The Importance of Biblical Forgiveness
by Jody Burkeen on April 23rd, 2024
The Importance of Biblical Forgiveness The concept of forgiveness is found at the heart of many religions and spiritual traditions. The Bible has much to say about forgiveness, and whatever one’s beliefs, those who study the subject or need help in their personal lives will find much to be drawn from the Bible’s teachings on and examples of forgiveness. In this blog, we will introduce this topic, ... Read More
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One Campaign: A Step to Deepen Your Walk with Jesus
by Jody Burkeen on April 9th, 2024
One Campaign: A Step to Deepen Your Walk with JesusIn a world of distractions and endless to-dos, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters in our spiritual journey. The One campaign encourages believers to focus on one simple, achievable action that can significantly deepen their walk with Jesus.Why One Thing MattersIn the biblical story of Mary and Martha, Jesus highlights the value of focus... Read More
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Embracing the Spirit for a Life of Peace: Reflections on Romans 8:6
by Jody Burkeen on March 13th, 2024
To live "in the flesh" is to be guided by our basest desires and instincts. It's a life that prioritizes materialism, self-gratification, and earthly pleasures. Read More
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We All Worship Differently
by Jody Burkeen on March 6th, 2024
Self-Sufficiency vs. Holy Spirit Sufficiency in Worship At its core, worship expresses reverence and adoration for God. For many, it is a deeply personal and spiritual experience that connects them with God. In our Christian faith, the concept of worship oscillates between two dynamics – self-sufficiency and Holy Spirit sufficiency. Let’s explore these two facets of worship and how they contrast a... Read More
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The Unity in Worship: A Reflection by Pastor Jody
by Jody Burkeen on February 25th, 2024
As a Pastor, I have always found a sense of fulfillment and joy in witnessing the unity of our church congregation during worship. Worship, in its purest form, transcends mere singing or gathering; it becomes a conduit for unity, a melting pot where diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personal stories blend into a wonderful symphony of faith and devotion.What strikes me the most during our worship ... Read More
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The Heart of Worship
by Jody Burkeen on February 21st, 2024
At its core, Christian worship is about acknowledging and honoring God’s supreme value and worth. It's not confined to songs or church services; worship is a lifestyle. It's in how we live, showing gratitude and obedience to God. Worship is our heartfelt response to God's incredible love and mercy. It's a dynamic interaction between the Divine, where we pour out our adoration and us, and God impar... Read More
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Beware of Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: Spotting False Teachers
by Jody Burkeen on February 14th, 2024
As we walk our faith journey, we often find ourselves navigating through a sea of diverse teachings and doctrines. But amidst these voices, how do we discern the truth? The danger of false teachers, subtle yet profound, lurks within our midst, sometimes unnoticed. How often has a charming new preacher arrived in town, captivating many with his eloquence, only to lead them astray with unscriptural ... Read More
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Biblical Approach to Accusations Of an Elder
by Jody Burkeen on February 13th, 2024
Today, I want to reflect on a verse that holds profound significance for our church life: 1 Timothy 5:19. This scripture offers vital guidance on how we view and interact with our church leaders, emphasizing the importance of accountability and respect within our church family. As we dive into this verse, I pray we open our hearts to the wisdom it imparts about leadership in our faith community.1 ... Read More
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Finding Unity in Our Church: A Reflection on John 10:10
by Jody Burkeen on February 12th, 2024
In the heart of every church community lies a fundamental need for unity. It's the glue that binds us together, allowing us to grow and thrive in our collective faith journey. However, like any family, a church is not immune to the trials of disunity. In reflecting on the Parable of the Good Shepherd, specifically verse John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that t... Read More
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Finding Fulfillment and Community: The Benefits of Consistent Church Attendance
by Jody Burkeen on December 12th, 2023
In our fast-paced and hectic world, carving out time for spiritual growth and community connection can be a challenge. However, attending church consistently is a practice that can bring numerous benefits to your life. Whether you're seeking personal fulfillment, a sense of belonging, or a deeper connection with your faith, regular attendance at a church can provide a meaningful and enriching expe... Read More
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Salvation is Free, But Sanctification Cost, But in a Good Way
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on October 25th, 2023
Salvation is Free, but Sanctification Will Cost YouAs we journey through the realm of Christian faith, we encounter two distinct yet profoundly intertwined concepts: salvation and sanctification. While salvation is often painted as a gracious gift from God, sanctification necessitates unswerving dedication and a relentless commitment on the part of the believer. In this blog, we will embark on an ... Read More
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1 John
by Jody Burkeen on October 17th, 2023
1 John: A Letter of Love and Light1 John is a letter written by the apostle John to the Ephesus church. It is a letter of love and light in which John encourages believers to walk in the truth and to love one another. He also warns against false teachers and the dangers of sin.One of the main themes of 1 John is the importance of love. John writes, "God is love, and whoever abides in love abides i... Read More
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Recent
Your Testimony is Pre-Evangelism, Not the Gospel. Only the Gospel Saves
August 29th, 2025
Ask the Pastor: Can Someone Be Too Far Gone to Be Saved?
August 27th, 2025
Ask the Pastor: Can Someone Lose Their Anointing?
August 26th, 2025
Ask the Pastor: Guarding Your Heart Without Closing It Off
August 25th, 2025
Simple Ways to Share the Gospel and Your Testimony
August 23rd, 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 GoatsPart 9-Growing in Grace: This Is Just the BeginningPart 10- The Future of Grace Grace: Will Carry You HomeThe Power of a Simple InvitationWhy the Natural Man Cannot Understand the Things of GodThe Natural Man’s Responsibility Before God’s CallWhy “Unspoken Prayer Requests” Are UnbiblicalAsk the Pastor- Why Yoga Is Not Compatible with the Christian FaithMy Job as a Pastor Is Not to Entertain You, It’s to Prepare You for EternityYou Don’t Need a Voice When You Have a VerseDon’t Waste What God Has Given YouSimple Ways to Share the Gospel and Your TestimonyAsk the Pastor: Guarding Your Heart Without Closing It OffAsk the Pastor: Can Someone Lose Their Anointing?Ask the Pastor: Can Someone Be Too Far Gone to Be Saved?Your Testimony is Pre-Evangelism, Not the Gospel. Only the Gospel Saves
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?