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Here are some of my favorite tweets from the last few weeks.  This is one of the blessings of social media where we can hear the gospel from people all over the world. If you like the tweet, go and follow the person on Twitter. You can never, ever assume the Gospel. Everything we do in Discipleship must be anchored in the Gospel – what Christ has done for us. @MichaelHorton_ interview on @theocast_org What the devil wants us to do is to lose sight of Christ’s part in the change process. Therefore, any change, any victory over sinful habits, has to start with you exercising more faith in your sovereign Senior Partner. (Jack Miller) The gospel, then, cannot be treated simply as a message for unbelievers, as the doorway into the Christian life; in order for Christians to grow they must be kept in the sunshine of the gospel. @timchestercouk @mike_reeves Our response to what God has done is a life characterized not by striving but by thanking, a life of gratitude—that’s what God...

My word for 2018 is abide.  I have this great picture over my fireplace made by a good friend that reminds me to abide each day.  My understanding of abide is to "be with Jesus." What does it mean to abide?  Here are some definitions to help us better understand the word.  The Greek word "meno" which is a verb means "to stay". It can also be translated as abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry for. We will also see these in the Old Testament as well. Each week I will share a verse (or two) to help us better understand abiding. The fear of the Lord leads to life;      then one rests content, untouched by trouble. (Proverbs 19:23) 15  So I commend the enjoyment of life , because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 8:15) ...

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. The names of God are important because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. Yahweh Rapha Yahweh is the Hebrew Name for God. It is "I AM". It is used over 6000 times in the Old Testament.  It was such a holy name that the Jews would not even say it.  Rapha means healer. Our God heals physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. for I am the Lord , your healer (Exodus 15:26) What it reminds me?  God heals.  I do not believe healing (or other gifts such as miracles, speaking in tongues, etc.) ended with the coming of Christ or completion of the Bible.  God still heals today.

I am about halfway through the book, Why the Reformation Still Matters   by Michael Reeves and Tim Chester.  I am reading it in preparation for preaching this summer.  Here are some quotes from the first 5 chapters: Nothing matters more than justification by Christ alone through faith alone...This is why Luther described justification as "the summary of Christian doctrine" and "the article by which the church stands or falls." So Christ is central to the Bible. And Christ is central to the interpretation of the Bible. All true interpretations of the Bible lead us to Jesus. Corrupted all the way down, we cannot fix ourselves. Our hearts must be renewed, and that can happen only through the gospel being preached and the glory of God being unveiled. For them, grace was not a "thing" at all; it is the personal kindness of God by which he does not merely enable us but actually rescues and freely gives us himself...In other words, the grace and righte...

This summer (May-July), I have the opportunity to preach every week at Hesston MB Church.  I am excited about it and look forward to the challenge.  I plan to post on Wednesday of each week a little teaser for the sermon which could include verses to read, quotes to ponder, or a picture.  So, check back on May 2nd for the first sermon teaser. Here is a tentative preaching schedule: May 6- 5 Solas-Scripture Alone May 13- 5 Solas-Grace Alone May 20- 5 Solas-Christ Alone May 27- 5 Solas-Faith Alone June 3-Community VBS Service at Hesston High School-No Go Deeper Hour or worship at HMBC June 10- 5 Solas-Glory of God Alone June 17- God is....Creator, Triune June 24- God is....Good, Great July 1- God is....Holy, Loving July 8-Pastor Jared Menard Preaching July 15- God is....Provider, Merciful July 22- God is....Substitute, Sacrifice, Savior July 29-Guest Preacher

My Aunt Kay Jean suggested I start sharing a verse of the day.  I liked her suggestion but decided instead of a verse of the day, I would share a verse of the week.  Be reminded of who God is from His Word. 4  Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2  And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3  And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4  But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone,      but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5  Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6  and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up,      lest you strike your ...

