The Hebrew word, which translates to our English expression for ‘fear,’ is ‘yirah.’ Yirah sometimes does mean fear, but it can also be rendered ‘respect.’ Even more significantly, it can be rendered ‘awe.’ It is this second rendering of ‘yirah’ that best fits the idea of ‘the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom.’ A college professor I on…

Could ‘the fear of the Lord’ mean something far more significant than merely being terrified of God? I assure you it does. Main Text: Isaiah 11:1–3 (NLT)Chuck Hartman

Paul tells the Christians at Philippi that if certain traits characterize their lives, they would “shine like lights” in their generation. These same characteristics will benefit us today if we put them into practice. Main Text: Philippians 2:12-16a (NLT)Chuck Hartman

In Mark chapter twelve, some Pharisees and Sadducees came to debate Jesus. Finally, a Scribe, who heard Jesus answer them well, asked if Jesus could tell him which commandment was the most important. Jesus said, in Mark 12:30, that we must love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Main Text: Mark 12:30 (ESV)…

Today, we conclude the “There is Power” series. We hope you have found that there is power in sharing, unity, prayer, and boldness to help the entire church grow. We pray that you understand that these characteristics are as valuable to the modern church as they were in the first-century church. Main Text: Acts 17:22-34 (NLT)…

Once upon a time, three young people lived: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They were from nobility. The trio were well educated and knew their identity as children of God. Hananiah’s name meant, “God has been gracious.” Mishael’s name meant, “Who Is Like God?” Azariah’s name meant, “God has helped.” Main Text: Daniel 3:24-30 (ESV)…

Some two thousand years later, we might still ask these same questions, “Who am I? What am I doing here?” Paul the Apostle answers these questions for Christians. Main Text: Romans 9:14-26 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

In John chapter 6, the disciples need to feed some five thousand men, plus women and children. Jesus asks the disciples how they plan to handle the situation. The disciples learn some valuable lessons, and so should we. Main Text: John 6:1-15 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

Today, I want to encourage you if you feel rejected for your faith. Main Text: John 5:10-17 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

Jesus calls believers to more than an average life. In John chapter 5, Jesus witnesses a man who probably lived below average. Main Text: John 5:1-9 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

If you don’t see the results you hope to see, trust God when you boldly proclaim Christ. Why? Because just one convert can make a significant impact for the kingdom. Main Text: Acts 17:22-34 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

Perhaps you have already figured out the acronym for joy: Jesus, Others, Yourself—JOY. Remember the acronym if you desire to know true joy. Main Text: Luke 19:1-10 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

Zacchaeus probably desired to know true joy, and thankfully, he was getting ready to discover joy everlasting. This joy that Zacchaeus found is available today when we know the Giver of true joy. Main Text: Luke 19:1-10 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

We considered the pride of Naaman, the Syrian warrior with leprosy, and the humility of the widow from Zarephath. In Luke chapter four, Jesus mentions these individuals and explains God’s love for them. Jesus also makes us consider the question: ‘What do you do with Me?’ Because what we do with Jesus matters. The ‘salvation’ that came to Naaman and…

God tells Elijah to go to Zarephath because He has commanded a widow there to feed him. Oddly, when we meet the widow, she does not seem aware that God has commanded her to give Elijah food. Main Text: 1 Kings 17:8-16 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

I am confident Naaman was prideful regarding his position as a mighty man of valor. Still, his appointment had little consequence for Elisha. I can only imagine that he was prideful regarding his vast wealth. Still, his wealth was rendered useless toward purchasing his healing. Main Text: 2 Kings 5:1-14 (ESV)…

Prayer continues to be essential. Initially, prayer creates a connection with God. A second consideration of prayer is that all people have sinned; confession brings a deeper intimacy with our Heavenly Father. Third, there is the matter of gratitude. Gratitude enables us to concentrate on the positive aspects of our lives. Finally, it’s important t…

The end of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer ties together the themes He has prayed about. Jesus concludes by stating that He had made known “God’s Name,” meaning God’s nature, authority, and power. Jesus made these characteristics known to all people. Now, the apostles will continue His work of making God’s Name known. Main Text: John 17:24-26 (ESV)…

In this part of His prayer, Jesus explains that Christian unity is how the unbelieving world will find faith in Him. The importance of unity does not entail tolerating false teaching or blatant sin. The Bible explicitly states that those who love God will follow God’s commands and the primary way to show that is through a unifying love for other be…

As Jesus’ prayer continues, and to use a ‘sports analogy,’ Jesus assures His followers that He is handing the ball over to them. He has established the first ‘plays,’ now He is leaving to do His heavenly work, and they are to keep the ball moving. Main Text: John 17:11-19 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

While you and I can never be one with God in the way Jesus was One with God, delighting in God’s presence and basking in His love are ways we can experience a kind of “oneness” with God. Main Text: John 17:6-10 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

While you and I can never be one with God in the way Jesus was One with God, delighting in God’s presence and basking in His love are ways we can experience a kind of “oneness” with God. Main Text: John 17:1-5 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

