Christian
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Salt and Light: Living as Kingdom Citizens in a Flavorless World
Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV) Salt and Light 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out… Continue reading
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The Beatitudes: An Invitation to True Happiness in God’s Kingdom
What does it take to be truly happy? This question has captivated humanity for millennia, and even today, millions seek answers through various means. In 2018, Yale University launched a course called “Psychology and the Good Life,” which quickly became… Continue reading
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Entering the Kingdom: A Call to True Repentance
In the wilderness of Judea, a voice cries out, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” These words, spoken by John the Baptist, echo through time and still resonate with us today. But what does it truly mean… Continue reading
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Sticking Close to Jesus When Chronic Pain is Loud
By Kurt Barnes Life sure can throw a lot at us, can’t it? One minute things are great, the next, you’re facing something really tough. In my post (https://kurtbarnes.org/2024/11/20/walking-with-a-limp-faith-and-chronic-pain/), I talked about how a bad accident at work left me… Continue reading
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The Unexpected Family Tree: Finding Hope in Imperfection
By: Kurt Barnes When we think of family trees, we often imagine a neat, orderly progression of generations. But what if the most important family tree in history was anything but ordinary? The lineage of Jesus Christ, as recorded in… Continue reading
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The Unexpected Family Tree of Jesus: A Story of Grace and Inclusion
By: Kurt Barnes When we think of royal lineages, we often imagine a pristine line of noble and virtuous ancestors. But the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as presented in the Gospel of Matthew, paints a strikingly different picture. Far from… Continue reading
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In the Dark, Holding Onto Hope: Processing Yesterday’s Lockdown Together
By: Kurt Barnes Yesterday started like many other volunteer days at my child’s school. The familiar sounds of learning and youthful energy filled the halls. Then, suddenly, the world shifted… Lockdown. Immediately. Not a drill. In an instant, the lights… Continue reading
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The Day That Changed Everything
By: Kurt Barnes I have always excelled as a history student. Although I was not generally a great student growing up, in fact, my ADD-fueled habits earned me the nickname “the happy wonderer” from my teachers. I struggled to focus… Continue reading
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Embracing “Oikos”: The Transformative Power of Personal Relationships in Evangelism
By: Kurt Barnes In an age where fleeting digital interactions often replace meaningful personal connections, the biblical concept of “oikos”—meaning “household” or “tribe”—reminds us of the profound impact that close-knit relationships can have in spreading the Gospel. This article explores… Continue reading
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Living a Beautiful Life: The Power of Abiding in Christ
By: Kurt Barnes In a world obsessed with achievements and accolades, we often find ourselves asking children, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” This seemingly innocent question subtly reinforces the idea that our worth is tied… Continue reading
