April 29, 2012 | John Bayles | Calling to the Servants (1 Timothy 3:8-16)

These instructions are the second section in the category that the Apostle Paul presents: "Here is a trustworthy saying...." His first trustworthy saying addresses the overseers (elders) in Ephesus, and today we will consider the servants (deacons).

April 22, 2012 | John Bayles | Calling to the Overseers (1 Timothy 3:1-7)

This text of scripture is one that is truly a gift to the church, for few things have a more profound impact on a congregation than its leadership. Throughout church history there has been a consistent emphasis upon what a leader does for the church, what is the function of leadership? But sadly, far too many times it is not the responsibility of a leader that comes into question, but the character of the leader that is in view.

April 15, 2012 | Art Sanborn | International Adventures

We welcome our long-time brother in the Lord and missionary, Art Sanborn. Art and his wife, Ellen, have been missionaries with Youth With A Mission since 1980. Art’s book, “A Walking Miracle”, chronicles dozens of miracles they have witnessed, including Art’s miraculous recovery after a bodysurfing accident that left him a quadriplegic.

April 8, 2012 | Easter Sunday | John Bayles | O Death, Where Is Your Sting? (1 Corinthians 15:50-58)

The resurrection is the summum bonum (greatest good) reality of the Christian faith. Without the resurrection Paul tells us that we should be pitied above all people, for if Christ is not raised from the dead, we are placing our faith in a myth and a false hope. "But now is Christ raised from the dead!" This the reality that separates Christianity from all other world religions and the reality that defines orthodoxy and cultism.

April 1, 2012 | John Bayles | On the Way to the Cross (John 12:12-19)

Isaiah 53:6 states, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Who are these people? What do they think is happening? What are their expectations? Who do they think Jesus is? What do they think he is doing? Where do they think he is going? And what is he trying to accomplish?