Jesus’ Group Text: Philadelphia (Faithful)

We find ourselves at church #6 today. So far, we’ve discussed Ephesus, the careless church, Smyrna, the crowned church, Pergamos, the compromising church Thyatira, the corrupted church, and Sardis, the feeble church. If we were keeping an overview of pros and cons of each church we’ve discussed so far, it would look a little likeContinue reading “Jesus’ Group Text: Philadelphia (Faithful)”

Jesus’ Group Text: Thyatira (Corruption)

We are on our 4th church addressed in the letter John wrote on behalf of Jesus. We’ve looked at the church at Ephesus – the careless church because they had been careless with their first love for Jesus. Then we discussed Smyrna – the crowned church.  This was a church whose people were persecuted andContinue reading “Jesus’ Group Text: Thyatira (Corruption)”

Remaining Under His Wings

Is there anything that you are afraid of?  Chances are you can identify with one of the top ten most popular phobias. 10. Germs 9. Public places 8. Social events 7. Shots or needles 6. Lightning and thunder 5. Dogs 4. Flying 3. Heights 2. Snakes 1. Spiders[i] Most of us can relate to atContinue reading “Remaining Under His Wings”

From Honoring Saints to Trick or Treating

Hosea 10 – Week Three It’s nearly November!  There is a holiday that began a couple of days ago and runs through the second day of November.  It’s called The Day of the Dead.  It’s considered a Mexican celebration and “is a time when families gather to honor and remember deceased loved ones. It isContinue reading “From Honoring Saints to Trick or Treating”

Naps, Dust, Trees & Warriors

Genesis 2 – Week Three If you were here for last week’s lesson, you know that we covered Genesis chapter 1.  Even if you weren’t here, Genesis 1 is no stranger to you.  Most Christians and even some non-Christians are aware that the seven days of creation are summarized in that first chapter of theContinue reading “Naps, Dust, Trees & Warriors”

Don’t Throw Away the Popcorn! The Movie’s Not Done Yet!

Romans 16 – Last Week It used to be that when you went to the movies, once the credits started rolling, people would get up and make their way to the exit.  Even now, when we watch movies in our home, we often hit the “stop” button as the list of actors and the crewContinue reading “Don’t Throw Away the Popcorn! The Movie’s Not Done Yet!”

Reminder: Live Like the Ants

Romans 15:13-33 We are closing in on the end of Paul’s letter to the Romans.  It’s a long letter; in fact, it’s Paul’s longest letter in which he has had a lot to say.  As he is drawing the letter to a close, he does so with much love and encouragement. Romans 15:13 “I prayContinue reading “Reminder: Live Like the Ants”

Did You Want to See My Belly Button? I Didn’t Think So

Podcast available at: https://anchor.fm/diane-simcox/episodes/Did-You-Want-to-See-My-Belly-Button–I-Didnt-Think-So-e1cp125 Romans 14 If I were to ask you to show me your belly button, how would you feel about that?  Most of us, I would presume, would be hesitant to do just that.  Why is that?  There’s nothing shameful about having a belly button.  We all have them as God intended. Continue reading “Did You Want to See My Belly Button? I Didn’t Think So”

Are You a Hunka Hunka Burning Love for Others?

Romans 12:17 – Romans 13 RELATIONSHIP. That one word has crept into our lessons for the past few weeks.  We’ve discussed how Paul is desperate for others to see what a real relationship with God is like.  We’ve talked about those who try to do all of the right and good things assuming that’s whatContinue reading “Are You a Hunka Hunka Burning Love for Others?”