Galatians 4:4-5: But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.This is my favorite "advent" passage of scripture. It's awe-inspiring to me because in just these two verses, the apostle Paul describes how literally everythin...

It was about 10 years ago around Christmas time when my dad called me and asked if I wanted to come to a concert that was happening near his house. That year, the group Shane and Shane recorded a Christmas album and their tour happened to bring them to Bayside Chapel in Barnegat. My dad knew I was a big fan of Shane and Shane and thought it would be a good way to get me to...

Usually the shorter the email, the more likely people will read it. This email is not short. Only some of you will read it. I hope it makes a difference for the "some" - enough of a difference to make it worth it. This Sunday we are taking our special Christmas offering. It's the one time of year we pray about how much more we can give beyond what we normally donate to...

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) I was reading a blog post this morning about the importance of giving thanks. One scripture after another, like the one above, commanding us to give thanks. But it also made me think - indirectly - about the danger of trying to be more thankful. Let me expl...

Thank you for joining us in fasting praying for our church as we end Passion Week together. When we gather for Good Friday, we are rememeing that Jesus died so we could die. When we gather on Easter, we are reemmbering that Jesus lives so that we could live. So we will be fasting on Thursday or Friday (or both). What does this fast look like? Simply skip breakfast an...

"The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment." - Luke 23:55-56 Today is Saturday, the day between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. On this day 2000+ years ago, Jesus' body lay in a tom...

Below are two videos: The first is a clip from a January 2nd sermon about WHY we need Scripture for prayer. 2.And now here is a little video outlining the HOW. It's not an exhaustive teaching by any means; just a few minutes giving three different examples. ...

The primary purpose of fasting is self-humbling. It is a scriptural means ordained by God for us to humble ourselves before Him. Throughout the bible, God requires his people to humble themselves before Him. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 18:4 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those...

About six months ago my friend from college suggested we all begin fasting together on Thursdays. I had fasted with True Life on Thursdays in the past and, wanting to renew that commitment anyway, it felt like God's leading. Previously, when I had fasted I had abstained from radio shows and music in the car. I had a long commute at the time so it was a true sacrifice and...

The idea of fasting stinks. I tend to get a little depressed when I know I'm going to be fasting. In fact, I am probably bothered more by the thought of fasting that I am by the bad news headlines I'm hearing everyday. Actually, can I be honest? It may even be true that I am more bummed by the prospect of being hungry than I am by the reports of people dying (unless I...