God's Blessing, Our Joy
by Sermon Recap on November 10th, 2025
In Deuteronomy 33, we hear Moses’ heart for Israel and his desire for them to know God’s blessing. What makes this remarkable is that Moses had every human reason to be frustrated with these stubborn people, yet he prays for God's presence, power, protection, and provision to rest upon them. The central message cuts to the core of our faith: there is no God like ours, and there are no people like us whose greatest joy is found in His providential care. Moses' blessing isn't rooted in Israel's worthiness—they were stubborn and faithless—but in God's character and His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This same principle applies to us today. We don't receive blessing because we've earned it, but because of an inheritance secured by someone else—ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who earned the blessings and willingly took our curse. The spiritual lesson challenges us deeply: Do we desire God's blessing on others with the same fervor we pray for ourselves? Moses models selfless intercession, desiring God's best for people even when he won't share in their earthly reward. His prayer reminds us that our joy isn't circumstantial but rooted in who God is and what He has promised. Read More
Prone to Wander
by Sermon Recap on November 3rd, 2025
The Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 31-32 confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: we are prone to wander from God even when surrounded by His blessings. This ancient song, commissioned by God Himself, serves as both a warning and a witness against Israel's future rebellion—yet it speaks powerfully to our own hearts today. We discover that God knew His people would forsake Him, worship idols, and squander His gifts, yet He still gave them His Word to guide and guard them. The song reveals God's greatness and glory, mankind's rebellion and corruption, God's gracious provision despite our unworthiness, and His just judgments. Most strikingly, it shows us that God's anger toward sin is matched only by His mercy toward His people. The passage reminds us that we didn't earn God's favor through our righteousness or power—like Israel found in the desert wilderness, we were spiritually destitute until God lifted us up. This Word wasn't meant to remain ink on pages but to become flesh in Jesus Christ, the living Word who shows us the way to abundant life. When we're tempted to take credit for our blessings or drift toward modern idols, this song calls us back to dependence on the One who kills and makes alive, who wounds and heals, who alone deserves our worship. Read More
Should Christians Participate in Halloween?
by Cara Erickson on October 28th, 2025
Each year, many Christians wrestle with whether or not it’s appropriate to participate in Halloween. With its historical ties to paganism and the occult, the question naturally arises: Can Christians take part with a clear conscience? In this post, I explain why I, as a follower of Christ, choose to participate in Halloween—not to celebrate darkness, but to shine light in it. While I affirm that those with a troubled conscience should abstain, I believe the modern cultural version of Halloween offers a unique opportunity to meet neighbors, build relationships, and ultimately share the gospel. Drawing from Scripture, including Paul’s example of becoming “all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:19–23) and Jesus’ own ministry among sinners, I argue that Christians can engage their communities on this day without compromising holiness. Whether you choose to participate or not, the goal is the same: to glorify God, exercise wisdom led by the Spirit, and live as lights that overcome the darkness. Read More
God is With You
by Sermon Recap on October 27th, 2025
In Deuteronomy 31, we're invited into one of history's most profound transitions—a moment when Israel stood at the threshold of the Promised Land with aging Moses preparing to pass leadership to Joshua. This isn't just ancient history; it's a declaration for every season of uncertainty we face. Whether we're navigating career changes, health crises, damaged relationships, or the overwhelming confusion of our modern world with its endless digital noise, we're reminded that God's faithfulness never wavers. The call to 'be strong and courageous' isn't about manufactured bravery but about responding in faith to a God who has proven Himself faithful through every wilderness season. Read More
The Power of Covenant Faithfulness
by Sermon Recap on October 20th, 2025
In Deuteronomy 30, we're reminded of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with us. The central message revolves around the idea that while we are called to participate in this covenant relationship, it is God's power alone that produces faithfulness, knowledge, and life. We're challenged to consider the two paths before us - blessing or curse, life or death - and urged to 'choose life' by loving God, obeying His voice, and holding fast to Him. Yet, we're also comforted by the realization that our ability to do so stems not from our own strength, but from God's transformative power. This passage beautifully illustrates how God's grace works in our lives, changing our hearts and enabling us to love and obey Him. As we reflect on this, we're invited to trust not in our own abilities, but in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the covenant on our behalf. This message reminds us that our hope lies not in our perfection, but in God's perfect hold on us through Christ. Read More
From Sales Pitch to Seed Planting: A Better Way to Share the Gospel
by Corey O'Grady on October 15th, 2025
In this post, we’ll explore how gospel conversations can become acts of worship that are marked by humility, curiosity, and faith rather than battles of persuasion. We’ll also look at the role of asking good questions, giving answers that fit the moment, and leaving room for God to provide future opportunities. Read More
Covenant Renewed
by Sermon Recap on October 13th, 2025
Deuteronomy 29 challenges us to consider the depth of our commitment to God. The passage reminds us of Israel's covenant renewal, but it's so much more than an ancient ritual – it's a mirror for our own faith journey. Are we truly living out our covenant with God, or are we clinging to nostalgic memories of past spiritual experiences? This message urges us to move beyond superficial religious activities and seek a wholehearted commitment to the Lord. We're reminded that God's invitation to a covenant relationship shouldn't be taken lightly – it demands our entire being. The striking parallel between Israel's journey and our own spiritual walk invites us to examine our hearts. Are we like those Israelites who had seen God's miracles but still lacked 'eyes to see and ears to hear'? This calls us to pray for God to give us new hearts, capable of truly understanding and following Him. It's a sobering yet hopeful message, reminding us that while wholehearted commitment is necessary, it's God Himself who enables us to live faithfully in covenant with Him.
