive Jesus? “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”</p> <p>In Matthew 3, we read about one man in the wilderness with one singular purpose—to prepare the way of The Lord. His name was John, and at first glance, he might seem like an odd man. After all, he wore camel’s hair and ate honey and locust. But he had an important message to fulfill his purpose. What was his message to prepare us for The King of The Kingdom that was at hand? What was the message that would prepare us to receive Jesus? “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”</p> In Matthew 3, we read about one man in the wilderness with one singular purpose—to prepare the way of The Lord. His name was John, and at first glance, he might seem like an odd man. After all, he wore camel’s hair and ate honey and locust. But he had an important message to fulfill his purpose. What was his message to prepare us for The King of The Kingdom that was at hand? What was the message that would prepare us to receive Jesus? “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

]]> Sun, 18 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1935 124 b79cb016e3be66c067ab5a7139863d89 no Matthew 3:1-2 “Repent…for the kingdom of heaven…is at hand!” Dominic Dinger <p>After speaking to His people through the prophet Malachi, God was silent for 400 years. The last thing He told them was that He would send a man who would help them prepare for the coming Messiah by turning their hearts to the things of the Lord.</p><p><br></p><p>That man was John the Baptist—the last of the Old Covenant prophets, even though his life and ministry is recorded in the New Testament. John had a word from the Lord, the first word spoken by God to His people in 400 years.</p><p><br></p><p>What was that first word after centuries of silence? Repent! But what does repent mean? And why is repentance important to the Lord? We considered these questions as we studied the first two verses of Matthew 3.</p> <p>After speaking to His people through the prophet Malachi, God was silent for 400 years. The last thing He told them was that He would send a man who would help them prepare for the coming Messiah by turning their hearts to the things of the Lord.</p><p><br></p><p>That man was John the Baptist—the last of the Old Covenant prophets, even though his life and ministry is recorded in the New Testament. John had a word from the Lord, the first word spoken by God to His people in 400 years.</p><p><br></p><p>What was that first word after centuries of silence? Repent! But what does repent mean? And why is repentance important to the Lord? We considered these questions as we studied the first two verses of Matthew 3.</p> After speaking to His people through the prophet Malachi, God was silent for 400 years. The last thing He told them was that He would send a man who would help them prepare for the coming Messiah by turning their hearts to the things of the Lord.


That man was John the Baptist—the last of the Old Covenant prophets, even though his life and ministry is recorded in the New Testament. John had a word from the Lord, the first word spoken by God to His people in 400 years.


What was that first word after centuries of silence? Repent! But what does repent mean? And why is repentance important to the Lord? We considered these questions as we studied the first two verses of Matthew 3.

]]> Sun, 11 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1606 125 60e9062eef6547c6a6d7b5425b3b44fa no Matthew 2:19-23 “Look…to Jesus.” Dominic Dinger <p>In his letter to the Ephesian church, the Apostle Paul wrote that we are to put off our our old nature, which is continually corrupted by its deceitful desires. We considered this as we continue to learn about Herod in our study in Matthew. What would this mean for the heart of Herod after he rejected the Lord? His heart would be continually corrupted and rotted by its deceitful desires. But this isn’t just true for Herod—it applies for all who reject God. This is why Jesus came—to save us from our old self, to give us an opportunity to be born again, and to give us a brand new heart and a new spiritual nature. All of this is available to anyone who comes to Him—even to the worst of sinners. Even sinners as vile and violent like Herod.</p> <p>In his letter to the Ephesian church, the Apostle Paul wrote that we are to put off our our old nature, which is continually corrupted by its deceitful desires. We considered this as we continue to learn about Herod in our study in Matthew. What would this mean for the heart of Herod after he rejected the Lord? His heart would be continually corrupted and rotted by its deceitful desires. But this isn’t just true for Herod—it applies for all who reject God. This is why Jesus came—to save us from our old self, to give us an opportunity to be born again, and to give us a brand new heart and a new spiritual nature. All of this is available to anyone who comes to Him—even to the worst of sinners. Even sinners as vile and violent like Herod.</p> In his letter to the Ephesian church, the Apostle Paul wrote that we are to put off our our old nature, which is continually corrupted by its deceitful desires. We considered this as we continue to learn about Herod in our study in Matthew. What would this mean for the heart of Herod after he rejected the Lord? His heart would be continually corrupted and rotted by its deceitful desires. But this isn’t just true for Herod—it applies for all who reject God. This is why Jesus came—to save us from our old self, to give us an opportunity to be born again, and to give us a brand new heart and a new spiritual nature. All of this is available to anyone who comes to Him—even to the worst of sinners. Even sinners as vile and violent like Herod.

