Pentecost Sunday - The Last Message in the "Eyes of Christ" series. Deuteronomy 16:9-12; Acts 2:4, 14-36; 3:1-10 Today we conclude our series on Compassion and "The Eyes of Christ." It’s just the end of the series, but not the end of looking at the world through the Eyes of Christ, the eyes of compassion. … Continue reading Compassion – Giving and Receiving
Yo Mama! (is compassionate)
Part of the "Eyes of Christ" series on compassion. This message was originally presented on May 12, 2024 - Mother's Day. Podcast Today is a special day called Mother’s Day. I’ve learned over the years of how these non-religious based celebrations began. Part of Mother’s Day was for the adult children to actually come back … Continue reading Yo Mama! (is compassionate)
Compassion – Tired Eyes
Part of the "Eyes of Christ" series on Compassion. Mark 6:7-56 [Key verse Mark 6:34] Listen online Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com "I'll do it when I get around to it." "We need to find the time to..." "I just don't have the energy to..." Have you ever heard these phrases before? Have you … Continue reading Compassion – Tired Eyes
Compassion – Eyes Wide Open
Part of the Eyes of Christ series on Compassion. Podcast Page One of the defining characteristics of a Christian is Compassion. You can very well call yourself a Christian, attend church services, debate people on the internet about this, that, or the other thing. But the litmus test that even unbelievers can't deny is the … Continue reading Compassion – Eyes Wide Open
Compassion: Famous Last Words
Part of the “Eyes of Christ” series on Compassion. Latest Podcast In today's post we are continuing to look at the Eyes of Christ. We are focusing on Compassion, which is…oddly enough, a very important part to the Christian faith. We looked at the intervention that Saul had on the road to Damascus. He was … Continue reading Compassion: Famous Last Words
Compassion – Tipping the Scales
Part of the "Eyes of Christ" series on Compassion. Latest Podcast We are starting a new series, looking at scriptures and observing the link between seeing and compassion. Much of what we look at will take place in the newly formed Christian faith. The dictionary defines compassion as, a “Deep awareness of the suffering of … Continue reading Compassion – Tipping the Scales
Open, Closed, and Locked Doors
Exploring the (potentially) biblical application of the phrase "When God closes a door..." Listen to the Audio Record of this message by Clicking Here. Last week we celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now, to be fair, that is something that Christians celebrate every week and everyday. Without the Resurrection, we would not have the … Continue reading Open, Closed, and Locked Doors
Seeking Believers
Easter Sunday 2024 - John 20:1-18 If you would like to listen to the audio of this message, CLICK HERE or scroll to the player at the bottom of the page. The Resurrection of Jesus ChristMary WENT to the tomb.Mary RAN to tell of Jesus’ missing body.Peter and John RACED to the tomb.John got there … Continue reading Seeking Believers
Plots and Parades
A look at the crossroads of the book of Esther and the events around Palm Sunday. CLICK HERE to listen online or scroll to the bottom of the page to listen in the player. You’re gonna want to follow along in your bible on this one. I had an idea this week. On the Christians … Continue reading Plots and Parades
Useful Patrick
Study in Paul's Letter to Philemon If you want to listen to the audio recording of this message, CLICK HERE to listen on Spotify or scroll to the bottom of the post to listen on the Spotify player. I want to start by telling you a story about a young man. At age 16 he … Continue reading Useful Patrick
In the Bible…The Bible Teaches
Do you know the difference between something being in the bible and something the bible teachers? Listen to the Audio of this message by CLICKING HERE. In the Bible, there are plenty of things that happen and plenty of things that are said. Some tell tales of people doing things, crossing the red sea, and … Continue reading In the Bible…The Bible Teaches
Who is my Master?
