Blog Posts

Persevering Power

6/10/2018

I recently heard from a young mother whose Christian husband works for a construction company. She was lamenting the fact that he works in a very godless environment, constantly exposed to profanity and off-colored jokes. God is definitely not the center of his work environment and the young man comes home exhausted- physically, emotionally and spiritually. What do you do when you get weary in well doing? How does one overcome feelings of fatigue and discouragement? Fighting the fight of faith is hard work and requires perseverance. How then does one persevere when the going gets tough? Paul reminded Timothy of 4 realities that helped him overcome battle fatigue.

1 Timothy 6:12-16

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Fight!

6/3/2018

Preachers have often been criticized for preaching about money. Sometimes we hear people say “all the church ever talks about is money or the church just wants my money.” What many fail to recognize is that the only reason the church talks about money is because God's Word talks about money. But the reason the Bible speaks so much about money has nothing to do with money. It has to do with our heart. The temptation for believers is never between worshiping God or worshiping Satan; its usually about worshiping God or worshiping stuff. In the closing verses of 1 Timothy 6, Paul addressed universal struggles related to materialism. Materialism or greed has a gravitational pull that requires great energy and struggle. Paul calls it a fight.

1 Timothy 6:9-12

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Do You Know WHo You Are?

5/27/2018

One of our Pastoral Interns from last year - John Tegart - reminds us that the only way to know who you are in Christ is to know the Gospel - fully. In a world where the Gospel is watered-down, changeable, and sometimes just presented wrong, how do you know that what you're hearing is authentic? Luckily, God gives us plenty of ways to tell. Listen as John describes how.

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The Love of Money

5/20/2018

Several years ago, Burger King introducing a new product – "Satisfries". With 40% less fat and 30% less calories than their competition's fries, satisfries were sure to fill us up with no unhealthy side effects. According to the fast food chain, if we ate their new french fries, our weight would drop, our skin would clear up, our energy level would increase. In short, we would be truly satisfried. It was an advertising scheme built off the premise that we are all looking for satisfaction in life-why not find it in French Fries? BK, like thousands of other businesses, were looking to profit from our culinary desires by pitching the impossible. It was and is an empty promise but it doesn't stop advertisers from bombarding us with similar messages every day. We live in a culture driven by discontentment in search of one more thing to satisfy our souls (or stomachs), emphasis on "one more thing". We are not the first to deal with discontentment and the thirst for "more". In 1 Timothy 6, Paul exhorts his young ministry assistant to be on guard for the presence of greed among his fellow believers in Ephesus.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

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The Contented Christian

5/13/2018

One does not have to live long to see that God often allows very difficult circumstances into our lives. To say that sin has horribly corrupted our earthly experience is an understatement! What Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden was not a good thing. Their rebellion against God introduced a spiritual cancer that has spread to all. As a result, not only do we struggle to understand the brevity of life but also the tragedy of life. In the face of such tribulation and heartache, is it possible to find real joy while on this terrestrial journey? Is it possible that in the midst of so much pain there can be true pleasure and contentment? In 1 Timothy 6, Paul tells mothers as well as all of us how to find contentment in life regardless of our circumstances.

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Does God Approve of Slavery?

5/6/2018

Every conscientious follower of Christ eventually comes upon a passage of Scripture that raises a red flag. It stops us in our tracks and threatens to undermine our faith. One such passage is 1 Timothy 6:1-2. In past centuries, those profiting from slavery used these verses to support human trafficking. Ironically, non-believers also use these verses to dismiss Christianity for, how can you follow a God that advocates human slavery. Because the slave trade of Colonial America has left a deep scar upon our Nations' history and because human trafficking is a very real problem in our world today, it’s important that we study the Bible wisely and think carefully about this subject. In today's message, we consider the question: Does God Approve of Slavery?

1 Timothy 6:1-2

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Testimony Sunday

4/29/2018

The essence of Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A Christian is someone learning how to abandon trust in their efforts to earn God's love and instead fully rely on Christ's finished work at the cross and empty grave on their behalf. In today's service several members explain how they came to faith in Christ. Their testimonies remind us that the true power of a church is not found in its finances or facilities but its individual member's faith in Christ.

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Set Apart

4/22/2018

What a wonderful gift are our hands! Hands, one could argue, are the most important of our 2000 body parts. For example, our opposable thumbs make it possible to grip and maneuver tools with more precision and skill than any animal. Hands are in some ways more expressive than our tongues, stronger than our legs and more insightful than our eyes. God has chosen the human hand as one of the most important instruments through which His creativity can be expressed. Of the many purposes for which God created hands, none stand taller than the purpose Paul describes in 1 Timothy 5. Writing to his ministry assistant, Paul cautions Timothy from using his hands in a way that might bring harm to the Ephesian church. By drawing attention to the act of laying on hands, he reminds us of the important calling God has placed upon each of our lives to be disciples of Jesus.

