Category Archives: Faith

The Story: Tempted

The Story: Tempted – Matthew 4:1-11 “Virtue is not virtue if it be untested and unexamined.” – Origen Immediately following his baptism, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness. The wilderness calls to mind Israel’s desert / wilderness experience … Continue reading

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The Story: A King is Born, Part 2

3. Messiah In Luke’s Gospel, he records the announcement of Christ’s birth in 2:8-12. In this text, Jesus is heralded as “Christ” or “Messiah.” The word “Christ” is simply the Greek translation of the Hebrew word for “anointed.” So the … Continue reading

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The Story: A King is Born, Part 1

There was quite a buzz this summer over the birth of a baby, a royal baby. Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, born to Prince William and Kate Middleton. Prince George’s parents opted for a more traditional name as opposed … Continue reading

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The Story: The Return Home

Do unfinished projects bother you? I have to confess to you that unfinished projects drive me crazy. I tend to be more task-oriented; I love to cross things off the to-do list; so nothing irritates me more than an unfinished … Continue reading

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The Story: The Kingdom’s Fall

The Kingdom’s Fall – Jeremiah 29:1-14  Imagine two cities: The first city is a bustling metropolis, full of frenzied activity. Think New York, London, Rome, L.A.. It’s a city that never sleeps, a city of constant sights and sounds and … Continue reading

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The Story: The King Who Had It All

“What do you want?” That can be a dangerous question. But it’s an important question, a question we’re confronted with throughout our lives. From our earliest days, our parents ask us, “What do you want to be when you grow … Continue reading

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The Story: The Trials of a King

2 Samuel 7 has been called one of the high points of the OT. As king over Israel, David builds for himself a majestic palace. But after completing it, he makes a sobering realization: “I’ve built this palace for myself … Continue reading

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The Story: Giants

David and Goliath.  It’s the classic story, firmly etched in our collective consciousness. The Philistine giant and the young shepherd boy. Brute strength vs. bold faith. The Bible presents Goliath as the Philistine champion. Standing over 9 feet tall, this … Continue reading

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The Story: The Lord Looks At the Heart

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks … Continue reading

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The Story: Good Guy or Bad Guy?

A few years ago, my kids and I really got into the Star Wars movies. Of course, I was all over it. Over the course of several weeks, we plowed through all six movies and I had the chance to … Continue reading

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