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We all know Jesus’ parable of the “Prodigal” son. Jesus tells a story about an unfaithful son who wastes his father’s riches. After “coming to his senses”, the wayward son repents and returns to his father. The loving father comes running to his son and welcomes him back home with love! The parable is actually a picture of God’s extravagant (prodigal) love and mercy for each one of his wayward children.But what about the “other” …
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“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’” Mark 1:14-15In the Gospel of Matthew, John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” John points the people to the eventual coming of Jesus, assuring them “I baptize you with water, …
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Do you remember saying this as a little child? “Here is the church.  Here is the steeple. Open the door and see all the people!” You would fold your hands into a “church.” Make a “steeple” and then open the “doors!” It was great fun! What if there was no Good Shepherd church (building)? Would our Providence neighborhood be much different? How would our Elgin community be affected? It’s humbling to think about…Just a few …
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Could it ever be possible that the church could forget about God’s word? It doesn’t really seem possible does it? Although it doesn’t seem conceivable that the church could ever forget about God’s Word, it HAS happened before!It happened during the reign of Josiah, King of Judah. While cleaning out the temple in Jerusalem, the priest found a book. The book that was found was “The Book of the Law.” These were the writings of …
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It seems like a simple question, but try to define the word “forgiveness” in your own words without actually using the word “forgive.”  Not easy! One definition for forgiveness is, “a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.” Or more simply, “forgiveness is making the decision to let someone off the hook!”To some people, forgiveness …
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Do you know what the hardest thing is about growing older? I used to know but I guess that I forgot! Oh, now I remember! One thing that I don’t like about growing older is not being as sharp as I once was. It seems that the older I get….the more I forget!Don’t get me wrong, there are many things that I enjoy about getting older. I appreciate simple things a whole lot more: good …
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I pray that you had a refreshing break this summer! I hope that you were able to take some time off and relax! Recreation is really all about taking time to step back and enjoy God’s creation. As we come back together for our fall worship season, we will begin a new sermon series entitled: “REstored in Christ!” Each week we will see how two small letters, “re” can remind us of the life changing …
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Are you wasting your troubles? Any time God allows trials to enter your life, He has a purpose for them. You have an opportunity to squeeze out every ounce of spiritual growth instead of letting difficulties force you into despair and discouragement. A faithful attitude towards God will enable you to respond to trials in a proper way.  The trial that looks as if it could destroy you becomes an instrument of blessing.The most natural …
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How is life? Are things going smoothly in your life or do you feel like you are always under attack? If you feel like your life is just one long battle, you may be right! The fact is that we do live in a world filled with violence. But the worst part is that we do not just struggle with worldly violence, we fight against “cosmic powers, against spiritual forces of evil!” (Eph 6:12)  If you …
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