We have prepared the following questions to accompany the sermon from Sunday, February 2, 2019. They are meant to be used for personal reflection, family devotions, and/or small groups. Main Scripture (ESV) 1 Peter 2:1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.2 Like newborn...
What I Learned from My Own Mr. Miyagi
It’s as if time is standing still. This man, whom I just met, is present… in the moment… attentive. I learn a much-needed lesson that will not be soon forgotten. After a long Sunday, I look forward to having Monday as a day of rest. I normally like to spend...
Biblical Truth vs. Spiritual Experience: Why We Shouldn’t Have to Choose
Is the Christian life about Biblical truth and doctrine or spiritual experience? Is Christianity intellectual or experiential? My answer is, “Yes!”. In my thirty-two years of being a believer, I have visited many churches, and— when it comes to this issue— the pendulum seems to swing wholly to one...
Why Real Life Uses the ESV Bible
In light of the availability of multiple English Bible translations, I am often asked why Real Life Community Church uses the English Standard Version (ESV). I love the Word of God and consider it an incredible privilege to have the Scriptures in our own language! To be sure, I don’t...
Do You Have to Go to Church to Be a Christian?
According to Barna Group research, 10% of Americans now classify themselves as people who “love Jesus, but not the church.” This is beyond alarming and demonstrates the spiritual decline and secularization of our nation. Is this okay? To be sure, church attendance does not save us. We are saved by grace alone,...
Show Your Calendar Who’s Boss
“I want to, but I just don’t have the time,” is one of the most common frustrations I hear from people from all walks of life. Dreams are not becoming realities and goals are not being achieved, because countless individuals are convinced they simply can’t fit certain priorities into their schedules. Whether...
2017, A Year to Draw Near
Another Christmas has come and gone, yet the truths that we celebrate during its festivities should remain constant. One of these glorious truths, which was the focus of my Advent series, is found in one of Jesus’ titles, Immanuel, which means, “God with us.” This word, Immanuel, most likely rings familiar...
Contentment: The Fruit of True Thankfulness
“Thanks for taking us out to eat Dad. Can we rent a movie on the way home?” This type of conversation is frequent with my children. In one breath they express gratitude, yet in the next, they beg for more. I am trying to teach them that the fruit of...
Cohabitation: Is It Okay for Christians?
Recent statistics show that cohabitation before marriage is a growing trend in the United States. 48% of women, ages 15 – 44, move in with their mate before getting married. Because the Bible doesn’t specifically address this cultural subject, there are Christians who feel that living together before marriage is...
Intentional Kindness
Isn’t it easy to take the people in our lives for granted? It is not that we are unloving or that we don’t appreciate the relationships we have. No, I believe the problem is simply we are not intentional enough about considering and expressing appreciation for others. Intentional Kindness is key. Say...