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How Can Our Church Serve Our Community at this Time?

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:54:51-06:00

By Janna Wiley EIGHTY-SEVEN. OCHENTA Y SIETE. OCTOGINTA SEPTEM. KANAWALUKUMAMĀHIKU. That number is meaningful in my Family. That number keeps growing. It represents the number of days my family has been sheltering in place, selectively going outside, and starting the social distancing of what is the “new normal” in our country. But, there is another number that I want to talk about today. How can our church serve our community at this time? TWENTY-SEVEN No, it’s not my age, it’s not a birthday, nor a code. This number is the total number, so far, that my local church has delivered care [...]

How Can Our Church Serve Our Community at this Time?Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:54:51-06:00

It’s Not Okay for Kids to be Bored in Church

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:52:44-06:00

By Israel Steinmetz I baptized my three oldest kids in 2015. It’s incredible to watch them worship together with the local body of Christ they’ve become a part of. I love worshipping with my kids. Whether at home or with our church, there’s something awesome about joining them in song to our Creator and Redeemer. Last week in service I held my four year old’s hand as we sang together. I looked across the aisle at three of my other children as they praised alongside their friends. My middle school daughter stays through the entire service, taking copious sermon notes and [...]

It’s Not Okay for Kids to be Bored in ChurchBrian Franks2022-08-03T15:52:44-06:00

Acts of Service Aren’t Enough, Thankfully

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:51:08-06:00

By Caitlin Meadows Growing up, my elementary school implemented a merit system. Every staff member carried around little yellow pieces of paper called “bobcat awards” that motivated students to voluntarily complete acts of service. When a student had collected enough, he or she earned a lunch period spent in the “bobcat room” (the band room) complete with a special dessert treat and rated G music playing from a boombox. The best part about earning this reward? The status. Since the bobcat room was right off of the cafeteria, these well-behaved, honored students got to walk right on past all of their [...]

Acts of Service Aren’t Enough, ThankfullyBrian Franks2022-08-03T15:51:08-06:00

What Redemption Means for Followers of Christ

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:45:20-06:00

By Jason Overman We say it as often as we can: Jesus-followers have been re-created by Christ to lead on His behalf in our everyday lives and circles. But why? Because of His redemption. With an accurate understanding of this common Christian word, we come to a greater personal appreciation of the gospel. And with that greater appreciation comes a deeper desire to live surrendered to His leading which enables us to influence others for Him. Redeemed — how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed thro’ His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am.” Perhaps [...]

What Redemption Means for Followers of ChristBrian Franks2022-08-03T15:45:20-06:00

Understanding Gospel Indicatives and Imperatives

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:42:46-06:00

By Caitlin Meadows “I’d like to be baptized someday but I don’t think I’m ready yet. I need more time.” I’ve heard statements along these lines several times. Those making this sort of statement wrongly believe that they must first be good enough before receiving the salvation that Christ offers them. Some have parents enforcing this false belief. Others grew up in congregations that focused more on how the Bible commands Jesus-followers to live and less (or not at all) on what Jesus Christ has already accomplished on their behalf. In effect, these individuals believe they have to fulfill gospel imperatives without first [...]

Understanding Gospel Indicatives and ImperativesBrian Franks2022-08-03T15:42:46-06:00

Always More to Learn: An Interview with Karen Stacy

Brian Franks2022-07-28T15:51:59-06:00

By Caitlin Meadows On Sabbath morning you’ll find Karen Stacy in her classroom captivating the group of busy, bustling children around her. Though small in stature herself, she maintains a balance of gentleness and command. Occasionally she’ll throw in a little song to help her students focus as they learn. Her goal? That each child will develop a deeper understanding of who Jesus Christ is and of their personal need for Him. For over forty years she has voluntarily devoted her time, energy, prayers, talents, and passion in this capacity. Children’s education, especially their Christian education, is her calling. Throughout her adult [...]

Always More to Learn: An Interview with Karen StacyBrian Franks2022-07-28T15:51:59-06:00

The Importance of Education

Brian Franks2022-07-28T15:49:56-06:00

By Noe Reyes My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children Hosea 4:6 KJV. This passage is one of the saddest from the Bible. It expresses the profound sadness and raw emotion of a Holy God who desires to be known by His people. From the beginning of time, the omnipotent and only God established the importance of education for his chosen ones. Because of this, he strongly recommended to the [...]

The Importance of EducationBrian Franks2022-07-28T15:49:56-06:00

3 Keys to Communicating Christ

Brian Franks2022-07-28T15:46:44-06:00

By Caitlin Meadows Do you communicate with someone at least once a day? If so, you are a communicator. Are you a follower of Christ? If so, you are a leader. You are a leader because you were created and re-created to lead. You are a communicator because, well, we are all communicators. Every day you send and receive messages with those around you – your family, co-workers, neighbors, friends, and even strangers. In other words, you communicate. Unless you opt for the hermit life, communication is unavoidable. Through your various communications with those around you, you are leading each person to a conclusion about your life. So, as an influential [...]

3 Keys to Communicating ChristBrian Franks2022-07-28T15:46:44-06:00

The Life of Christ: A Testimony of Beautiful Lives

Brian Franks2022-07-20T13:26:29-06:00

By Chip Hinds THE LIFE OF CHRIST IN THE LIVES OF TRUE DISCIPLES Greetings in the name of Jesus, faithful disciples of the Lord. Some of you may wonder why I am always writing positive things, even when times are difficult. First, it is a commandment recorded by the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. But one of the most compelling reasons is the wonderful life of Jesus Christ I witness in the lives of [...]

The Life of Christ: A Testimony of Beautiful LivesBrian Franks2022-07-20T13:26:29-06:00

“I’ve Got This”

Brian Franks2022-07-20T13:24:24-06:00

By Chip Hinds “I’ve Got This!!!” Said Someone Who Was Clueless But Wait… Are things not going according to Plan? Oh, the treasures we have learned from the 2020 pandemic. Number one among those is to “Focus on Jesus and follow his plan.” Number two among those is, “We Are Better Together.” Yes, we had those themes before the pandemic. But our appreciation has grown exponentially through experiencing the pandemic. LEARNING FROM THE FUTURE-SELF Our daughter shared with us a newly circulating humorous video portraying a woman four months ago being contacted by her future-self. The future-self is from today’s timeframe. The [...]

“I’ve Got This”Brian Franks2022-07-20T13:24:24-06:00

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