The Bible has a lot to say about sex. Unfortunately, the topic is off-limits in many churches – and that is to our detriment. We spend so much time clarifying what sex is not that we’ve lost the biblical vision of what it is – and more importantly, why God created it. This is why […]
With all the news about Israel these days it shouldn’t surprise us that it has spurred apocalyptic craziness – doomsday scenarios. I recently read an article in World magazine about Jonathan Cahn. I had never heard of him. He’s a popular end-time preacher with nine best-selling books and 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube. When I was a teen, […]
“There are times in life when we have the sacred opportunity to comfort a grieving person,” so writes Aniel Seabough of the Christian Counseling & Education Foundation. Life in a fallen world guarantees that trouble of some variety is coming to us all. Though every person’s grief is unique, the author lists 5 practices essential […]
I know fall doesn’t officially start until later this month, but in my mind it always begins after Labor Day. I love this season – maybe it’s the crisp air in the mornings, the bonfires or apple cider. Maybe its because I equate the fall with a new beginning – probably going back to when […]
Is HBC a friendly church? It is our desire for us to demonstrate God’s love to our guests, Rom 12:11-13. We must seek and pursue friendliness. Suggestions? Approach those you might not know and introduce yourself. “Hi, I’m ____. How long have you been coming to church here?” Remember those visiting might naturally feel a […]
Kingdom & Covenant. That’s what we’ve entitled a new expository series beginning September 7 in the book of 1 Kings. I preached through 1-2 Samuel over 10 years ago. Our new study is the continuous narrative of the monarchy from when David handed the kingdom over to his son Solomon – and what transpired after. […]
One of our initiatives in our current strategic plan addresses the discipleship of young families. That has been a matter of prayerful brainstorming for me. This fall we will conduct a special class for parents. The best time to offer such a class we felt would be during the SS/ABF hour. From September 7 through […]
One of the most precious portraits of our Lord is him holding children in his arms. It was a Jewish custom for parents to bring their children to rabbis to be blessed, so it was perfectly natural for people to bring their children to Jesus as one of the most popular rabbis of the day. […]
When life takes a difficult turn, we all have quoted Isa 55:9 to ourselves and others, “Well, his ways are not our ways.” It is true that God orchestrates events in ways that surprise and puzzle us. But in reading the book by Dane Ortland, Gentle and Lowly, I was surprised to learn using this verse that […]
It is funny how you can read the Bible over the years and not see a particular verse, but then it jumps out at you. Luke 12:32 was “new” to me a few years ago. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. It continues to provide comfort and […]