1 Timothy 5:21-25

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Be There

4/15/2018

In today's message, special guest speaker, Dr. Bill Lighty, reminds us that being an ambassador for Jesus Christ involves being present in the lives of those around us who don't know Jesus as their Savior. God doesn't need us to have "all of the answers" to use us, just a willingness to be present and available for those He is bringing to new life in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:15-20

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Make Disciples

4/8/2018

One of the most well known passages in the Bible is found in the last chapter of Matthew where Jesus reveals His long term vision for the church on earth. We know it as the Great Commission. Most Christians are familiar with the Great Commission; what we may not know however is the context. Doubt and hesitation, uncertainty and risk are coupled with euphoric joy and praise. This is the context of the Great Commission and serves as a reminder that we don’t have to have perfect faith to follow a perfect Savior.

Matthew 28:9-20

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The Angel Sat on the Stone

4/1/2018

Easter is often referred to as the Super Bowl of Sunday's among Christians. Its importance cannot be over emphasized. Without that first Resurrection Sunday, all of our worship practices today are in vain. Though we may not encounter angels or earthquakes on the Sundays we gather, we can and should expect the Risen Christ to meet with us. As we consider the truth of an empty tomb this Easter Sunday, we take special notice of an angel sitting on the stone used to seal Christ's tomb. In today's message, pastor Darrell asks why the angel sat on the stone and what it means for us.

Matthew 28:1-8

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Dying to Live

3/25/2018

We American Christians love our comfort and conveniences. It's our default setting for most, if not all, of our decision making. If we are not careful however, we can easily allow a comfortable, convenient mentality seep into our relationship with Christ. "Lord, I will serve, follow and give.... as long as it doesn't interfere with my lifestyle." But when convenience takes priority over obedience, we have redefined the gospel. It then becomes a cross-less faith and a cross-less faith is a Christ-less faith. In today's message from Matthew and Luke, we are reminded that to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus, we must take up our cross, just as He did.

Matthew 27, Luke 9:23-24

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Lessons From the Passion of Christ

3/18/2018

Some have said that "sacred history is a matter of faith, and faith is beyond questioning." I would respectfully disagree; faith is not beyond questioning. Our faith is only as strong as the object in which we place our trust and that is especially true when it comes to matters of eternal life and death. There is too much at stake for us not to examine the historical accounts of Christ’s death and resurrection. If Jesus Christ was not who He said He was and did not do what He said He would do then our faith is in vain! As we approach Resurrection Sunday, we consider again how the historical facts surround Christ's Passion provide the solid grounded needed for our spiritual faith.

Matthew 27:11-36

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Protecting Pastors

3/11/2018

God designed the local church to be like a family. A family that actually represents the character of God on earth. In other words, if you want to know what God looks like-sounds like-acts like, look no further than your local evangelical church. Nothing on earth is designed to reflect the glory of God as the local church. It only makes sense then that Paul would spend concentrated time teaching Timothy how this family is supposed to relate to one another. After explaining how the Church is to relate to her widows in 1 Timothy 5, Paul turns his attention to the pastors. In vv.17-21, we learn that how congregations compensate and confront their pastors reveal what they truly believe about the Gospel.

1 Timothy 5:17-21

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When God Says No

3/4/2018

I think it’s safe to say none of us like to be told no, even when it comes from someone who has our best interests at heart - even God. Could it be then that how we respond to no, actually says a lot about our Christian character? As we resume our study in 1 Timothy 5, Paul reminds us that God sometimes answers our prayers with no, but then follows it up with a much better plan of His own.

1 Timothy 5:11-16

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Testimony Sunday

2/25/2018

It is always wonderful to hear how God is in moving in our lives. This Sunday, we had three of our members speak on how God became real to them (Connie Goodman), encouraged, healed, and sustained them (Tom Mustian), and called them to ministry (Keith Burns).

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Turn From and Pass By Idols

2/18/2018

Adam Madden, the executive director of our association, the Golden Spike Network, tells us that each day we will choose to worship the one true God, or we will worship idols. Deut 6:1-15, Joshua 24:14-15, Judges 3:12-30

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The Life of Peter in the Gospels

2/11/2018

Discipleship is not accomplished in a classroom or in isolation. Peter walked with Christ, grew in Christ, failed Christ, and was restored by Christ all within the daily rhythms of life. It is important to ask ourselves where we are in the adventure of following Christ? Has faith become our own? And ultimately, are we disciple-making disciples?

