church
-
True Life: Surrendering to the Loving Authority of Jesus
Matthew 5:17-20 (NIV) 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest… Continue reading
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Reimagining Success: Cultivating Who We Are Through Abiding
By: Kurt Barnes Have you ever paused to consider the way we frame such a foundational question to our children: “What do you want to do when you grow up?” It’s a question we all recognize and probably answered ourselves… Continue reading
-
The Art of Spiritual Training: Moving Beyond Trying to Transformation
By: Kurt Barnes Have you ever felt stuck in your spiritual journey, constantly trying to be a better person but never quite getting there? You’re not alone. Many of us find ourselves caught in what John Ortberg calls “The Shame… Continue reading
-
Poem: Abiding in The Vine
A Poem By: Kurt Barnes O Vine, my life, my strength, my all,I cling to You, I cannot fall.Your sap, Your Spirit, flows in me,A constant source, eternally. Apart from You, I fade and die,Like withered branches, parched and dry.No… Continue reading
-
Abiding in Christ: The Journey to Becoming Like Jesus
By: Kurt Barnes In our journey as followers of Christ, we often hear about the importance of bearing fruit in our lives. But how do we actually achieve this? The answer lies in a profound yet simple concept: abiding in… Continue reading
