Category Archives: Spiritual life

Magnificent Obsession or Academic Religion: The Wise Men’s Story

Posted on December 23, 2023 by salooper57

The Feast of Epiphany, held on January 6th, celebrates the revelation of Christ to the world. It commemorates the visit of the Magi, traditionally known as the “wise men,” to the Child Christ. The origin of the Magi has been … Continue reading →

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He Has a Certain Way About Him

Posted on November 25, 2023 by salooper57

In both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible speaks about “the way of the Lord.” The biblical writers frequently urge people to walk in God’s ways. What does it mean that God has a way? The “way of the … Continue reading →

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Life’s Detours: What You Need to Know

Posted on November 18, 2023 by salooper57

A reasoned defense of God’s goodness and love in the face of suffering and evil is known as a theodicy. Examples of theodicy can be found in the works of philosophers like Leibniz, Hick, and Plantinga. I cannot hope to … Continue reading →

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Do Not Grow Weary (Galatians 6)

Posted on November 8, 2023 by salooper57

This 29-minute sermon from Galatians 6:1-10 encourages us not to give up when things get tough. Click the link Do Not Grow Weary to listen or read the manuscript below. Emmet Smith, the great running back for the Dallas Cowboys, … Continue reading →

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The Vacant House: A Horror Story Jesus Told

Posted on November 4, 2023 by salooper57

Jesus once told a story about an “impure spirit” that “comes out of a person” and “goes through arid places seeking rest” but does not find it. The spirit then says to itself, “I will return to the house I … Continue reading →

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All the Adventure You Will Ever Need

Posted on October 28, 2023 by salooper57

I think I had the same preacher when I was younger. It seems like a crime to bore people with the most remarkable story ever told, so I have worked hard to keep sermons interesting. Nevertheless, when talking about selling … Continue reading →

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Is This the Bible’s Most Difficult Verse?

Posted on October 14, 2023 by salooper57

St. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian Church is one of the earliest books in the New Testament. Toward the end of the letter, the Apostle Paul throws in a list of instructions – a sort of church member’s checklist … Continue reading →

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A Favorite (Frequently Misunderstood) Bible Verse

Posted on October 7, 2023 by salooper57

It has been said that the most quoted verse in the Bible is no longer John 3:16 but instead Matthew 7:1: “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” That is not surprising. Personal freedom is the touchstone of the era. Everyone … Continue reading →

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A Life That Means Something

Posted on October 1, 2023 by salooper57

This sermon was preached on May 10, 2020, at Lockwood Community Church.

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Patience Does Not Come Ready-Made

Posted on September 30, 2023 by salooper57

A while back, our washing machine started leaking just a little, so after wash day, we would pull the machine out and use a rag to dry under it. As time passed, the leak got a little worse, and then … Continue reading →

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