Author Archives: salooper57

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About salooper57

Husband, father, pastor, follower. I am a disciple of Jesus, learning how to do life from him. I read, write, walk, play a little guitar, enjoy my family.

Faith and Prayer (Mark 9:14-29)

Posted on August 21, 2024 by salooper57

When Jesus says to this dad, “Everything is possible to the one who believes,” the one who believes and for whom everything is possible is preeminently Jesus. The desperate father’s smidgeon of faith is joined to the great faith and faithfulness of Jesus the son of God. Continue reading →

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Fasting or Feasting: Spiritual Nourishment at Church and Home

Posted on August 17, 2024 by salooper57

It is the men and women who have learned to nourish themselves on Scripture during the week who derive the most benefit from a sermon on Sunday. They have discriminating tastes. They recognize artificial ingredients, spit out poisons, relish a hearty meal, enjoy a satisfying after-dinner treat. Continue reading →

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Prayer: It Doesn’t Need to Be Boring

Posted on August 13, 2024 by salooper57

If prayer is boring, it is because bored people are praying about things that have little to do with “real” life. Continue reading →

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Who Is Your Favorite Apostle?

Posted on August 10, 2024 by salooper57

Jesus didn’t choose Philip because he was brilliant. He didn’t go looking for him because he couldn’t get along without him. There was nothing extraordinary about Philip, at least nothing that other people could see. Jesus chose Philip because he wanted him. Continue reading →

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Prayer: It’s Not an Individual Sport

Posted on August 7, 2024 by salooper57

When a group is so led by the Spirit … people don’t lift their voices; they lift their voice; and it is the voice of the Body of Christ Continue reading →

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Baptism (sermon video)

Posted on August 4, 2024 by salooper57

When you think about it, that is a strange thing to do. “You want to begin a new life? That’s fantastic! Let’s stick your head under water.” Continue reading →

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Religious Adventure: It’s Not an Oxymoron

Posted on August 3, 2024 by salooper57

Prayer needn’t be an exercise in boredom—not if it is done right. It can be the door to adventure. Continue reading →

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Praying: It’s Not an Individual Sport

Posted on July 31, 2024 by salooper57

When a group is so led by the Spirit, a remarkable thing occurs. Though various individuals speak, it is just one prayer that comes through them. These people don’t lift their voices; they lift their voice; and it is the voice of the Body of Christ, which is inexpressibly sweet to God’s ears. Continue reading →

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Baptism: Grave, Garden, Stage

Posted on July 30, 2024 by salooper57

We baptized 7 people this past Sunday in a joyous celebration of God’s work in their lives and their determination to be Jesus’s people. Standing next to the pool where we baptized these committed people, I shared the following brief … Continue reading →

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The Case for Judgment: Why It Is Necessary

Posted on July 27, 2024 by salooper57

The Associated Press once ran a story about Fidel Castro’s visit to Venezuela. The Cuban president used the occasion to sign a big oil contract with Venezuela, then toured the country with President Hugo Chavez, and took in an exhibition … Continue reading →

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