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Head, Heart, and Hands of Christian Maturity
by Seth Shelton on October 7th, 2025
Just like we expect kids to grow up, God designed spiritual growth to be the natural result of new life in Christ. Following Jesus isn’t just about getting “in the door” of salvation—it’s about becoming more like Him every day. In this post, we look at a simple framework for Christian maturity: Head (what we know), Heart (what we love), and Hands (what we do). When all three grow together, our lives begin to reflect Christ in real and lasting ways. But when one is missing, growth gets stuck. We’ll explore how this shows up in daily life and share practical steps you can take to keep moving forward. Read More
Blessings and Curses
by Sermon Recap on October 7th, 2025
In Deuteronomy 28, we're confronted with the profound reality of God's blessings and curses. The chapter lays out a stark choice for God's people: embrace covenant faithfulness and experience abundant blessings, or turn away and face devastating curses. This isn't about earning God's favor, but about living in alignment with His will. The parallels to Eden are striking - just as Adam and Eve faced a choice that would determine their fate, so too did Israel and so do we. The message challenges us to consider: are we truly living in a way that invites God's blessings or deserves His curses? It's a sobering reminder that our choices have real consequences, both in this life and eternally. Yet, even as we grapple with the weight of this responsibility, we're pointed towards the hope found in Jesus Christ, who ultimately bore the curse so that we might receive the blessing. Read More
Mobilize Disciples
by Sermon Recap on September 29th, 2025
In Matthew 28:18-20, we're reminded of God's plan A for His church: a dynamic rhythm of gathering and going. The Great Commission isn't just a command, but an invitation to participate in God's redemptive work. We're called not only to follow Christ, but to make disciples who make disciples. This isn't a burden, but a blessing - a chance to pour out our lives as a drink offering, mirroring Christ's sacrifice. As we gather, we're strengthened; as we go, we're stretched. This rhythm isn't just about personal growth, but about being part of a 'we' - the body of Christ. Whether we're new believers or long-time members, we're all called to this beautiful dance of coming together and reaching out, always remembering that as we do so, Christ promises to be with us to the end of the age. Read More
Mature Disciples
by Sermon Recap on September 22nd, 2025
In the work of making disciples the journey doesn't end at the moment of salvation it's just the beginning. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 challenges us to not only make disciples but to mature them. This process of growth is God's will for His people, His work in us, and our responsibility. We're called to equip and empower one another to live out our faith in loving service. It's a beautiful reminder that we're not meant to walk this path alone. Together as a community in study and practice, we grow together, sharpening each other as we strive to become more Christ-like and help others do the same. Read More
Why are Christians So Intolerant of Other People's Beliefs?
by Cara Erickson on September 18th, 2025
Intolerance is often used as a criticism against Christianity, but the truth is that intolerance is unavoidable—every worldview excludes something. The real issue is not whether we disagree, but how we treat those we disagree with. This post explores the difference between objective intolerance (standing for truth) and subjective intolerance (devaluing people), showing that Christianity uniquely holds both uncompromising truth and radical inclusion at the same time. Far from being the most intolerant, Christianity proclaims the most inclusive God—one who calls every person to Himself while affirming their worth as image bearers of God. Read More
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