CONCORD

In the Bible people with needs always seem to end up in the presence of Jesus. Today as the shut down of our country starts to settle in there are many people who find themselves in need. Luke 8:40-56 introduces us to two such people. Jairus a ruler comes to Jesus begging him to come touch his daughter who is about to die. Jesus immediately begins to go to Jairus home. While on their way an unnamed woman with an issue comes up from behind believing that if she can just touch

Church, There is much fear, anxiety and uncertainty in our culture. We have been cast into uncharted waters and we are making decisions as we go. Our current time has demonstrated in a great way our need for God every day. As a leader I ask for his wisdom to know what the next step is. We make decisions, uncertain of the outcomes, but prayerful that we have heard the voice of God. One of our recent decisions was to cancel all activities for the week of March 15, including in

We are not currently able to do all that the new church did. It would not be wise to "break bread" with one another. I do see an opportunity for something like a soup kitchen in the days ahead though. I have heard of churches doing drive through communion with prepackaged communion cups and bread. This really is not necessary. Communion is symbolic in nature and is designed to call us to remember the work of Jesus. The New Testament does not specify how often this should be d

The events of recent days have caused churches everywhere to become innovative while staying true to the mission of Christ. Online services, Facebook live devotions, emails, drive-in movie style services, video conference Sunday school classes and lots of phone calls and text messages have become the means of ministry. Down through history the methods of sharing the gospel and ministering to God’s people have adapted to the time and circumstances of history. Our time is no di

The reality of this life altering time has begun to settle in and people are developing new rhythms in life. The question begins to arise, how should the Christian respond? I was reading this morning in Acts 3-4 where Peter and John are used by God to bring healing to a lame man. The religious leaders of the day were not happy about their preaching in the name of Jesus. Peter and John spent a night in jail, but not before seeing 5000 people saved. Then they are brought before

There is a lot of fear in our world right now. The Corona virus has had a massive global impact. Stores are out of hand sanitizer, Clorox Wipes and masks. Italy has shutdown schools, transit and many stores. In the US parades, sporting and entertainment events are being canceled, schools have been closed. How do we not live in fear? In the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 6, Jesus asked how many people could increase their height by worrying. Obviously, no one can.

The greatest two Commandments are to "love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ (Luke 10:27)” Love is foundational to salvation and to the Christian life. This presents us with a problem. Our culture struggles to understand love. We love everything from ice cream, to ball teams, to our jobs and our families. Surely these are not all the same type of love. The Greek la

There are many memorable stories of faith in the Bible. Hebrews 11 often times referred to as the Hall of Fame of Faith recounts many of the stories of bible characters demonstrating faith. These are the stories that we like to tell our children. We like to talk about David and Goliath, Peter walking on the water, Daniel in the Lions Den and of Shadrach, Meshach and AbedNego in the fiery furnace. These are tremendous stories that demonstrate faith and the power of God. S

1 Praise the LORD! I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. 2 The works of the LORD are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them. 3 His work is honorable and glorious, And His righteousness endures forever. 4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. Why should I praise the Lord? I see division in our country. I see brokenness in people al

A life well lived is a life of faith. Hebrews 11 demonstrates what a life of faith looks like and how ordinary people can live out a life of faith. Chapter 12 transitions and helps us as the reader to get started on this marvelous journey of following God. The journey begins with the recognition that many others have come this way before, "so great a cloud of witnesses.” These other sojourners have successfully lived lives that where pleasing to God. Then we are instructe