Many people wrestle with the question, “Do I really need to go to church?” On the surface, it seems simple—but underneath lies a deeper conversation about what it means to follow Jesus and grow in faith. The truth is, church attendance isn’t a condition for salvation. You don’t become—or remain—a Christian by showing up on Sundays. Salvation is entirely the work of Christ, not of human effort. But while church isn’t necessary to be a Christian, it is vital to grow as one. God didn’t design faith to be lived in isolation. The church is more than a place—it’s a people. It’s in the context of Christian community that we learn to apply God’s Word, love others well, and serve with the gifts we’ve been given. Simply put, if we want to mature in our faith and reflect Christ more fully, we need the church—and the church needs us.  Read More

In our study of Deuteronomy 14, we're invited to see God's laws not as restrictive burdens, but as loving boundaries set by a caring Father. The food laws and funeral practices discussed aren't just arbitrary rules - they're designed to set God's people apart as holy and treasured. So we are challenged to consider how we live as God's children in a world that often pulls us in different directions? But this message ultimately points us to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled these laws and offers us the opportunity to become children of God through faith in Him. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to live in a way that reflects our status as God's holy and treasured possession, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for the freedom we've been given in Christ.  Read More

This article explores the foundational role of love in the life and mission of the church. Love is presented as the keystone of obedience, the means by which mission is accomplished both within and outside the church body, and the whetstone that sharpens and strengthens the people of God. Through Scripture and practical reflection, the article challenges believers to examine their personal and communal expressions of love and encourages a renewed commitment to embodying Christlike love that glorifies God and advances His kingdom.  Read More

This Easter, we're invited to explore a often-overlooked aspect of Christ's resurrection: rest. The sermon delves into Hebrews 3 and 4, revealing that true rest isn't found in vacations, retirement, or worldly pursuits, but in the finished work of Jesus. We're reminded that God wove rest into creation, and despite humanity's fall, He continues to offer it. The key is recognizing that rest is found in a person - Jesus - not a place. His resurrection provides the rest our weary souls long for. We're called to 'strive to enter that rest' - a paradoxical concept that invites us to actively trust in Jesus' completed work rather than our own efforts. This message speaks directly to our weary souls, offering hope and a new perspective on what it means to find rest in a restless world.  Read More

On Palm Sunday we reflect on the profound significance of Jesus as God's chosen king. The sermon takes us on a journey through Deuteronomy 17, where God lays out the qualities of the ideal king for Israel. Remarkably, Jesus fulfills every aspect of this description - chosen by God, faithful to the covenant, humble, and righteous. This Palm Sunday, we're called to receive Jesus as our true king, to revere Him with genuine adoration, and to rejoice in His coming. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem wasn't just a historical event; it was the fulfillment of prophecy and the revelation of God's perfect plan. As we contemplate this, we're challenged to align our lives under Christ's authority and to live with the joy that comes from knowing our king has come and is coming again. How might our lives change if we truly embraced Jesus as our king in every aspect?  Read More

At the end Deuteronomy 12 and into 13 we're confronted with a timeless challenge: discerning truth from lies in our spiritual journey. Moses' warnings to the Israelites about false prophets and idolatry resonate deeply with our modern struggles. We're reminded that power, personal connections, or popularity don't validate a message – only its alignment with God's truth does. This passage calls us to be vigilant, not out of fear, but from a place of faith. It's a powerful reminder to store God's word in our hearts, as Psalm 119:11 suggests, so we can recognize deception. In our world of constant information and influence, this message urges us to anchor ourselves in Christ, the ultimate truth, and to let His Spirit guide us. It's an invitation to examine our lives, identify the 'idols' we might be unknowingly serving, and recommit ourselves to worshiping God in spirit and truth.  Read More

In this message we delve into Deuteronomy 12, uncovering the essence of acceptable worship to God. The central message reminds us that God alone is worthy of worship, and He alone defines what acceptable worship looks like. As we walk through this passage, we're challenged to examine our own hearts and practices. Are we worshipping God His way, or have we allowed cultural influences and personal preferences to shape our worship? The stark contrast between the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites and God's instructions for Israel serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of worshipping in spirit and truth. This message invites us to reflect on our own lives, considering whether our worship is truly God-centered, or if we've inadvertently made idols of our own desires and ambitions. As we contemplate these truths, we're encouraged to align our worship with God's covenant, recognizing that in Christ, we have the privilege of offering our entire lives as living sacrifices.  Read More

In Deuteronomy 11, we're confronted with a fundamental choice that shapes our spiritual journey: the path of blessing or the path of curse. This passage reminds us of God's covenant with Israel, but it also speaks to our own relationship with God today. We're challenged to consider God's works, cherish His word, and commit to His ways. Just as the Israelites faced a crisis of faith before entering the Promised Land, we too face daily decisions that test our devotion. The message emphasizes that true blessing comes not from mere religious observance, but from a heart fully devoted to God. It's a call to remember God's faithfulness, to keep His commands at the forefront of our minds and hearts, and to live in obedience. This overview invites us to reflect on how we're choosing to live each day – are we truly walking the path of blessing by prioritizing our relationship with God?  Read More

In Deuteronomy 10:12-22, we're challenged to consider what God truly requires of us. The passage emphasizes that while we enjoy God's blessings through His grace, He still calls us to covenant faithfulness. This isn't about earning God's favor, but about responding to His undeserved love with wholehearted devotion. We're called to fear God, imitate Him, love Him, serve Him, and obey His commands - not out of duty, but from a transformed heart. The message draws fascinating parallels between Israel's covenant relationship with God and our own journey as Christians. Just as God called Israel to be His representation on earth, we, too, are called to reflect Christ's image in our daily lives. This teaching invites us to examine our hearts: Are we living out of genuine love for God, or merely going through religious motions? It's a call to embrace God's transformative grace and allow it to shape every aspect of our lives.  Read More

Is truth relative or is there an absolute truth? Can each person hold to their own truth? Who am I to tell someone they are wrong about what they believe? These are some of the questions we are seeking to answer in this post on truth.  Read More

In Deuteronomy 9, Moses confronts Israel with truth and grace. We see how God fought for Israel, forgave them, and fulfilled His covenant promises despite their stubbornness and rebellion. This narrative challenges us to confront our own shortcomings and recognize the depth of God's love and mercy. The parallel drawn between Israel's experience and our own spiritual journey is striking - we too are often unrighteous, stubborn, and rebellious. Yet, through Christ's intercession, we find forgiveness and redemption. This message encourages us to silence the inner voice that justifies our actions and instead embrace the transformative power of God's grace. As we reflect on this, we're invited to grow in our faith, understanding that our salvation is not based on our own merit, but on God's unwavering love and faithfulness.   Read More

In our study of Deuteronomy 8, we're challenged to remember God's faithfulness in both adversity and abundance. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness becomes a profound lesson for us today. Just as God led them through hardship, providing manna and protection, He leads us through our own trials. But the real test comes in times of prosperity - will we forget the Lord when life is comfortable? This message urges us to cultivate a devotion that transcends circumstances, reminding us that every season, whether difficult or blessed, is an opportunity to deepen our reliance on God. As we reflect on our own journeys, let's consider: Are we allowing adversity to strengthen our faith, or is abundance dulling our spiritual senses? This timeless wisdom calls us to a steadfast commitment to God, acknowledging Him as the source of all we have and all we are.  Read More