]]> Sun, 04 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1639 126 4ec938fc27ab34b14f48a0c4cfb7cb8a no 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Come…magnify the Lord…with me.” Dominic Dinger Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1234 127 c9c0cba4a8ef07bbc700bcc5cdb14246 no 1 Peter 3:8-17 6 Characteristics for Living in a Hostile World Sun, 28 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2532 128 e1e7bcfecb9055d89444ff20492e4d50 no 1 Corinthians 10:1-22 “In depth.” Dominic Dinger Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1677 129 bf4ec4d02171dc178b0e47d9cb1a9210 no Matthew 2:12-18 “Turn…to Jesus..” Dominic Dinger Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1959 130 2bb8e818ca011cf6648def2a7ab53387 no 1 Corinthians 10 Dominic Dinger Wed, 17 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1113 131 a4469ee11f8e9ba4a5f9e58fabba1d42 no 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 Dominic Dinger Wed, 10 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1361 132 769c2600e25e7ae092221f6a63420aad no Vision Sunday 2024 Dominic Dinger Sun, 07 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2203 133 b1a8b45380fb9cda1b4af099d422155a no 1 Corinthians 9:1-18 “How to limit our liberty in love.” Dominic Dinger Wed, 03 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1309 134 5f268bff79d8439c85436399af2a9b60 no Matthew 2:1-11 “Receive…or Reject?” Dominic Dinger Sun, 31 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2004 135 b81c01019d1982bc911521f180c993c0 no 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 “Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up.” Dominic Dinger Wed, 27 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1617 136 e59cc46d233f1d93dced63db2f3f5446 no Matthew 1:18-25 “Two Names” Dominic Dinger Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1211 137 f9161b2fbd598075e4345383ba5bb543 no Matthew 1:1-17 “The Humanity of The Messiah” Dominic Dinger Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1280 138 03a16fc126b0442466eebeaf132f3c7c no Malachi 1-4 “Come back to the heart of worship!” Dominic Dinger Sun, 17 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2257 139 1a21279fcd6e6bdbc6c6b9376dd68a8a no 1 Corinthians 7:10-40 “Remain in your situation and glorify God.” Dominic Dinger Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1352 140 539d7370fb24fa5b1b70c3a6d405b6c6 no Zechariah 14 “Temporary difficulty to get us to see…eternity.” Dominic Dinger Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2691 141 6b71a094c7dc11dd8ce9b5ab0c046d67 no 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy.” Dominic Dinger Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1482 142 fb812a8ffc223aa9d0de42e7da5a844e no Zechariah 13 “In that day…” Dominic Dinger Sun, 03 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1877 143 d827768cc4ecdd4ed0a8f5460a9a83b8 no 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Dominic Dinger Wed, 29 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1373 144 dfd3e62ffab7b92cd0ea7899216b2755 no Zechariah 12 “…the will look on Me whom they pierced.” Dominic Dinger Sun, 26 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2047 145 ad2a5b226e7f828c562e1c018ef77090 no 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 “Far more than 24 billion…” Dominic Dinger Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1373 146 b5b8f2487e65c6417ea1049391cc207e no Zechariah 11 “The destruction that didn’t have to happen.” Dominic Dinger <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2141 147 66aeeb1e1da3d7f8846098ea5818d7d3 no 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 “Church…discipline.” Dominic Dinger <p>What is the church’s responsibility for willful, continual, habitual, unrepentant sin in the life of someone who claims to be a Christian? As a pastor, church discipline was part and parcel of Paul’s calling. Since he was a faithful steward, he couldn’t shy away from his duty. The situation in the Corinthian church had come to a point where Paul needed to address the sin and not allow it to continue. Listen to our study of 1 Corinthians 5 as we considered the difficult, yet important purpose of church discipline.</p> <p>What is the church’s responsibility for willful, continual, habitual, unrepentant sin in the life of someone who claims to be a Christian? As a pastor, church discipline was part and parcel of Paul’s calling. Since he was a faithful steward, he couldn’t shy away from his duty. The situation in the Corinthian church had come to a point where Paul needed to address the sin and not allow it to continue. Listen to our study of 1 Corinthians 5 as we considered the difficult, yet important purpose of church discipline.</p> What is the church’s responsibility for willful, continual, habitual, unrepentant sin in the life of someone who claims to be a Christian? As a pastor, church discipline was part and parcel of Paul’s calling. Since he was a faithful steward, he couldn’t shy away from his duty. The situation in the Corinthian church had come to a point where Paul needed to address the sin and not allow it to continue. Listen to our study of 1 Corinthians 5 as we considered the difficult, yet important purpose of church discipline.

