On our way to Pentecost, I’m considering Baptist pastor and church consultant Thom Rainer’s insights regarding a decline in evangelism in the church over the past, well, decades. The Acts…
Seven years ago, pastor and student of church effectiveness Thom Rainer identified several reasons why churches have become less evangelistic.[1] Rainer had his Baptist constituency mostly in mind, since Presbyterians,…
The Word of God comes to announce the Word is now fulfilled. It seems like that would be sort of important, if you understood what was happening. Those in the…
God’s love is “one another” love. This makes perfect sense, for God is one God in three Persons, blessed Trinity. John was writing in a situation where people in…
John doesn’t want us to be afraid. He knows Jesus. How many times, John remembers so well, Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid.” John wants us to be wise. He…
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph 2:10). Our new birth in Christ…
Bible Text: Philippians 3:3-16 | Preacher: Paul Kucera | Series: For Progress and Joy in the Faith | The way to progress and joy in the faith is Christ. Obviously. …
Bible Text: Matthew 16:13-20 | Preacher: Paul Kucera | Jesus gives Simon a new name: Peter. In Revelation, Jesus tells us all the victorious will receive a new name (Rev.…
Bible Text: Acts 2:1-21 | Preacher: Paul Kucera | Wind, fire, speaking . . . listening to Pentecost, I’m reminded of Elijah in the cave. Elijah fled from Jezebel and…
Bible Text: Acts 1:6-14 | Preacher: Paul Kucera | Jesus, stand among us in your risen power. Disciples long for this: to see Jesus, have him with us, in his…