Talking Points with Pastor Woodford - Suffering
That evening at sundown they brought to [Jesus] all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. (Mark 1:32-34)
Countless diseased, oppressed, and suffering people were healed and relieved. What was it like to receive instant relief? One moment your back is aching and throbbing, the next there is utter relief. One second your body is riddled by misery and disease, the next you’re healed and made well. One instant the devil is oppressing you, and the next you are free and at peace.
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Talking Points with Pastor Woodford - Don't be Surprised
Beloved do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Pet. 4:12).
“Beloved” is a strong word. It includes love, affection, protection, and compassion all rolled into one word. Peter wrote to those who were beloved by God, particularly because so many were enduring suffering on account of the faith and virtuous life they lived in Christ.
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Talking Points with Pastor Woodford - Greatest of These is Love
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians explains the deep truths of love for Christians. It ends with a familiar verse: Faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13:13). Have you ever wondered why he says love is the greatest? 1 Corinthians 13 is a profound chapter dedicated entirely to explaining the way of love. In it, Paul depicts, defines, and describes love. Specifically, according to God’s perspective, both what it is and what it is not.
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Talking Points with Pastor Lucas - Anticipation!
Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting. The church year keeps us focused on the life of Jesus. Advent, the first season of the church year, brings us to the beginning of Jesus’ life, where He becomes incarnate—where He came into the flesh—to be born of a virgin, set in a manger, and reared in a family.
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Talking Points with Pastor Lucas - Generation to Generation
The Church has fallen on hard times in America. She is in statistical decline, aging and contracting. In the normal course of things aging brings maturity, and with maturity comes wisdom – usually. Maturity, therefore, must be passed along to the next generation. However, that’s just it. The next generation is missing from many congregations.
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Talking Points with Pastor Lucas - Ministry in a Truthless Age
“That may be true for you, but it is not true for me.” It’s a common phrase heard among people in our culture today. Truth has fallen on hard times. It echoes what Pilate said to Jesus while on trial: “So you are a king then?” He was trying to determine if Jesus was indeed a king. Jesus responds, “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” (John 19:37-38)
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