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.

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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Justice Offers Forgiveness but not Escape

Posted on July 24, 2021 by salooper57

I once called on a mother of two girls who were in our little mission church’s Sunday School. I was nervous about what I had to say. Her daughters were both out of control, disrupting Sunday School classes and even … Continue reading →

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David and Goliath: Root and Fruit

Posted on July 22, 2021 by salooper57
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The Christian Mind

Posted on July 22, 2021 by salooper57

A Jesus-follower’s mind is to be filled with things above: God’s will, his gifts, his character, his plans for us.  People who have been connected to Christ, who have undergone the Great Transition (who have received God’s own life through … Continue reading →

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