Autumn is like a matryoshka doll—a significant gift filled with smaller gifts. Main Text: James 1:17 (ESV)Chuck Hartman

When individuals claim there is no God, I realize they perceive the world differently than I. Main Text: Psalm 14:1a (ESV)Chuck Hartman

Listening to our Maker rather than the voices around us is not just critical; it’s paramount. Main Text: Joshua 24:15c (ESV)Chuck Hartman

The transitioning of the trees is a depiction of how Jesus works in our lives. Main Text: Isaiah 43:19a (ESV)Chuck Hartman

Fall is a season that can teach us many godly lessons. “A Prayer for Autumn Days” By Sister Joyce Rupp Main Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)Chuck Hartman

The 120-person group of the Early Church had unity because they trusted one another as they placed faith in Christ. We, too, must have the same goal to unite in fulfilling the Great Commission. How do we achieve unity in the church? 1. Agree to disagree. 2. Remember our shared identity. 3. Embrace differences. 4. Work through conflict. 5. Believe t…

Seeking God is not in vain. The promise for those who seek the Lord is that He will be found. The reward for finding Him is immeasurable. Therefore, we are encouraged to seek God and promised that we will find God when we seek Him with our entire hearts. The joy of finding God is worth every effort. Main Text: Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)…

Once we accept Christ Jesus and what He did at Calvary for us, we make the first step toward putting God first. When we seek to live out His calling for us, we continue to seek God first. We put Him first when we say “yes” to God above and before anything else. He is The Answer to everything that matters in this life and eternity. Main Text: Jeremi…

When Jesus sacrificed His life for us on the cross, when God valued our salvation above everything else, it was not so that we would view Him as an afterthought. Instead, it was for us to surrender our lives to Him and embrace the path He has for us; this is how we seek God with our whole hearts: by living for Him alone. Main Text: Jeremiah 29:13 (…

Jeremiah’s message carried the words of God to the exiled community of Judah. Readers today can gain understanding by recognizing that the God who stated: you will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart, has also promised that we can draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us (James 4:8), and that He will never leave us nor for…

Keith Underhill

Pastor Ian Higham

God’s avenue for your continued transformation is spending time alone with Him daily. In the same way, a candle must be ignited with a flame; you must continuously encounter the fire of God’s love to live a joy-filled life. God is your only constant source. You will only find lasting satisfaction through God’s closeness. When you seek God, you will…

The 120-person group of the Early Church had unity because they trusted one another as they placed faith in Christ. We, too, must have the same goal to unite in fulfilling the Great Commission. How do we achieve unity in the church? 1. Agree to disagree. 2. Remember our shared identity. 3. Embrace differences. 4. Work through conflict. 5. Believe t…

Because of Jesus’ work at Calvary, we can not only experience forgiveness and restoration but are also no longer enemies of God (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21). We can know the peace of God and be at peace with God. Main Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT)Chuck Hartman

Remember, we can only experience peace through friendship with God. God is with you, ready to lead, empower, sustain, and fill you with peace in response to your faith. The peace that comes from God surpasses anything we can experience. When we entrust our lives to Him, we can confidently know His plans will be fulfilled. Main Text: 2 Thessalonians…

Perfect peace begins with trust. If we truly trusted God, we wouldn’t spend so much energy mulling over life hardships. Instead, we will rest in the peace that God has provided us, knowing He is working out the most minor details to assure us of His glorious future. Main Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT)…

It is not possible to experience peace without being connected to God. Strive to deepen your connection with God’s Holy Spirit and experience the fruit of peace. Main Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT)Chuck Hartman

Corrie Ten Boom said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.” One key indication of a believer’s strength is an overwhelming sense of peace that transcends understanding. Main Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT)Chuck Hartman

Keith Underhill

Pastor Ian Higham

Sharing was an intentional part of the early church movement. The apostles also shared the Good News, but the simple ways of generosity that each member of ‘The Way’ shared everything they had was a key factor in the early church’s growth. Sharing remains an essential part of both worship and growth today, nearly 2,000 years later. Main Text: Acts …

God wants to heal our wounds with His perfect love. He intends to take what the enemy intended for harm and turn it into something beautiful and everlasting. Main Text: Psalm 36:5 (NLT)Chuck Hartman

Today, we emphasize the importance of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and trusting in His provision as His adopted children. The pathway to blessing is through a humble and dependent attitude devoted to God. Main Text: Matthew 6:33 (NLT)Chuck Hartman

It is not always apparent that our plans are not God’s purposes. Some things we are involved in can prevent us from fully surrendering to God’s priorities. The outcome, however, will be amazing when our plan aligns with God’s purpose. Main Text: Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)Chuck Hartman

You were never meant to go through this life alone. Solomon reminds believers to rely entirely on God and acknowledge God in all our ways, and God will direct our paths. God doesn’t intend to direct us like horses or mules, leading a purposeless or uninformed life. Instead, He prefers to guide us like a loving shepherd guides sheep to a safe pastur…

Peter Corry