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.

First Stone in an Avalanche

Posted on June 13, 2023 by salooper57

Easter celebrations frequently focus on the fact that we will continue to live after we die. As true as that is, it’s important to realize that most people believed that before Jesus rose from the dead. They believed that humans … Continue reading →

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A Fruitful Fiasco: Introduction to 1 Thessalonians

Posted on June 11, 2023 by salooper57

This introduction to 1 Thessalonians (the series is titled, Hopeful) goes back to Acts 17, where Luke narrates the exciting story of Paul’s arrival in – and hasty departure from – Thessalonica. We will look at the background of the … Continue reading →

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Things My Dad Didn’t Mean to Teach Me: A Tribute (of Sorts)

Posted on June 10, 2023 by salooper57

My dad taught me a lot of things, some intentionally, but most inadvertently. In the intentional column were things like how to tie an improved cinch knot, how to change a tire, and how to bowl. He taught me how … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, relationships, Theology | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

What the Bible Says to American Culture About Work

Posted on June 9, 2023 by salooper57

In America, work is sometimes an idol and sometimes a bane. In the final session of this class, we look at what the Bible has to say about work, and we compare that to American ideas regarding work.

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Your Labor in the Lord Is Not in Vain (1 Cor. 15:58)

Posted on June 4, 2023 by salooper57

Kevin Looper shows us why the work we do in the Lord is worthwhile.

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A Brief History of Progress: Are We There Yet?

Posted on June 3, 2023 by salooper57

In 1788, Benjamin Franklin wrote to a friend: “I have sometimes wished it had been my destiny to be born two or three centuries hence. For invention and improvement are prolific, and beget more of their kind. The present progress … Continue reading →

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The Progress of History and the History of Progress

Posted on June 2, 2023 by salooper57

Some ideas influence our actions and emotions, and we are not even aware of it. The powerful idea of progress is one. Christians don’t reject the idea of progress, but they understand it differently than does the prevailing culture. This … Continue reading →

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Purposefully Distracted: What the Bible Has to Say to American Culture

Posted on May 28, 2023 by salooper57

Is there a difference between rest and distraction? Is it possible that we need rest but don’t need distraction? Might we be distracting ourselves to death? This class looks at what the Bible says about distraction, careful thinking, and rest.

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Understanding the Decline of Religion in America

Posted on May 27, 2023 by salooper57

According to the Public Religion Research Institute (PPRI), only 16 percent of Americans surveyed say that religion is the most important thing in their lives. This marks a 4 percent drop in one decade. Melissa Deckman of PPRI says that … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Faith, Spiritual life, Worldview and Culture | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Homosexuality and Gender Transitioning (What the Bible Has to Say to American Culture)

Posted on May 26, 2023 by salooper57
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