We can trip over a curb or broken pavement in the sidewalk. We may fall but then rise to continue our journey. In today's message, Dr. John echoes Jesus' words to the disciples. "You all will fall." They all protested, but every one of them fell. Of the 12, eleven repented and rose to continue their journey of faith. We are foolish to think we can predict our response to a crisis of faith. We lean closely upon the grace of our Lord.  The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: In this series of messages, Dr. John points us to the Gospel of Matthew for the account of Jesus' final days. We hear fr ..read more

Significant covenants have significant symbols. Wedding rings exchanged before God are symbols of the marriage covenant. In today's message, Dr. John walks us through the events of the last supper. While some may think that a small piece of bread and a tiny glass appear insignificant,  Jesus has infused these emblems with meaning. They are symbols of a new covenant. God has made a new promise through Jesus for all humanity. It is found through His broken body and spilled blood. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: In this series of messages, Dr. John points us to the Gospel of Matthe ..read more

Peter's darkest moment is recorded for all to read. Untold numbers have heard the account of Peter's denial. Today Dr. John walks us through the three denials of Peter. We note the ways that one lie can lead to another. While Peter's weakness is exposed, we also note that this is not the end of the story.  The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: In this series of messages, Dr. John points us to the Gospel of Matthew for the account of Jesus' final days. We hear from an eyewitness, a martyr of Jesus. Matthew bears witness to the words, actions and significance of Jesus' death and resurrection ..read more

We expect pain from those who are against us. That may not lessen the pain, but at least it is more understandable. That's what we expect from enemies. We don’t expect pain from our friends. Today Dr. John speaks of betrayal - the deep wound which is inflicted by those close to us. There is nothing more confounding than being betrayed. Jesus understands. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: In this series of messages, Dr. John points us to the Gospel of Matthew for the account of Jesus' final days. We hear from an eyewitness, a martyr of Jesus. Matthew bears witness to the words, actions ..read more

The crucifixion of Jesus was not an accident where details tumble out of control. The details and timing of God's plan would be fulfilled. As Dr. John speaks of Matthew's account of the crucifixion, he notes that the enemies of Jesus had one plan - but God had another. The interplay of divine and human will act like two hands. Even if the left doesn't know what the right is doing - they both fulfill the single will of God.  The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: In this series of messages, Dr. John points us to the Gospel of Matthew for the account of Jesus' final days. We hear from an eyew ..read more

Too many think of faith like a driver's license. They have passed the test and answered all the questions right - and now they head out to drive on their own. Today Dr. John reminds us that the way we entered this spiritual life is the way we must live it. We began by faith and we continue by faith. We began needing and trusting in Jesus. So we live this life needing and trusting in Jesus. Nothing replaces the centrality of faith for the believer. Your Salvation Story: What happens when someone is converted? Can a person lose their salvation after conversion? Is it possible to keep sinnin ..read more

We live in a day when many pulpits hesitate to talk about sin. Should we then be surprised that repentance is forgotten as well? In today's message Dr. John teaches on genuine repentance as an essentail part of saving faith. We will find three qualities that accompany true repentance.  Your Salvation Story: What happens when someone is converted? Can a person lose their salvation after conversion? Is it possible to keep sinning after being genuinely saved? What is God's role in our salvation, and how is it different from our own role? Dr. John answers these questions in Your Salvation Sto ..read more

If I go to the doctor or hospital, there are obvious markers the doctor looks for to evaluate the presence and quality of life. Pulse, blood pressure and respiration are some of the first signs of life. In today's message, Dr. John offers us seven signs to look to for the presence and quality of spiritual life within us. It's time to take our soul's pulse.  Your Salvation Story: What happens when someone is converted? Can a person lose their salvation after conversion? Is it possible to keep sinning after being genuinely saved? What is God's role in our salvation, and how is it different ..read more

In this first message on recognizing our personal conversion, Dr. John speaks to a simple test. If our spiritual state is the result of our best intentions, efforts and abilities, then all we have is the best we can do. Conversion is a work of God. What He does is genuine and eternal.  Your Salvation Story: What happens when someone is converted? Can a person lose their salvation after conversion? Is it possible to keep sinning after being genuinely saved? What is God's role in our salvation, and how is it different from our own role? Dr. John answers these questions in Your Salvation Sto ..read more

The book of Haggai shows Israel, repenting and rebuilidng the temple of God. They have learned that disobedience harvests hardships. Obedience releases the blessings and presence of God. Dr. John points to a greater lesson in Haggai's last sermon. While Israel is building a Temple, God is building a Kingdom - an unending, unshakeable Kingdom.  God's Presence Among His People: There are people who believe that their well-being does not depend on God at all. They see His blessings but do not acknowledge their dependence. Believers may think they are immune to this forgetfulness, but experie ..read more