Superstitions and Man Made rules
Potential
If you'd like to listen to this message on Spotify, scroll down to the bottom of the post for the media player or CLICK HERE. 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along … Continue reading Potential
Fine Sounding Arguments
Colossians 1:15-23 To listen to the audio recording, CLICK HERE to listen on Spotify or use the player at the end of this post. I don’t know if you have been noticing a pattern with Paul’s writings, but I have. Many times, the sticking point to the gospel moving forward in the New Testament era … Continue reading Fine Sounding Arguments
“From You & Me to We”
Colossians 1:1-14 If you'd like to listen to the audio recording of this message, CLICK HERE to Listen on Spotify or use the audio player at the bottom of the post. Photo by aboodi vesakaran on Pexels.com Several years before my wife and I got married, she had signed up to sponsor a child through … Continue reading “From You & Me to We”
Re:Joice
As we wrap up Philippians, I found another common theme that is brought up again in chapter 4. The beginning of Philippians, Paul talks about the Philippians’ partnership in ministry with him, pointing out the benefits and drawbacks. Last week we focused on Christlikeness and the importance of pursuing it. For Paul to tell the … Continue reading Re:Joice
Christ-Likeness
For the believers to endure the persecution that comes with the blessing of being partners in Christ, they must actually be in Christ. How does one show that they are in christ? Living Christ-like lives. So Paul gives the Philippians a summary of the nature and person of Christ. Humility followed by exaltation is the pattern set before us in Jesus. With that in mind, Paul follows up with practical application - 2:14-15 No Grumbling, No Complaining. So you may be blameless. Blameless of pursuing the gospel for selfish ambition (1:17). Paul is telling them to get along in ministry. Fast forward to 4:1-3 to show a more direct application of all that Paul instructs in Philippians.
Partnership and Persecution
Being a partner in ministry has benefits and it has costs. Paul and Timothy share this in Philippians 1. Listen on Spotify by Clicking Here. It’s been a little while since we last studied one of Paul's letters together. In fact, here is a link to our last message on Ephesians. I always wanted to … Continue reading Partnership and Persecution
God Provides!
Epiphany Sunday - Matthew 2:1-12 CLICK HERE to Listen on Spotify. Last week we looked at Luke 2:21-39, giving special attention to the consecration/redemption of the First-Born son. One thing that I learned since then is that the historical timeline from Jesus’ birth to the time the family finally returns to Nazareth is a mix of … Continue reading God Provides!
A Funny Thing Happened on the way to Redemption…
To Listen to the Audio recording of this message, CLICK HERE to Listen on Spotify. You can also watch the video of the message on YouTube at the bottom of the post. Before we get into reading today’s scripture passage, I want to reflect about these wonderful little joys in our life called children. As … Continue reading A Funny Thing Happened on the way to Redemption…
Christmas Eve Service
The following is an interactive blog to recreate the worship service held on Dec 24, 2023 at Viroqua Church of the Nazarene. To listen to the service in its entirety, click HERE and listen on Spotify. Welcome! Thank you for joining us in this time of celebration, anticipating Christ's Birthday, and also recognizing that we … Continue reading Christmas Eve Service
The Joy of Advent
We look back to Jesus’ birth and we are thankful and rejoice. But a second advent is the one we now live in. We look back to our personal suffering, our old life of pain and enslavement to sin and we look forward. Forward to the freedom and salvation in Christ. In the restoration his second coming will bring to the WHOLE of existence.
Steadfast Love
The Hebrew word, “hesed” is translated “unfailing or steadfast love”. This is the Love described in this marriage vow, the covenant a man and a woman engage in - this is the Love they are called to and the love they promise to one another. This is how God lives you and me. With unfailing Love. Steadfast Love. Faithfulness. But what if we don’t see or feel God’s faithfulness right now?
Advent 1 – Light and Lament
But here we are, the first Sunday of Advent, ready to talk about light! Our homes and world are filled with warm spices and twinkly lights. Our anticipation for the season is high—and then we open Psalm 80. Psalm 80 is a lament that is filled with grief, with anger, with sadness and despair—and not only that, but those difficult feelings are directed at God! Darkness and light, lament and hope, are more related than we sometimes like to admit. We can’t appreciate one without acknowledging and understanding the other.
