Have you ever read this verse and thought, how can we stop sinning, is it even possible to stop? If it is not possible, John says we are not in Him and therefore lost. That is not very encouraging.

I ended last week’s message with the rhetorical question, are the natural and manmade disasters the worst that can happen, even war? As bad as they are as listed in Matthew 24, it is interesting that Jesus first says: Matthew 24:4a “Watch out that no one deceives you. Perhaps deception is

Isaiah was right when he said: Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20.

I’m taking a break from my miniseries on the snake in the grass to report some very good news if you haven’t heard, revival. Something many Christians have been praying for, for decades. How far will it reach, how long will it last, how will it change America and beyond no one knows , only time will tell.  What can we do? Pray that God would pour out his Spirit of revival on North Iowa colleges, universities, and churches. I know there will be skeptics and nay sayers, do not be one, pray for revival.  Read the few clips I copied and be encouraged. When God begins something no one can stop it.

Last week we discovered the antivenom for snake bites delivering the “sting of death.” It was the brass serpent lifted up on a pole. Like the ancient Hebrews we too have been stung with the ‘sting of death’ and it leads to eternal death if ignored or with improper treatment. The antivenom for sin is nothing but the blood of Jesus as he was lifted up on a cross and paid the price for our sin – death. Galatians 3:22 Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.  

Last week we looked at an epidemic of snake bites leaving many to die a slow and painful death. The Hebrews cried out to Moses for God to stop them, but He did not, instead He instructed Moses to do something. He was instructed to set up a pole, fashion a brass serpent and place it on the pole. The only thing required was for those who had gotten the sting of death were to look at it for the venom’s antidote. That’s it, look at the bronze snake on a pole and live! God was gracious by providing a simple physical healing and salvation from certain death. The only requirement was obedience to God’s word. Simple, right? I wonder how many obeyed. Perhaps some thought it was a joke or too simple. How would looking at a brass snake do anything?

When outside there is something we do not need to fear this time of the year. During the spring when the sun is warm, the snow has receded, the ground has thawed and life bursts forth after a long cold winter it is not uncommon when walking through the grass, flower bed or garden to see a legless reptile slithering away. For many the sight of a snake strikes fear and panic in their minds. Even though garter snakes are harmless, how might you respond to a dangerous snake such as a cobra, rattlesnake, copperhead, water moccasin or coral snake. Any of those would catch our attention.

Reputation: a favorable and publicly recognized name or standing for merit, achievement, or reliability. (Dictionary.com) A reputation is something that is established over time with consistency, but can be tarnished in no time flat.

What will it take for some people to believe that Jesus is God, the savior of the world; to believe he is the way, the truth, and the life?  Will it take a sign, an answered prayer, a vision, or a miracle? Would an unbeliever recognize a sign or a miracle; after all it could be a coincidence or luck. Perhaps the best sign and miracle of all would be someone rising from the dead.

We all know what it is to be hungry and thirsty. Our stomachs and mouths tell us when to eat and drink. We also know what happens when we do not eat or drink. People in third world countries experiencing starvation or malnutrition show signs of sickness, child development is hindered and many more problems often resulting in death.

Psalm 139:1-3 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways

Christmas is over for another year, the gifts are still new, some toys broken and thoughts drifting toward a new year. How easy it is to move from two months of preparing for Christmas to leaving it behind and moving on. Was His birth a flash in the pan and now it is business as usual?

Matthew 2:10-11 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The wise men are truly an enigma. Who were they, why did they come in search of a king, and why didn’t they know where to look? Were they truly wise and were there only three?

People die from the lack of oxygen. A severe drought can create a famine and people will die from the lack of food. We can live only so long without water and we will die from dehydration. These are obvious to us all. What may not be so obvious is that people die from the lack of hope. Hope is essential for life; without it all seems lost.

We are told as children that Santa knows if we are naughty or nice and that determines if we would receive Christmas presents. I guess, probably like you, that you were good each year because you received gifts. Well, I know better, I was not good most of the time especially as a teenager.

With the table spread with food, drinks, and dessert it should make us pause for thanks that we have so much with great variety. We can still go to the store and buy whatever is needed on short notice. With loaming food shortages and high fuel costs driving up food production and transportation costs we should have greater appreciation and not assume everything we want will always be at our finger tips. We have become increasingly aware of the long chain of events that take place from planting to our family table. It does not take much to disrupt the chain and cause shortages.

