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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What Would Jesus Do?
by Jody Burkeen on April 22nd, 2023
Christians will never be perfect and by nature, we are sinners. The only perfect being is Jesus.Although we can never walk a sinless life like Him, we can strive to live a more Christ like life.Putting in effort to be the best version of ourselves for God is extremely important.Christians are exposed to worldly people and to the desires of the flesh. The enemy will try totempt believers into sin. ... Read More
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242 Groups
by Jody Burkeen on April 21st, 2023
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42Small groups have been a vital part of Ignite church for a few years, and their importance cannot be overstated. In fact, 242 groups are the lifeblood of our church, providing members with a sense of belonging, connection, and spiritual growth. If you're not apart... Read More
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Gossip: A Harmful Sin
by Jody Burkeen on April 18th, 2023
Gossip, defined as the spreading of rumors or private information about someone, is often considered to be a harmless activity. It can feel like a way to bond with friends or to feel connected to others by sharing information. However, gossip is a destructive force that harms relationships, damages reputations and causes pain and suffering for those involved. In Christianity, gossip is considered ... Read More
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Apologetics
by Jody Burkeen on April 13th, 2023
I've been pondering this question, "how well does our church know how to defend their faith?" Today, I want to talk about the importance of defending our Christian faith in a world that is increasingly hostile to our beliefs.As followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light in the world, to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel and to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives. How... Read More
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Spiritual Warfare
by Jody Burkeen on April 6th, 2023
As a Christian, we believe that there are spiritual forces at work in the world that we cannot see, and that these forces can sometimes be malevolent and seek to harm us. These spiritual attacks can come in many forms, including physical illness, mental health struggles, financial hardship, and relationship problems. In this blog, we'll explore what spiritual attacks are, how to recognize them, an... Read More
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Good Friday
by Jody Burkeen on April 5th, 2023
Good Friday is a significant day for Christians worldwide, as it marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. This day is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is also known as Holy Friday, Black Friday, or Great Friday. It is a day of solemn reflection and mourning for Christians, as they remember the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus.The origins of Good Friday c... Read More
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Christian Persecution
by Jody Burkeen on March 30th, 2023
Christian persecution is a topic that has been discussed and debated for centuries. It is a complex and multifaceted issue that has affected millions of Christians around the world. From ancient times to the modern era, Christians have faced persecution, discrimination, and violence because of their faith.Persecution of Christians has taken many forms throughout history. In ancient Rome, Christian... Read More
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Easter- What is it?
by Jody Burkeen on March 24th, 2023
Easter is one of the most important holidays in the Christian faith, celebrated annually in remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time of great significance for believers around the world, as it marks the ultimate triumph of hope, faith, and love over death, sin, and despair. But what is the meaning of Easter, and why is it so important to Christians?The story of Easter dates ba... Read More
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Recent
The Difference Between a Lukewarm Christian and a Devoted Christian
October 28th, 2025
Running to Win Again: Reclaiming Discipline in Body and Spirit
October 24th, 2025
When You Think You’ve Figured Out Christianity
October 15th, 2025
Keep Your Eyes Forward: Racing Toward the Finish Line of Faith
October 9th, 2025
Why I Struggle with Halloween- A Pastor’s Honest Reflection
October 8th, 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
September
Guest Post- Josh Westfall- Faith and transformationThe Value of Believing the GospelFill Your Bucket of WorshipWhen Tragedy Strikes: How God Can Turn Loss into PurposeDiscernment Without Judgment: Welcoming While WatchingWe Need to Be Ready: A Coming Exodus from the LGBTQ CommunityA Shepherd’s Warning: Don’t Drift AwayIt Takes All of UsEureka Days and Weekly Challenge
October
Description Doesn’t Mean Prescription: Reading Bible Stories with DiscernmentPrayer Is a Heart IssueWhy I Struggle with Halloween- A Pastor’s Honest ReflectionKeep Your Eyes Forward: Racing Toward the Finish Line of FaithWhen You Think You’ve Figured Out ChristianityRunning to Win Again: Reclaiming Discipline in Body and SpiritThe Difference Between a Lukewarm Christian and a Devoted Christian
