The Affair at the Coldplay Concert: When God Brings the Darkness to Light
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on July 19th, 2025
It started as just another concert.The lights were dim, the crowd was electric, and Coldplay was on stage, doing what they do best, captivating thousands with emotion-filled lyrics and soaring melodies. But in the middle of the noise, cameras caught more than a performance. A couple, wrapped up in intimacy, completely unaware, or unbothered, that they weren’t alone. The problem? They weren’t marri... Read More
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If You're a True Christian, Then You've Changed the Way You Live
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on July 17th, 2025
We live in a world where the word “Christian” has been watered down. It’s become more of a label than a lifestyle. But Jesus didn’t come to hand out labels; He came to call people to die to themselves and live for Him. That means if you’re truly a follower of Christ, then something in your life has changed. Not perfectly. Not instantly. But genuinely.Paul says it plainly in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Th... Read More
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Miracles and a Wicked Generation: Why God Doesn’t Perform to Prove Himself
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on July 16th, 2025
We live in a world that craves the spectacular. People chase signs, demand wonders, and wait for the skies to part before they’ll believe. “If God is real,” they say, “then let Him prove it.” But here’s the truth: God doesn’t perform on command. He doesn’t cater to skepticism. And He doesn’t hand out miracles like party favors to satisfy a faithless crowd.Jesus Himself made that clear.In Matthew 1... Read More
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Tithing Again: Why It Still Matters
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on July 15th, 2025
Let’s talk about something real. Something that’s easy to ignore or get defensive about. But something that matters deeply to God, and deeply to the mission of the Church.Tithing.Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: “Here we go again. The church wants my money.” But hear me out, not as a pastor asking for a budget boost, but as a shepherd caring for the spiritual health of our house.Tit... Read More
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One Generation Tolerates, The Next Celebrates
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on July 15th, 2025
There’s a sobering truth that echoes through Scripture and history alike:What one generation tolerates, the next generation will normalize—and eventually celebrate.The drift never feels dramatic in the moment. It’s subtle. Quiet. Cultural. A compromise here, a silence there. And before we know it, the things that once grieved the people of God become part of their rhythm of life. What was once a w... Read More
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We Don’t Need Good Advice—We Need the Good News
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on July 9th, 2025
In a world overflowing with self-help gurus, motivational quotes, and endless podcasts offering “life hacks” and strategies, it’s easy to mistake good advice for what our souls actually need. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing inherently wrong with good advice. It can help you make better decisions, set boundaries, and even be more productive. But good advice can’t raise the dead. And that’s the ... Read More
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The Less Truth You Know, the Easier It Will Be to Be Led Astray
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on July 7th, 2025
We live in a time where deception doesn’t come dressed in red horns and a pitchfork—it comes dressed in half-truths, emotional slogans, and spiritual counterfeits. It sounds good. It feels right. It even quotes Scripture… but slightly twisted. And that’s the danger.Pastor Anthony Philip Mitchell said it clearly: “The less truth you know, the easier it will be to be led astray.”That’s not just a go... Read More
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True Freedom: Independence in Christ
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on July 4th, 2025
As fireworks light up the skies and flags wave proudly across our nation, Americans everywhere pause on the 4th of July to celebrate liberty, freedom bought with the blood of patriots and secured through countless battles. We remember the courage of those who risked everything to break free from tyranny and establish a new nation founded on the promise of freedom.But as Christians, there’s another... Read More
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True Friends: When Loyalty Is Tested
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on July 2nd, 2025
There are moments in life when the mask comes off, and sometimes, it’s worn by someone you thought you knew. That happened to me just yesterday. A friend I believed was in my corner, someone I thought was loyal and trustworthy, showed his true colors. And in that moment, I had to confront a hard truth: not everyone who walks with you is really for you.Friendship is a gift from God, but it’s also a... Read More
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Christianity: Inclusive to All, Exclusive to Follow
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on June 30th, 2025
There’s a tension in the gospel that makes people uncomfortable. We love the idea that Christianity is for everyone, “Come one, come all”, but we bristle when we hear that following Christ means saying no to ourselves and yes to Him. It’s a beautiful paradox: the gospel is radically inclusive in its invitation, but deeply exclusive in its demands.The Open InvitationLet’s start with the inclusivity... Read More
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The Doctrine of Perfection: A Dangerous Heresy
