In Matthew 28:6, we see the words of the Angel at the tomb to the women who came to anoint the body of Jesus, “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. . .”    The early believers would greet one another by saying, “He is Risen” and the response was, “He is Risen, indeed!”  The hope of the believer is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is that resurrection that gives us the understanding that Jesus’ death was sufficient to remove the barrier of sin between us and the Lord.  In order for that to happen, we must turn to God from our sin.  We serve a living Savior, and as we come to celebrate another Resurrection Day, this Sunday, we are reminded anew of the hope of Christ’s ministry to us.  May this Sunday not just be a day of easter eggs, chocolate, and festivities, may it be a day when we pause and reflect on the glory of our God in providing Salvation for us through His Son!… READ MORE

God’s Word is very clear that this side of heaven, we will all face pain, abuses, disappointments, and trials. We are reminded that we are not necessarily responsible when people treat us poorly, and yet it is possible to respond to poor treatment without becoming sinfully bitter. Our merciful God stands ready to meet us in our time of need and guide us through trials in a way that glorifies His name and strengthens our faith. There is great hope in knowing that bitter circumstances don’t have to make us sinfully bitter. Our behavior flows out of fully functioning heart. Jesus explained it this way in Mark 7:20-23, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts . . . All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” The word “heart” is used over seven hundred times in the Bible. It isn’t simply the seat of our emotions or the physical organ in our body. In God’s Word, “heart” encompasses every aspect of our inner person. It is our control center and includes everything about us that is not material. It is so important that we are told in Proverbs 4:23 “Guard your heart … READ MORE

This week Ohio had their primary election. I was reminded that many people look for the answers to the problems of our society to come from our government. While governments are raised up and brought low by our Lord, I was reminded that no government, no matter how focused on the Word of God, can implement the change that is needed to our society. We can make all the laws we want, but people will still find ways to break them, because that is the way of the heart of man. So what do we do? We need to pray for our nation to return to its foundations established years ago, but the reality the only true solution to the issues we face is the return of Jesus Christ! The Bible reminds repeatedly, that one day the Lord will return, and He will establish His Kingdom here on earth. Some will disagree with the teaching of the Bible, but the Truth of God’s Word will bear out. All we have to do is look at the realty of the continued presence of the Jewish people to live in the hope of His return. God will fulfill His promises, because they … READ MORE