St. Nicholas was a believer in Jesus and was even imprisoned for his beliefs. He, like John the Baptist, knew that Jesus was the creator, not a created being. On Christmas, we celebrate His birth, but when we become Christians, He celebrates our rebirth!
Two Births, Part I: John the Baptist Pastor Rich Chapman
Just as we cannot save anyone from his or her sin, neither could John the Baptist, but we can point to the one who can. We must prepare our hearts for His coming. Not just once, and not just at Christmas, but daily.
Forgiveness (Matthew 18) Alex Morse
We forgive others because we are commanded to do so, because it allows God's forgiveness to work in us, and because it restores our relationship with God. In order to forgive others, we must ask for God's strength.
Thank You (Col 3:15-17) Pastor Rich Chapman
Phrases that people find difficult to say include, "I'm sorry," "Let's Pray," and "Thank you." Our thanks need to be directed to someone specific: the one true God. Sometimes a written prayer or song helps us express our thanks to Him.
Salvation (1 Timothy 2:3-6) Pastor Rich Chapman
All people start out headed for disaster, in need of a warning, and to be rescued. God's plan of salvation is for anyone who calls on His name. Sinners enter into safety not by their works but by the work of Jesus on the cross. Have you warned anyone?
Grace! (2 Thessalonians 3:18) Pastor Rich Chapman
Grace is sometimes called God's unmerited favor. Grace is receiving good that we do not deserve and is in contrast to justice and mercy. We must recognize that we do nothing to earn God's blessing and this should help us to show grace to others.
Creation Groans Jim Hines
The animals and all God's creation are innocent victims of the fall. They groan just as we do in suffering for our sins and for the sins of others, waiting for the return of Christ to make things right again. Until then we have fellowship to lift us up.
True Peace Comes from God (2 Thessalonians 3:16) Pastor Rich Chapman
True peace comes from God, but only when we ask and when we trust Him. By first having peace with God through Jesus, we may experience the peace of God through prayer. Staying in that peace requires our obedience to His commands.
Keep in Step and Stay Busy (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15) Pastor Rich Chapman
Associating with those who cause division in the church or enabling those whom can work but do not, is wrong. Scripture teaches us to be busy and work hard. We set a bad example when we proclaim Christ but are lazy busybodies.
The Lord IS Faithful (2 Thessalonians 3:3-5) Pastor Rich Chapman
We are in a battle, but God has promised to protect us from the evil one. His faithfulness does not depend on our faith and He is faithful forever. He is faithful to love us even when we are unlovable and His compassions never fail.
We All Need Prayer, the Word, and the War (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2) Pastor Rich Chapman
At the top of Paul's prayer list were the Word of God, and the war against evil. Pray for others to preach the Gospel fearlessly--especially your pastor. We are at war with Satan for souls, but we have the prayer advantage.
It's an Inside Job (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17) Pastor Rich Chapman
God has promised His Spirit--the one who draws us near--to encourage us. God wants us to trust the Spirit to do the necessary work within us. This requires that we allow the Spirit access to every part of our lives and our selves.
Stand Firm and Hold On... Anchored (2 Thessalonians 2:15) Pastor Rich Chapman
Weathering life's storms requires a strong anchor and the Christian life requires active participation and hard work. Prayer is the first effort in standing firm. Let nothing move you. You are not to be discouraged, for the battle belongs to the Lord.
Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14) Pastor Rich Chapman
We were born sinners and were all once lost until God gave us the faith to believe. We are saved by faith through grace and that not of ourselves. Through the spirit, truth, and the gospel He gave us the ability to trust in Christ. Praise God!
1 Timothy 4:11-15 Pastor Jim O'Keefe
The world should marvel at us, recognizing that we have spent time with Jesus. Our speech should build others up and our lifestyle should be an example for them to follow to Jesus. Also our spirit, faith and purity should be a breath of fresh air.
Choices Matter (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12) Pastor Rich Chapman
You have a choice and your choice matters. In this country, we are accustomed to having many choices. For salvation, there is only one choice: Jesus. In spite of debates about Calvinism and Arminianism, we only need to worry about our responsibility.
The Second Coming of Jesus. When? (2 Thessalonians 2:5-10) Pastor Rich Chapman
Just because we may be tired of waiting does not mean that Christ will not return at the appointed time. We need to be watching, waiting, and ready until then. We must lead holy and godly lives, looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth.
Pray for Souls... Those Right Around Us! (Acts 8:26-40) Pastor Rich Chapman
God sent Phillip out for the purpose of speaking to one single person. We each have people right around us whom we can pray for and reach out to. Sometimes asking a simple question is all it takes to start a dialog about Jesus.
The Second Coming of Jesus... Did you miss it? (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4) Pastor Rich Chapman
Today, some teach that the second coming of Christ has already happened, just as some taught during the first century of the Church. But the Bible teaches that there will be no doubt when He returns. Make sure you are ready!
Prayer by His Power (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12) Pastor Rich Chapman
If we are not asking God in prayer to show us what He wants us to do, perhaps it is because we don't want to do it. Yet if we do nothing, how can God use us? We must abide in Him, Christ Jesus, who enables us to do good works.