]]> Wed, 15 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1355 148 b0b63ca8663c625ea42e632fca6e32b2 no Zechariah 10 “Peculiar Promises…concerning The Promised Land.” Dominic Dinger <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Sun, 12 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2043 149 dc1f0a1099eda01bbdf80ce5122de175 no 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 “A little leven…” Dominic Dinger <p>The Corinthian church was puffed up with pride in their knowledge about God. Eventually that process led to internal spiritual rot. They were seeking to one-up each other in their knowledge about God instead of seeking to be known by God and seeing themselves as stewards of God. So in his letter to them, Pastor Paul addressed these issues, encouraging them to purge out the old leaven—that which was causing them to be puffed up.</p> <p>The Corinthian church was puffed up with pride in their knowledge about God. Eventually that process led to internal spiritual rot. They were seeking to one-up each other in their knowledge about God instead of seeking to be known by God and seeing themselves as stewards of God. So in his letter to them, Pastor Paul addressed these issues, encouraging them to purge out the old leaven—that which was causing them to be puffed up.</p> The Corinthian church was puffed up with pride in their knowledge about God. Eventually that process led to internal spiritual rot. They were seeking to one-up each other in their knowledge about God instead of seeking to be known by God and seeing themselves as stewards of God. So in his letter to them, Pastor Paul addressed these issues, encouraging them to purge out the old leaven—that which was causing them to be puffed up.

]]> Wed, 08 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1482 150 f8aee931a1d38f8bf58217761509edad no Zechariah 9 “A Tale of Three Kings…” Dominic Dinger <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Sun, 05 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1528 151 bf6c0e0f83825f21320f398ab7a3edf8 no Revelation 21:1-7 Byron Johnson Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1535 152 229190bb074c7e13a31a5f9d04fa6a74 no Zechariah 8 “A real relationship.” Dominic Dinger <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1833 153 5d07c274344031a1c48a756f7e60b326 no 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 “Servants and Stewards…” Dominic Dinger Wed, 25 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1126 154 f77d365762491e76e69e5817a7a9f032 no Zechariah 7 “Impenitent…” Dominic Dinger <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Sun, 22 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1973 155 60004cc980ad20879377e43b771b0945 no 1 Corinthians 3:5-17 “The Master” Dominic Dinger Wed, 18 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1565 156 e608bbb691f6f4210d78ad77345c2c37 no Zechariah 6 “No matter how bad it gets…our King is still coming!” Dominic Dinger <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2065 157 408490aa45060acac1bdbae400f060f4 no 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 “Carnal Christians?” Dominic Dinger Wed, 11 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1357 158 1bb2a2fd3ece476f4276a643f79fe44a no Zechariah 5 “What do you see?” Dominic Dinger <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1683 159 1348a25f3df34109d74a1b53d03938b5 no 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 “The wisdom and power of God.” Dominic Dinger Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1406 160 d8a83ca3144819a7749237753f5691b7 no Zechariah 4 “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Dominic Dinger <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1829 161 e1edbbe1b7620c233d0e0c5279b39b37 no 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 “Mercy mixed with fear.” Dominic Dinger Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1248 162 2623124de9830e2ef623163e7e076cd0 no Zechariah 3 “Seen, chosen, forgiven, cleansed, clothed and sent.” Dominic Dinger <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2177 163 f8a739c443a484244be617dd8d75692a no 1 Corinthians 1:14-31 “Not…with the wisdom of words.” Dominic Dinger Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1481 164 d90a7b7fefb45281b6cb36bf47d30251 no Zechariah 2 “I dare you to move.” Dominic Dinger <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1850 165 30e7105412ba166883422258ba8a1c33 no 1 Corinthians 1:4-13 “The Mind and Body of Christ.” Dominic Dinger Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1451 166 5100fd736725914892b361aac8b4c287 no Zechariah 1 “Out of the mouth of babes…” Dominic Dinger <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Sun, 10 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2029 167 8a3f80c059c28694edfa3413820c52c3 no