“The day of judgment is coming”: it may seem like a long wait for justice and we may be tempted to give up, but at the right time all who are not righteous, i.e., one who does not follow Jesus Christ will come into fiery judgment, burned up like straw, but not consumed. The final judgment does not eliminate the wicked so as not to exist. The fiery judgment will last for eternity, inflicting pain and suffering with no relief. Vs. 2 mentions roots and branches referring to the final end, no life, no rebirth, no second chance; like Roundup that kills the root, the unrighteous have no hope.

Sunday morning church is not simply worship, it is also spiritual preparation. Through worship, prayer, teaching, and assimilating God’s word we are drawn close to Him, and our confidence, and faith are strengthened. The more we learn the better equipped we are to understand local, national, and global events.

However, does the bible have anything to say about politics and government? Yes! Genesis 9:6 “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed for in the image of God has God made mankind.

I mentioned two weeks ago Jude 4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Nothing has changed in 2000 years; Satan continues to war against the truth and sends wolves in sheep’s clothing into churches to deceive and divide. The only variable is what part of the truth will come under attack.

If you’ve ever used a pressure cooker you know nothing happens inside as soon as the heat is turned on. However, it isn’t long before the heat builds giving way to a build up of pressure, enough to move the weight on top and relieve the pressure so it wouldn’t blow up; life’s circumstances can be that way. The ‘heat’ is what irritates or causes hardship. These can cause stress to build up within us and if we aren’t careful we can blow, or we can find ways to releave the pressure.

What is it that God wants from you? A perfect life? Devotion to your church? Giving half your money away? Becoming a missionary to Africa or Los Angeles? No!

What is the greatest commandment that fulfills all others? “Love the LORD you God with all your heart. . .” Genuine love is what fuels endurance, and perseverance; it’s what enables one to take risks, face difficulties and carry burdens. A true lover is willing to suffer for the one he loves, but an admirer may not be so willing. There are a lot of people in and out of church that are admirers of Jesus, but few who truly love Him with everything they have.

Tests were not my favorite thing in school or college. At times they were very difficult and required a lot of studying and hard work which in the end usually paid off. I was ‘happy as a lark’ when I finally received my degree and tests were a thing of the past, or so I thought.

We listen, we see and experience the evil and darkness intrude and usurp our freedom and destroy biblical principles that were the hallmark of our

Expectations abound! There are expectations at work, expectations in community organizations, expectations at home, school, sports and so on. There are times when we become

“I am not ashamed of the gospel.” Strange words coming from one who went out of his way to kill and imprison innocent Christians who

John2, 7-8, 11 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and

I don’t’ know about you, but 2021 went by very fast and was filled with unpleasant changes. Will 2022 be any better? Only time will

What would you say if you were told the virgin birth is superstition, a leap of faith, evidence that conservative Christians are less intellectual and

In ten days, we will be celebrating the most significant holiday in history, the incarnation that gives hope to all. Most of us think we

                In societies like Israel, a woman’s value was largely measured by her ability to bear children. To be without children often resulted in

When God intervenes in earthly affairs, he almost always tells someone somehow what he is doing. (Perhaps always, I don’t know.) I do know that

Thanksgiving is a day dedicated to expressing appreciation. A holiday not about us, not about national achievements or victories, but focusing outside ourselves to the

You may be familiar with the TV series, Survivor; “a reality-competition featuring a group of contestants deliberately marooned in an isolated location, where they must

Two weeks ago, I talked about making lemon-aid out of life’s lemons; when unforeseen storms come out of nowhere, challenges we can’t prepare for blindside

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight You’ve

In any given day we get enough news and have enough experiences that are discouraging. Seldom do we hear good news concerning our society or

Last week we saw that we have a choice to worry or not to worry. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Cast means

I heard it said recently that two things are needed to bring about socialism to America: fear and free stuff from the government. Sounds like

Last week we saw that the Disciples ‘little faith’ was unable to carry out an exorcism, something Jesus gave them authority to do. (Mark 6:12).

“Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move

Numerous times Jesus touched people even when it would make him ceremonially unclean. He touched a man with leprosy and was healed Mt. 8:3. Jesus

Last week I mentioned that life involves change, and with that come events we didn’t ask for, that makes life difficult. While change is a

We have no idea what tomorrow will bring. We can only manage what comes today. We may plan for tomorrow only to have our plans

We view the state of the true, universal church and we see it neither giving in to darkness nor shrinking from it. In places of

At the start of Jesus’ ministry, He came to the Sea of Galilee and called Peter to become a “fisher of men.” It’s believed Jesus

When a child comes into this strange new world, he or she is completely dependent on the care of its parents. When a baby shows

You don’t need to be a home owner very long to realize that keeping it looking new requires routine maintenance and repairs. Many are small

A shepherd is in change, and has the responsibility of caring for the sheep that are entrusted to him. He must lead them to areas

