Knowing God With Heart and Mind

First Fruits of the Resurrection

Belief in an afterlife is not unique and therefore has no power to persuade non-Christians. It does not really do much for self-proclaimed Christians either. To such persons, life after death is an unreal, ethereal existence that happens in a mystical paradise, or is so unimaginable that it is not worth thinking about.  As Paul argues, the implications of the physical resurrection are staggering. It means that we will be as we are now, but better. It means that everything else Jesus said is worthy of our respect.

The Gift of Love

The Apostle Paul's famous "love chapter" in his letter to the Church at Corinth conveys a radical optimism about the work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to move Christian Believers from placid, apathetic insurance policyholders, to thriving vital disciples of Jesus possessed by ever-increasing faith, hope, and love. The greatest testimony is the gift of love.

One Body

The Bible often presents Western, English-speaking readers with opportunities to learn by struggling with passages that were easy for original writers and hearers to understand but leave us scratching our heads, or applying our own interpretations. Thankfully, there are many parts of the Bible that translate well, like the contents of this week's Scripture reading. As we consider the Body of Christ as the Apostle Paul explains it, we witness universal truth in love transcends time and cultures.

Do Whatever He Tells You

In this week's message, "Do Whatever He Tells You, " Mary the mother of Jesus, exchanged her previous relationship with her son for submission to his complete leadership. Mary did not stop being his mother when she gave Jesus authority because her identity was secure in him, but Jesus’ vision and mission became her top priorities. Are you ready to exchange your current relationship with Jesus for total surrender and obedience?  Join us for worship, prayer, learning, service, and friendship at Shiloh Church this weekend.

Baptism of the Spirit

When John baptized Jesus, God said, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Can you imagine God the Father saying the same thing about you? - “This is my beloved child with whom I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:23) Are you shocked by that thought? What if, when we repent, accept Christ, and receive new life in the Spirit, we are beloved children of God with whom He is well pleased? How then would we be the Body of Christ in a place like this? What if a local church contained disciples and those who are not yet? Can the disciples be “Heaven on Earth” to the seekers and outsiders?

The Word Made Flesh

We revisit the magnificent introduction to John's Gospel as our focus is on the embodiment of the heart and mind of God in a man. Heaven came back to earth in a way that changed everything for all eternity when Jesus was born. God's aim remains the same in the New Covenant - Heaven on Earth.

Hope and Encouragement for the New Year

Pastor Dan shares his thoughts about priorities for the coming year. 

Jesus is God‘s Answer

The fourth Sunday in Advent is usually pretty Christmassy, but Pastor Dan's message will deal with a Scripture not usually associated with Christmas. We will sing, worship, and pray in the spirit of the season, while we also try to see how Jesus' birth was viewed by those who longed for it. Let's gather together to learn how Jesus is God's response to our hopelessness and dismay.  

The Lord is At Hand

Advent is a season of expectation. It is an annual reminder of the imminent return of Christ. Advent asserts that the 2nd coming is about to happen, or “at hand.” In the Apostle’s context, it is like being in a darkened room where the doorway to the light is within immediate reach. One’s groping hand will grasp the doorknob at any moment. That’s why Paul urges the Church at Philippi to rejoice, remain faithful, and be at peace. 

The Old Covenant Fulfilled

We will meet with Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, on the second Sunday of Advent. From him we will learn that God has a plan that will not change, no matter our circumstances. The covenant promises will be fulfilled.  The LORD may choose to shut us up for a time so we can focus on the right things. Then, like Zechariah, we can emerge with prophetic praise.