The Right Armor for the Real Enemy
To Listen to the audio recording of this message CLICK HERE or listen on Spotify. Today we draw to a close our teaching series on Ephesians. After the new year, we will start back in with the letter to the Phillipians, but as this is the week between Thanksgiving and Advent, it seemed like the … Continue reading The Right Armor for the Real Enemy
Thankful In Spite or In Light
To listen to the audio recording of this message, CLICK HERE and listen on Spotify. Good Health. Family. A Working Car. Food on the table. A warm home. These are things we may take for granted throughout the year, but when they are in danger or removed somehow, we truly begin to understand and appreciate … Continue reading Thankful In Spite or In Light
A Change for the Better
Up to this point, Paul’s focus is theological teachings about Christ, Unity in the Body, and Paul’s call to preach to the Gentiles. Now in this section, he zeros in on very important reminders. He reminds The Gentiles of their “old self” and correctly describes their “new shelf” and encourages them to sustain and thrive in this new self through a new mind, leading to holy actions and interactions. Sometimes you have to really compare and contrast life and draw your line in the sand. The Gentiles were not to go back to their old way of life, and neither should we.
Pauline Puddles: One Body
Unity among believers of Christ is of utmost importance but has not always seen as achievable. In the post we look at Paul's various teachings on when it means to be One Body, unified in Christ Jesus.
Perishable Commodity
Ever bought food from a store and if left uneaten or unpreserved, it goes bad? The word for that is "perishing." In this post, I share a grocer's perspective on the biblical (and natural) concept of perishing and also what that biblical truth should motivate us to do.
Two Words
In this post, we will look at Ephesians 2. This chapter talks much about life before Christ and after Christ. Perhaps you can relate to one of those stories...
Final Pre Destination
Did you choose to read this post or are you predestined to do so? I know, that’s an oversimplification. But in this blog, we explore Ephesians 1 and learn about the Historical Christian stances on predestination. (Spoiler alert, different thinkers thought differently about this.) Also, we will hear what the Church of the Nazarene teaches concerning salvation, free will, and what God desires for each person.
Influencers
Who's influencing you? Galatians 6 Social Media InfluencersSquad GoalsFacts and LogicWhat Influencers Fear MostPaul's Authentic Sign OffInfluencer Inventory Social Media Influencers Current landscape of influence peddling today. I got down on my knees. Sometimes I do take a moment a pray as things come to my mind and heart, but in this moment in question, … Continue reading Influencers
Lost
In this post, I share a personal story of something of mine that was recently lost and found. We also look at the "Lost Parables" of Jesus from Luke 15.
The One with Batman in the Title
OK, so Batman is not in the bible. But there is a connection to Bruce Wayne's origin story and Galatians 4, which will be what this post is about. CLICK HERE to Listen on Spotify. Guardians and Trustees I didn't see this coming. I opened up Galatians 4 and read Paul's continued instruction and guidance … Continue reading The One with Batman in the Title
Foolishness
In Galatians 3, Paul does not "pity the fool" like Mr. T. He calls out their foolishness in the hopes of their recovery. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dNZw6pLjifXv1cAeqHWzS?si=QSimu7IyTN2Yos4FNOo-ew Use this table of contents to skip to various parts of the post. Recap of previous ChaptersFoolish in the New TestamentLuke 24:22-27 (focus on verse 25)Romans 1:141 Timothy 6:9Titus 3:3Two applications … Continue reading Foolishness
Lunchtime Showdown
Galatians 2 https://open.spotify.com/episode/46NpPEQHT97vFKldtbBZ5v?si=P6ykydoSR-KHaFlwKs7Lsg I need you to do something as you start to read this. I need you to use your imagination and go on a journey with me. Think back to your grade school or high school years. Do you have it? Now think of lunch time, perhaps you were in a cafeteria. Now … Continue reading Lunchtime Showdown
The Call of Paul
Have you ever worked hard on doing something right, only to have someone come behind you and mess up all your hard work? In Galatians chapter 1, Paul is faced with a similar situation. He has taught the true gospel, but others who came later to the Galatian churches were teaching wrongly. In this blog … Continue reading The Call of Paul
Under Pressure
Father Knows Best. The writer of Proverbs 4 gives instructions to his sons. We can find out what we are truly made of, or rather what we've absorbed when we are put under pressure.
