We believe that salvation is a gift from God, completely and wholly. Salvation is a process that happens by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that our righteousness (or right living) is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Even the person who lives their entire life perfectly means nothing to Christ. So it is completely by grace and not works that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8). By the same token, if we are saved our lives should show it. Read the rest of this entry
Build Up and Dig Deep
Posted by Chad HarperOct 2
Isaac wondered around the wilderness trying to find a new home. He recently was kicked out of Philistine because he had prospered so much that the Philistines became afraid of his power and wealth. As he wandered around, figuring out where to go, the Lord appeared to him in Beersheba. The Lord confirmed his promises to Isaac and reassured His hand upon his life. After having his interaction with the Lord, Isaac did two things. He built an altar and dug a well. There are two things you must do after an encounter with God, build up and dig deep. Read the rest of this entry
What To Do With Prosperity
Posted by Chad HarperOct 2
We live in a society that does not know what to do with prosperity. The current economic crisis we are in as a nation is a testament to that. Through the 90’s and 2000’s our economy and nation prospered. Even still today we are one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Our standard of poor is some countries’ standard of wealthy. We are an abundantly blessed nation. Read the rest of this entry
No Worries
Posted by Chad HarperAug 22
Many of us feel stressed, worried or fearful regarding things in our lives. Realistically we should not be people of worry or fear.
God’s ways are not of fear and worry.
That is not just a good sounding statement. Matter of fact, scripture takes it further. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Read the rest of this entry
Real Men Flee
Posted by Chad HarperMay 25
In our society, we often view running away as a cowardly act. In God’s kingdom, fleeing is actually the most masculine thing to do. To flee is not a cowardly act; the Bible encourages us to flee. However where you flee to determines your character. Read the rest of this entry
Know Jesus
Posted by Chad HarperSep 26
You have seen the bumber sticker. “Know Jesus, Know Peace. No Jesus, No Peace.” Yes, it is a life changer. I propose to you a new bumper sticker. ”Know Jesus, Know Everything. Period.” If you truly know Jesus, then you know everything you need to know to have a happy, prosperous, purposeful, fruit-filled life. When you know Jesus, it is not about your pedigree, your wealth, your education or anything else. Jesus is everything we need.
Genealogy Is Important
Posted by Chad HarperSep 20
The study of where you came from is important. Many people have researched their family lineage to find famous people or even royalty. It is vital to know where you came from. But rarely is someone more proud of where they came from then by what they are leaving behind.
There are some people mentioned in the Bible that are notarized by their faith. Jacob, even though he was the younger son, strove to steal the family blessing from his brother Esau. Rahab the harlot did not die in Jericho like all of her other neighbors because of her faith. Ruth married Boaz, her kinsmen because of her faithfulness and favor with God. Read the rest of this entry
Upward and Outward
Posted by Chad HarperSep 1
Too often in church we put so much emphasis on our relationship with God that we neglect our relationship with others. When in fact, our relationship with God is no deeper than our relationship with others. You may view yourself as having your act together spiritually. Maybe you are faithful in many things that enhance a walk with God; prayer, studying the Word, fasting, faithful church member, big contributor, adhering to doctrinal beliefs. However, we know from Jesus Himself, that it is not enough to just love God.
Jesus said in Matthew 22 that we are to love God first and then in conjunction with that, love our neighbor as ourselves. It was not an A or B answer. The two are connected. If you love God, then you will love your neighbor as yourself. Like Siamese twins sharing vital organs, one is dependent upon the other.
If we want to love upward to God, then we must love outward to our fellow man. You cannot say you have the love of God in you if you do not love your neighbor. This does not mean we have to get along all the time and agree on everything. You love your family, at least I hope you do, and still have fights. What Jesus was saying is that you cannot say you love God when you do not show the love of God to your neighbor. John said it this way, “If a man say, I love God , and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” Read the rest of this entry
Room To Grow
Posted by Chad HarperAug 16
Right now, Gavin, my 3 year old boy, is of an age where we must think ahead. When we buy pants, we make sure we buy them with “room to grow” in them. Meaning, if we buy them for what currently fits, then he will outgrow them shortly and we will be back at the store buying him bigger pants.
For some reason, as we grow older, we forget this childhood adage. We do everything exactly as we currently need it. Read the rest of this entry
What’s Hanging Over Your Head
Posted by Chad HarperAug 9
Peanuts characters are well known throughout many generations. One of the characters was named Pigpen because he was filthy. Every time you saw Pigpen there was a cloud of dirt hanging around him. When you saw the cloud of dirt you automatically knew, here comes Pigpen.
We too are known by what cloud is hanging around us. Read the rest of this entry