This month we celebrate America’s birthday, July 4, 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Early colonists came to this new world we

To be jealous according to Dictionary.com is to have resentment against someone. It also says, “troubled by suspicions or fears of rivalry, unfaithfulness.” It isn’t

            If you’re like most people, watching the news can make one angry and disgusted. When we hear about our nation’s leaders deliberately dismantling our

Genesis 1:31a God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.  This includes Adam and Eve as the first husband and wife. Their relationship

If you are middle aged or older you are witnessing the loss of the nation you knew and loved. The freedom to move about without

 5/26/2021 Luke 15:11-24 The prodigal son is someone who runs away or leaves the family and leads a wasteful and reckless life. In this parable the

John 15:9-14 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love,

All too often we hear that God is the eternal and final judge of all and that we will stand before Him on judgment day

Last week we saw that Isaiah invited everyone to come and drink to satisfy their thirst. Also, that it is important to drink the correct

Isaiah 55:1-3 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without

Proverbs 8:1, 10-11, 27, 35-36 Vs. 1 Can’t you hear the voice of wisdom? She is standing at the city gates and at every fork

Easter has come, but is not gone. Every Sunday is to be a reminder of Easter, a celebration of life. The fact Jesus was raised

We must never forget or fail to celebrate Good Friday. From the world’s perspective how could anyone refer to it as ‘good’? God literally comes

Last week we looked at Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem on a donkey a day which we celebrate as Palm Sunday or the Triumphal Entry. Today

Next Sunday (March 28) we celebrate what has become known as “Palm Sunday.” It is also referred to as the Triumphal Entry. It’s when Jesus

James 4:7-8a  Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to

I don’t know if you enjoy walking or not but Barb and I do. We try and walk every day when it is nice from

Today we begin looking at the suffering God endured through His Son Jesus Christ for every human being. Suffering for doing something wrong is one

Lent, not lint begins February 17, with Ash Wednesday. Where did this practice come from and what is it for? It developed as part of

Last week we looked at formal worship and how important it is to come regularly and with the right attitude. Our primary purpose is to meet

Pr. Dr. Andrew Brunson planted churches in Turkey for twenty-three years before being falsely accused of being a spy and received a life sentence in

1/20/2021 Today is the beginning of a new administration that promises to bring radical change to America. For some time, this has caused turmoil in

A favorite Bible story for most children is David and Goliath. Here is a young shepherd boy, perhaps 12-14 years old ready and willing to

How intimidating it must have been for Joshua to wake up the morning he was to lead Israel into new territory, a land with fortified

12/30/2020 Our minds are filled with information, news and ideas all day long. Five days ago our thoughts were filled with thoughts of Christmas, the

As we read the gospels, Matthew – John, we will notice a great deal of symbolism regarding Jesus and His identity as the Messiah, the

The second advent reading for December 6, was Isaiah 40:3-5: A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every

We have entered the season of advent, four weeks before Christmas. Advent means a coming into place, view or being; arrival. So, what do we

There is a song we’ve sung for some time titled, “Give Thanks.” It simply says; “Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks unto the

At this time of the year and the state of the Union it would be beneficial to know what took place on September 25, 1789,

There is a resource that lists important people and their contributions to society, it’s called, Marquis Who’s Who and has been the standard since 1898. This

Last week we looked at the need to pray for all people and leaders whether they are Christian or heathen. Paul was writing during the

In four days, we will be electing a president who will preside over America for the next four years. Our Republic is at stake and

About 2620 years ago there was a voice calling a nation to wake up wondering how long he would have to look at sin, misery, destruction,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust

The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. That tops any list of how civilized

Galatians 4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. If

1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You

What we believe about God and Christianity depends on our view of the Bible or what we believe about it. The Bible claims for itself

Thousands of years of recorded history lays out the trail of blood leading to a bloody cross upon which God in Jesus Christ died for

8/12/202 PKLC Communiqué Yom Kippur, the lambs blood that covered the sins of the Jewish nation went on for 800 years until an unbelievable announcement

September 27 of this year is an important religious holiday for Israel and Jews the world over. It is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

7/15/2020 We continue to follow the predicted trail of redemption through the Old Testament with the Hebrews living in Egypt and working as slaves, about

In three days, we turn our attention to celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence and our subsequent freedom. However, it began 284 years

6/24/2020 God’s plan to rescue the world from sin and death began with His announcement in Genesis 3:15, and the killing (sacrifice) of an animal

We may be familiar with what the New Testament says about Jesus and the cross, but what about Jesus and the cross in the Old

I don’t know about you, but have you been hearing people refer to America’s form of government as a democracy? I sure have especially from