Nineveh – The Sequel
The book of Nahum is a hidden gem. In this post, we will look at chapter 1, discovering what it says about who God is, what He does, what He will do, and even nature's response to His very presence. All of this is wrapped in a proclamation against the Assyrian capital city, Nineveh (yes, … Continue reading Nineveh – The Sequel
Make Disciples
Special Note: This post includes many resource links. I've provided them in case you want to learn more. As always, if you'd like to listen to the podcast, CLICK HERE for Spotify. “16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, … Continue reading Make Disciples
The Importance of Addresses
How do you know if you've arrived if you don't know the address of your destination? I could expound on the importance of Bible study in many different directions and reasons, but for today I want to focus on the importance of addresses. “What do you mean by that, preacher?” Well, I’m glad you asked. … Continue reading The Importance of Addresses
Missing the Mark & Pushing Boundaries
In this part of the "What Do You Mean by That?" series, we look at the definitions of sin and mistake. Have you ever heard any of the following expressions? “The world is full of sin!” “I’m just a sinner, saved by grace.” “Sinners in the hands of an angry God.” Yeah? I thought so. … Continue reading Missing the Mark & Pushing Boundaries
Children of God
From a street corner, a protester’s sign can be seen “We’re ALL God’s Children!” Shouts of support for the cause for which they are gathering, bringing God to side with them. I wonder who are “God’s children?” To find out, I decided to read the Bible. In this post I will share what I discovered and what the scripture says we should do about it. [To Listen to the podcast, CLICK HERE]
Freedom…And What to do with it!
On July 4th, most or all of us are FREE to choose what we do with our day. Government businesses and banks close and we look at how to spend our day of “Freedom.” You might have plans, maybe a cookout. Maybe going to visit family. Maybe you’re working. Or just maybe, you’ll enter a hotdog eating contest!
4 Final Tips for Titus
Before we begin with this blog, I wanted to note that this is an abbreviated version of the message. I recognize that perhaps what you came here for was a blog post containing concise biblical wisdom and application for life, rather than a full-length sermon to read to yourself. Let me know in the comments … Continue reading 4 Final Tips for Titus
Take Humility
Dad Advice Did you ever receive any advice from your dad? Sure, the occasional advice today is usually seasoned with a good “dad joke” or two. “Don’t take any wooden nickels..” Maybe your dad gave different advice. “Get an education!” “Don’t quit or give up on something.” Perhaps even, “Read and meditate on God’s word … Continue reading Take Humility
Role Play
We all have a role to play. Instructions for the LeaderTitus (leader, pastor)Instructions for various groupsOlder menOlder womenYounger WomenYoung Men SlavesCall to ActionOlder men: Older women:Younger Women & MenSlavesLeaders“Everything rises and falls on leadership.” Last week we looked at some directions Paul had for Titus. He gave a clear outline of the type of leader Titus should … Continue reading Role Play
Taking Care of Business
Titus Chapter 1 In this post we are going to begin a three-week journey through Paul’s letter to Titus. Titus is not very long, in fact the last time I spoke on this book, we were looking at short books of the bible. Though it’s brief, it is a powerful letter. The best writings are … Continue reading Taking Care of Business
Seasons
A look back at the early church & a look back on this past year of our church. In this post we are going to look at some passages in Acts that describe the early church. As we walk through these passages and unravel the story, I want to place another story alongside it. That … Continue reading Seasons
The Junction of God, Man, and Holiness
Be Holy? What does that really look like? How am I supposed to do that? Jesus said some things that were really hard to swallow. Literally he once told a crowd, “...unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” (from John 6:53). This … Continue reading The Junction of God, Man, and Holiness
Viroqua Naz 