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.

You Can’t Measure Success While the Game Is Still Being Played

Posted on August 17, 2021 by salooper57

We play a game at our house called Ticket To Ride. The game is played on a board where railroad routes are outlined to cities all over the country. Each player draws three route cards worth varying numbers of points, … Continue reading →

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The Kingdom Commission

Posted on August 15, 2021 by salooper57

Earth is in a civil war – a spiritual war, really, though we must understand that spiritual means more than religious, or mystical or emotional. Spirit is un-bodied personal power, and earth is caught in a cosmic struggle between opposing … Continue reading →

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I Want to Be Like Bob

Posted on August 11, 2021 by salooper57

I met Bob and his wife about thirty years ago. He was just back in the states after a span of years in an east African country. Bob performed surgeries in a hospital there for people who otherwise would not … Continue reading →

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Story Within a Story: Bringing Your Story into God’s Story

Posted on August 9, 2021 by salooper57

This sermon follows the stories of Saul and David in 1 Samuel. Saul does not recognize the larger story and insists on being the sole contributor and final authority on his story. David, however, shows us how we can collaborate … Continue reading →

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Posted on August 5, 2021 by salooper57

Coming to some Scripture passages can be like joining a conversation that is already in progress. Imagine walking up onto the porch of a house belonging to your best friends. Through the screen door you hear your friend speaking to … Continue reading →

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It Cannot Bear to Admire, Respect, or Be Grateful

Posted on August 4, 2021 by salooper57

Envy is a terrible thing. It is one of the chief sources of evil in the world. Here are some of the things the Bible says about envy: It can destroy someone (Job 5:2); it will steal a person’s peace … Continue reading →

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Soul Erosion: the Deformation of Saul (1 Samuel 18-31)

Posted on August 1, 2021 by salooper57

This sermon explores the other side of spiritual formation. It is like looking at the negative of a photo. What we see is disquieting, but we have real reason for hope. Sorry, but because of technical issues, we do not … Continue reading →

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Doubt Roots Deeply in a Closed Mind

Posted on July 31, 2021 by salooper57

Faith is one of Christianity’s cardinal virtues. St. Paul ranks it alongside hope and love as something that will survive the end of the age. Christians are taught that they are justified by faith and must learn to live by … Continue reading →

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How to Set Your Heart on Things Above

Posted on July 28, 2021 by salooper57

Craig Larson tells about driving to work in a suburb of Chicago and seeing an SUV with the words Texas Longhorns prominently displayed on the spare tire case. The trailer hitch was adorned with a steer-head. The license plate frame … Continue reading →

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Formed and Deformed: the Spiritual Formation of David

Posted on July 27, 2021 by salooper57
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