This is a regular feature now that replaced "Playing on the Radio." I will be sharing songs from my "Gospel Playlist" on my phone. The gospel is good news.  It reminds us what Christ has DONE for us.  As I share, I hope it will be an encouragement to you today.  Song today is:  All I Have Is Christ by Sovereign Grace Music

It's hard to believe that another year of Hide N Seek has come and gone.  Hide N Seek is our midweek ministry to 4 year olds through 4th grade students at Hesston MB Church. Each year we end with a program for families and the congregation.  This used to occur in the evening, but the last few years we have moved it to Sunday during our worship service. At the program, our kid's choir will sing several songs they have learned this year.  You will also hear the Bible verses that each of the age groups have learned during Bible Memory.  I encourage you to come out and support our kids and you will be blessed as they share their gifts of song and scripture with you.  Our worship service is at 10:10 a.m. and our address is 610 W. Randall in Hesston, KS.

“ I have been crucified with Christ . It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me . (Galatians 2:20)

Here are some of my favorite tweets from the last few weeks.  This is one of the blessings of social media where we can hear the gospel from people all over the world. If you like the tweet, go and follow the person on Twitter. When your heart is abiding in Jesus, you want to worship him. @pauldunk And once you get alone with God, you begin to discover that being with God – that knowing him and his love for you – is the best and most beautiful thing in the world. (Jack Miller) It's possible to be drawn to the Bible, theological study and discourse, and even to teaching, preaching, serving, and church -- yet be disconnected relationally from Jesus. If we are seeking "his kingdom" but not seeking HIM, then we are missing the point entirely. @scottsauls Without the words, “for you,” the good news, the Gospel, does not exist, only more rules. Without these words Christianity becomes meaningless. Jesus died for you. It is finished for you. The words “for you” are the m...

I love summer camp!  How about you?  I have some of my greatest memories at camp including my decision to follow Jesus.  I am thankful for Westminster Woods in Fall River, KS.  I also have many great memories working at camps including Westminster Woods, Camp Tawakoni and now Southern District Mennonite Brethren Kids Camp at Tabor College.  Below you will find information for this summer's camps for 3rd graders through high school.  To register for these camps, go to www.sdcmbyouth.org If you have questions about Kids Camp, please contact me.  For Jr. High and Sr. High Camps, please contact our youth pastor, Jared Menard. There is also an opportunity for you to serve as a counselor or staff at these camps.  To serve at camp, you must apply.  If interested, you can apply at https://applysdcmb.campbrainstaff.com/ I am excited for this year's summer camp!

My word for 2018 is abide.  I have this great picture over my fireplace made by a good friend that reminds me to abide each day.  My understanding of abide is to "be with Jesus." What does it mean to abide?  Here are some definitions to help us better understand the word.  The Greek word "meno" which is a verb means "to stay". It can also be translated as abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry for. We will also see these in the Old Testament as well. Each week I will share a verse (or two) to help us better understand abiding. Let me dwell in your tent forever!      Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah 5  For you, O God, have heard my vows;      you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. 6  Prolong the life of the king;      may his years endure to all generations! 7  May he be enthroned forever before God; ...

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. The names of God are important because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. Yahweh Nissi Yahweh is the Hebrew Name for God. It is "I AM". It is used over 6000 times in the Old Testament.  It was such a holy name that the Jews would not even say it.  Nissi means banner. It was used after an Israelite victory.  15  And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner,           (Exodus 17:15) What it reminds me?  No matter what I or you may be facing today. We have a God who is victorious.

My Aunt Kay Jean suggested I start sharing a verse of the day.  I liked her suggestion but decided instead of a verse of the day, I would share a verse of the week.  Be reminded of who God is from His Word. 3  In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3  For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord;      make his paths straight.’” 4  Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5  Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6  and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Wh...

This is a regular feature now that replaced "Playing on the Radio." I will be sharing songs from my "Gospel Playlist" on my phone. The gospel is good news.  It reminds us what Christ has DONE for us.  As I share, I hope it will be an encouragement to you today.  Song today is:  Your Great Name by Natalie Grant

“ For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (Ephesians 1:4)

Here are some of my favorite tweets from the last few weeks.  This is one of the blessings of social media where we can hear the gospel from people all over the world. If you like the tweet, go and follow the person on Twitter. You can't be any more right with God than you are right now. You are as righteous before God as Jesus Christ. You're hidden in Him. You can't improve on what Jesus has already completed. It's a done deal. @EvanHeadrick The only thing that can soften a heart is the absolute finished character of God’s love, as represented in the cross. We can afford to go to a God who understands us in Jesus, most perfectly, and bring to him ourselves as we really are. (Jack Miller) The One who emptied that tomb is using his same power in your life to carry you through whatever you face. The same power that was at work in Jesus is at work in you. (Jack Miller) Where Christ is, there is rest. Why? Because there is completeness. @simplegospelpod     ...

