Knowing God With Heart and Mind

Grace in Disgrace

Humble Joseph, the step-father of Jesus, embraced the shame and scandal though he was not guilty. His love for the LORD and his beloved bride compelled him to endure slanderous gossip and separation from people who should have lauded his role in the world's salvation. Sound like anyone else you can think of? 

The Final Word

In the beginning was the Word... The Father's final word to the Enemy, to His children, to His heavenly companions, and His Son. Jesus is the final Word. 

"The Final Word" by Michael Card https://youtu.be/U768-gCY0ds

A Different Kind of Advent Message

A tale of homecoming and how the Advent story made it possible. 

Predictably Unpredictable

Pastor Dan teaches from the Gospel of Matthew, continuing the theme of Advent as a time for anticipating Christ's return. Jesus said, no one knows the time, except the Father, so we must all learn the signs to comfort our souls as we await "The Midnight Cry." 

Not One Stone

It is the last Sunday of the Christian Year and "Christ the King Sunday." Our scripture reading is "The Olivet Discourse" from Mark 13 in which Jesus describes the hardships that eventually came to Jerusalem. It serves as a stark reminder that every word spoken by Jesus Christ is sacred and eternal. Therefore, when He said he would return as a King, we can be sure of it, as surely as the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70.

As For Our House

The Christian family is a kind of tribe, or family of families. Its members are many and varied and it is ever-growing. This weekend we will consider Psalm 127, "a song of ascents." It's beautiful words remind us that leaving worldly pursuits behind for a little while, wrangling the children, awakening weary bodies, and risking discomfort are all worth it when we worship the LORD together. As the season of thanks, anticipation, and love mingles with our secular lives, let us intentionally seek the heart of worship. 

The Blessed Hope

The first Sunday in November is set aside to remember the saints who've gone home to be with the LORD. It's a celebration of God's mercy and grace. All Saint's Sunday also serves as a precursor to Advent as a season of anticipation. A glorious Day of the Lord is yet to come, when Christ "shall come with acclamation" with all the saints and we will proclaim, "My God! How great thou art!" 

The Foundry

Imagine the local church as a foundry where raw Christian Believers are reduced and refined so that it will form them into the Lord's image. The foundry produces people who love the Lord with all hear, mind, and strength, and love their neighbors with the passion of Christ. 

Acts of Contrition

Why do so many religious people give in to pride and self-righteousness? It separates us from God and from each other, and, sadly, from those who need salvation.  Even so, many self-proclaimed "good Christians" deny the cross of Jesus and seek the approval of their peers.

Mid-Week Encouragement for Wednesday, October 20, 2022

Pastor Dan's weekly blog post: https://pastorsdancingcorn.blogspot.com/