Matt 4:17-22, Luke 5:8-11, Luke 9:18-20, John 18:9-11, Luke 22:54-62, John 21:15-2

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The Widow's Might - Part 2

2/4/2018

The challenges associated with widowhood provide the building blocks for some women to become great blessings to their local assemblies. A woman’s life is radically altered the day she gets married, the day she has children, the day her children leave home, and the day her parents die, but nothing compares to the radical changes of saying goodbye to a lifelong spouse. Because widows have had to depend upon God in unique ways, she is wonderfully equipped to help other believers navigate the waters of life's hardships. In today's message, we consider the mighty benefits a widow brings to her church and Christian friends. 1 Timothy 5:3-16

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The Widow's Might

1/28/2018

Miriam Neff, from her website "Widow Connection" writes, "Studies show that widows lose 75 percent of their friendship network when they lose a spouse. Sixty percent experience serious health issues in that first year. One third meet the criteria for clinical depression in the first month after their spouse's death, and half remain clinically depressed a year later. Most experience financial decline. One pastor described widows by saying they move from the front row of the church to the back, and then out the door. From celebrated service to silent sobbing."
Though some churches have thriving ministries dedicated to supporting their widows, most do not and would benefit greatly from considering Paul's words to Timothy regarding the place of widows in the local church. We pick up our study of 1 Timothy 5 today where Paul addresses the course and care of widows in the church. 1 Timothy 5:3-16

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Adam's Family - Part 2

1/21/2018

Sometimes, the last place on earth to find heaven’s love is among God’s people. No matter how discouraging your experience with God's people may have been, God has always intended His church to be a place where love flows freely-even in conflict. One of the most important terms the Bible uses to describe the church is family. As we resume our study in 1 Timothy 5, we find Paul underscoring that fact and the need for fellow believers to see themselves as family in times of conflict not just fellow acquaintances. His teaching leads us to ask, "How then can a church become more like a family?" In today's message, Pastor Darrell provides 3 answers to that question.

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Adam's Family

1/14/2018

How easy is it to walk into a typical Sunday worship service, sing a few songs, listen to a sermon, and leave the service untouched, both literally and figuratively? Because we may not know the people sitting next to us or see them but once a week, it can be very easy. And because we don’t know them well, we certainly would not want to tell them about our struggles, especially our sins. Nor would we want to pry into their lives. For many Christians today, it is simply a matter of "live and let live."

The problem with this picture is that it’s not God’s will for His people. We know it’s not God’s will because the writers of the New Testament describe the church much differently. The language the inspired writers used when describing the church were words like-Body-Building-Bride-Temple-Flock. Words that assume strong connections. One of the most important words the Bible uses is family and in 1 Timothy 5, Paul reminds young Timothy that the church is, at its most basic level, a family. In today's message, we consider the Benefits and Building Blocks of God's forever family.

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Overcoming Darkness

1/7/2018

That our world is a broken, morally depraved place is a “given” among most Christians. A brief review of the latest headlines is proof enough! How we respond to that darkness is a different matter altogether. Though some may be content to ignore the darkness and others curse it, God has a better way-overcoming it. The brokenness and depravity of our world is actually part of God’s great plan to display the light and life of His Son, Jesus Christ. His plan is called the gospel and in Luke 4, we find 4 specific ways the gospel helps us overcomes the darkness of our world in 2018.

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Before, During, and After . . .

12/31/2017

In our study of Luke 1, we noted that Luke gives us too many historical details of the Incarnation for us to be fuzzy about God becoming flesh and blood. When God steps into time and space, as He did with Mary, those divine encounters are more than a figment of our imagination. Mary would always look back on that experience with Gabriel and remember the before, the during and the after.
If you know Christ as Savior, you have a similar story. A true story of the people-places-events that led to your transformation. These priceless details are too important to our growth in Christ to gloss over and forget. For that reason, we should periodically promote the details of our encounters with Christ. With that in mind, we asked 3 people from our congregation to share some of the details of how Christ changed and is changing them.

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The Power of the Most High - Part 2

12/24/2017

Six years ago, the Christmas season began in Northern Utah with an unpleasant surprise. The excitement began on December 1, as many of us woke up to downed trees and vinyl siding scattered all over the neighborhood. Fences were blown over and many were without power. It was one of the worst windstorms this area had seen in decades.Until you see it’s effects, it’s hard to imagine that something you can’t touch and can’t see can be so powerful.

There is another kind of wind that blows from heaven but instead of destroying and demolishing, it builds and inspires. I am referring to the wind of God - Holy Spirit. 2000 years ago, a mighty, rushing wind from heaven came upon a young teenage girl and empowered her to do the impossible. We know her as Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her story is recorded for us in Luke 1: 26-38.

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Forward>>

Persevering Power

Fight!

Do You Know WHo You Are?

The Love of Money

The Contented Christian

Does God Approve of Slavery?

Testimony Sunday

Set Apart

Be There

Make Disciples

The Angel Sat on the Stone

Dying to Live

Lessons From the Passion of Christ

Protecting Pastors

When God Says No

Testimony Sunday

Turn From and Pass By Idols

The Life of Peter in the Gospels

The Widow's Might - Part 2

The Widow's Might

Adam's Family - Part 2

Adam's Family

Overcoming Darkness

Before, During, and After . . .

The Power of the Most High - Part 2

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