“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” – Romans 12:11-12 (ESV) I’m writing this blog on my annual study retreat. I usually try to find a place at the beach or in the mountains the last week of the
Author: Gary Combs
Three gift ideas for Jesus’ birthday
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:10-11 (NKJV) The wise
Eight things to remember when attending church
“Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3 (NLT) During this Christmas season when we are seeing even more guests attending our services, it seems good to remind our own church members of a few important items. All of these reminders have the idea of “thinking of others” as you go
The only thing that counts is…
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” – Galatians 5:6 (ESV). “Neither moral exertion nor moral failure counts. Period.” – Tim Keller, Galatians For You The apostle Paul wrote that the only thing that counts is “faith working through love.” Neither circumcision [representing legalism, which
Bible studies in the breakfast nook
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” – 3 John 4 (ESV) This past Wednesday as I was studying the Bible with both my sons in our breakfast nook, I experienced a very thankful moment as I considered the work that had been done at that
How would it look to be part of a church-planting movement?
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” — Jesus Christ, Acts 1:8 (ESV) “My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ
Moving from selfie to healthy
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3 (NLT) Welcome to the “Selfie” Generation! We live in a culture that encourages us to focus on self-worth, self-improvement, and self-esteem. Our self-image seems to be more important to us than a true sense of health
Learning about racial healing and forgiveness from a Rwandan genocide survivor
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45 NLT). We just returned from a two week mission trip to Uganda.
5 reasons our church will look like the bat cave this week…
“Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” – Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23 (NLT) ‘But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for
From now on, call me Moses.
“You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name.” – Isaiah 62:2 NKJV We just returned from a ten-day tour of Israel yesterday. I’m still pretty jet-lagged, but I had to tell you one of the wonderful God-stories that we experienced while there. The week before we left on