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on June 28th, 2025
There’s a subtle but deadly teaching, often disguised as passion, holiness, or deeper commitment. It sounds spiritual. It uses Bible words. It even borrows the language of revival and surrender. But underneath the surface, it’s poisonous. I’m talking about the doctrine of perfection — the belief that a Christian can reach a state of sinless perfection in this life.Let me say it plainly: this doctr... Read More
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Christianity Is Like a Rock Tumbler
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on June 26th, 2025
When I was a kid, I had one of those old-school rock tumblers. You remember the kind—noisy, clunky, and always humming in the garage. I'd take these dull, jagged rocks I found in the yard, toss them in the barrel with some grit and water, seal the lid tight, and let it spin for weeks. And when I finally cracked it open, I was always amazed. What went in rough and ordinary came out smooth and beaut... Read More
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Recent
Feed the Sheep, Not Entertain the Goats
August 8th, 2025
Part 8- Grace for Others: Extending What You’ve Received
August 8th, 2025
Part 7- When Grace Hurts Receiving What You Didn’t Ask For
August 5th, 2025
Part 6- Grace That Transforms: Grace Doesn’t Leave You Where It Found You
August 4th, 2025
Part 5- Justified by Grace You: Don’t Work for What’s Been Paid For
August 3rd, 2025
Archive
2025
March
Back to the BasicsThe Danger of Walking Away from the CrossWhen the Lukewarm Get UncomfortableThe Top 10 Reasons a Church DiesA Call To Be Set ApartPursuing Holiness – Part 2: What It Looks Like in Our Lives and the ChurchBack to the Basics: The Role of Discipleship for the Mature BelieverBack to the Basics: Worship Is a Lifestyle, Not a Sunday Morning ThingBack to the Basics: Returning to a Life That Reflects ChristThe Worst Thing That Ever Happened Was the Best Thing That Ever HappenedBack to the Basics: Giving Is a Lifestyle, Not Just a DonationThe Process of Church Discipline A Pastor’s Heart on Tithing: Let’s Return to Faithful Giving
April
Back to the Basics: Evangelism Isn’t OptionalFrom Head to Heart: Reading Scripture for Transformation, Not Just InformationMan Up and Lead – God's Design for the HomeHead in the Sand: The Danger of Ignoring HolinessGossip: A Spiritual Battle We Must FightLaziness and Complacency in a Christian’s Life: A Wake-Up Call for the Family, the Church, and the KingdomWe’re Here for You—In the Valleys and on the Mountaintops
May
Would You Come to Church With Me?” – The Simple Words That Could Change a LifeGrace: The Power to Do What He’s Called You to DoOur Love for Jesus Should Look Like Hate to OthersWhy Is It Only Offensive When You Talk About Jesus?The Dangers of Deconstructing Christianity as a Christ FollowerPerfected in Christ — Not Perfect YetBattling Depression with Scripture and Prayer: A Pastor’s Heartfelt EncouragementAltar or Stage? The Difference That Changes EverythingThis Hit Me Today: Don’t Just Listen—Live ItWe Live By DyingThe Altar: A Sacred Space for Encounter and Surrender
June
Pride: The Root of All SinThe Difference Between Continual Sin and Oops SinGod Doesn’t Care About Your Happiness—He Cares About Your ObedienceBack to the Basics: 4 Non-Negotiables in the Kingdom of GodConfronted by the Living WordQuitting Has Become the American Way — But Fruit Comes Through Faithful EnduranceTwo Seas, Two Lives: What the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee Teach Us About DiscipleshipTrue Repentance: More Than Just Saying “Sorry”Why Do I Keep Running from God When I Know I Should Run Toward Him?If There Is Dust on Your Bible, There Is Dust on Your HeartWar or Murder? A Biblical Response to the Iran Conflict—and Why We Stand with IsraelChristianity Is Like a Rock TumblerThe Doctrine of Perfection: A Dangerous HeresyChristianity: Inclusive to All, Exclusive to Follow
July
True Friends: When Loyalty Is TestedTrue Freedom: Independence in ChristThe Less Truth You Know, the Easier It Will Be to Be Led AstrayWe Don’t Need Good Advice—We Need the Good NewsOne Generation Tolerates, The Next CelebratesTithing Again: Why It Still MattersMiracles and a Wicked Generation: Why God Doesn’t Perform to Prove HimselfIf You're a True Christian, Then You've Changed the Way You LiveThe Affair at the Coldplay Concert: When God Brings the Darkness to LightIt’s Hot… But Not That Hot, A Wake-Up Call from the HeatNo, the Gospel Is Not Woke—It’s RighteousFaith Is Spelled R-I-S-KWhat Is Grace, Really? Understanding the Unmerited Favor of GodPart 2: Grace in the Garden: The First Act of Redemption Tracing Grace Back to GenesisPart 3- Grace Through the Law: The Old Testament Isn’t Grace-Free
August
Part 4- Jesus: The Fullness of Grace Grace Has a NamePart 5- Justified by Grace You: Don’t Work for What’s Been Paid ForPart 6- Grace That Transforms: Grace Doesn’t Leave You Where It Found YouPart 7- When Grace Hurts Receiving What You Didn’t Ask ForPart 8- Grace for Others: Extending What You’ve ReceivedFeed the Sheep, Not Entertain the Goats
2024
February
April
May
A Critical Examination of Michael Todd's TeachingsRevisiting Leadership and Accountability: A Critical Look at Mark Driscoll’s CharacterExamining The Teachings of Bill Johnson- Bethel ChurchA Critical Review of Andy Stanley’s Teachings: Lukewarm Understanding of ScriptureRecognizing False Teachers: A Guide for Church MembersGood Shepherds Understanding Bible Translations: Which Ones Should We Trust?Confronting Bad Theology in the Church5 Ways Christians Can Build Their Faith
July
Finding Comfort in the Midst of Loss: A Biblical Perspective on SufferingThe Seven Stages of Grieving: A Biblical PerspectiveUnderstanding Luke 11:1-4: The Lord's PrayerHistory of the AltarThe Power and Practice of Intercessory PrayerAre You A Christian Who Prays?The Power of Corporate Prayer: A Biblical Perspective