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.

When God Comes Near (Isiah 63:15-64:9)

This past week reports of a revival on the campus of Asbury University in Wilmore, KY, made the Washington Times, Washington Examiner, FOX News, NBC news, Christianity Today, CBN, and a host of other news outlets. People are excited. People … Continue reading →

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The Importance of Belonging: Repairing the Foundational Rupture in Relationships

Picture eight or so sixth-grade boys, playing football on a narrow strip of grass between two houses. A laundry pole marks one end zone and the sidewalk marks the other. The football has gone into the busy street repeatedly, worrying … Continue reading →

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All That I Have Commanded You (Following Christ Today)

In this class, we look at what Jesus has commanded and what it would look like for individuals to obey (observe/keep) his commands. We explore scenarios in individuals’ and churches’ lives and ask what commands of Jesus might apply.

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The New Humanity (Series: The Church God Wants Us to Be)

(Ephesians 2:13-22) …now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by … Continue reading →

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Deconstructing Faith? Don’t Stop There

(Estimated reading time: four minutes.) There are a number of people in my circle of relationships who are somewhere in the process of deconstructing their faith. Among millennials, particularly educated white millennials, faith deconstruction is so common as to almost … Continue reading →

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Make Disciples (Following Christ Today)

Among Jesus’s commands to his disciples is the command to make other disciples. In this class, we look at what that entails and how the church can carry it out. We start off looking at the background to the commission … Continue reading →

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The Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)

The church of Jesus Christ has repeatedly divided over what we did a few minutes ago when we took the Lord’s Supper. In the Fourth Lateran Council, held in 1215, the Church of Rome officially adopted the view known as … Continue reading →

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How to Avoid End Times Deceptions

Don’t be motivated by fear. False prophets play on people’s fears while Christ’s genuine spokespeople encourage their hope. Fearful people are a charlatan’s best friend. Continue reading →

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Watch! (Following Christ Today)

Jesus told us to always watch for his coming. How do we go about obeying him in this? (Once we start getting practical about it, we see that obedience is not easy!) In this class, we think through the answers … Continue reading →

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Committed to the World (1 Peter 2:9-12)

The Christian’s commitment to the world is multifaceted. It includes a commitment to people’s welfare, to justice, and more, but it is rooted in the commitment to Christ. One aspect of our commitment to the world is our intention to … Continue reading →

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