My word for 2018 is abide.  I have this great picture over my fireplace made by a good friend that reminds me to abide each day.  My understanding of abide is to "be with Jesus." What does it mean to abide?  Here are some definitions to help us better understand the word.  The Greek word "meno" which is a verb means "to stay". It can also be translated as abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry for. We will also see these in the Old Testament as well. Each week I will share a verse (or two) to help us better understand abiding. 13  “There are those who rebel against the light,      who are not acquainted with its ways,      and do not stay in its paths. (Job 24:13)   9  “Is the wild ox willing to serve you?      Will he spend the night at your manger? (Job 39:9)   15  O Lord , who shall sojourn in your tent?      Wh...

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. The names of God are important because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. King of Kings   King of Kings reminds us who is in control.  Jesus will come again.   14  They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14) What it reminds me?  Jesus wins.  No matter what happens in this world including the election, Jesus is still on the throne.  There is no politician who will save us or our country.  We worship a risen Savior who is the ultimate King. I am thankful to praise the Lord of lords and King ...

My Aunt Kay Jean suggested I start sharing a verse of the day.  I liked her suggestion but decided instead of a verse of the day, I would share a verse of the week.  Be reminded of who God is from His Word. 18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19  And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20  But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21  She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23  “Behold, the virgin shall conc...

This is a regular feature now that replaced "Playing on the Radio." I will be sharing songs from my "Gospel Playlist" on my phone. The gospel is good news.  It reminds us what Christ has DONE for us.  As I share, I hope it will be an encouragement to you today.  Song today is:  You Are Here (The Same Power)   by Hillsong Live

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)

Here are some of my favorite tweets from the last few weeks.  This is one of the blessings of social media where we can hear the gospel from people all over the world. If you like the tweet, go and follow the person on Twitter. The Devil knows our name and labels us by our sin. However, the final word does not belong to our sin or the hunting accusations of the serpent. The final word speaks in a loud voice from the cross and says, “it is finished.” @GospelEconomist He's a "come & find rest" Savior to a "do more, try harder" world. @simplestapleton If you are not convinced that both your justification and sanctification is by faith and flows out of your relationship with Christ, it’s going to be hard to live with authority and confidence. (Jack Miller) Grace is so freeing, empowering. Trying to obey through the power of the Law is like putting sand in your gas tank. @jaredcwilson Martin Luther points out that the Gospels themselves can be wrongly r...

My word for 2018 is abide.  I have this great picture over my fireplace made by a good friend that reminds me to abide each day.  My understanding of abide is to "be with Jesus." What does it mean to abide?  Here are some definitions to help us better understand the word.  The Greek word "meno" which is a verb means "to stay". It can also be translated as abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry for. We will also see these in the Old Testament as well. Each week I will share a verse (or two) to help us better understand abiding. 13  I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.” (1 Kings 8:13) 19  You say, ‘See, I have struck down Edom,’ and your heart has lifted you up in boastfulness. But now stay at home. Why should you provoke trouble so that you fall, you and Judah with you?” (2 Chronicles 25:19) 10  “Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria, ‘On what are you trusting, ...

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. The names of God are important because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. Light of the World   We see God throughout Scripture using "light" as a description of Himself.    12  Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) What it reminds me?  Often, where Jesus went, he shined light into the darkness.  As followers of Christ, we can point others to the light.  Jesus as our light can direct our paths and bring peace even in the darkness.

Every Easter, I share a favorite Easter Song.  There are two that I love.  One is an upbeat version of a popular hymn and the other by Ernie Hasse and the Signature Sound.  Both are a reminder of what Christ did for us and how we have a Risen Savior.  Enjoy!