Scripture: Romans 6:1-11, Sermon by Rev. Sterling W. Severns Reflection Questions 1. The Continuous Nature of Spiritual Growth The sermon emphasized that spiritual growth is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. Baptism represents the ongoing pattern of dying to our false selves and rising with Christ, over and over. Paul calls us into … Continue reading Reflection Guide: Romans 6 and the Pattern of Dying to Self

Romans 5:1-11 (The Message) Reflection Questions 1. Facing Resistance: Reflecting on Our Discomfort The pastor acknowledged his initial resistance to Paul’s teachings, especially the perception of Paul’s arrogance. This resistance is something we often experience when faced with uncomfortable truths that reveal our own vulnerabilities. Paul’s writings, especially in Romans, challenge us to embrace grace over pride, … Continue reading Adult Reflection Guide: Romans 5:1-11

Scripture Reading:  If you put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt, and to every evil work; if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. Isaiah 58:10 God has made us what we are, and … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Journey from Christmas

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Meg Lacy Vega (recorded in 2019) Scripture:  Do not be deceived my dear brothers!  Every good gift and every present comes from heaven; it comes from God….” (James 1:17) Meditation:   For much of my life I have not been very good at accepting gifts.  I guess … Continue reading Advent Devotion: ‘Tis as Blessed to Receive as To Give

Written by Fred & Ginny Karnas Scripture:  When anyone is joined to Christ, he [or she] is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.   (II Corinthians 5:17) Meditation:  In the old terminal of Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport one finds a large, brightly colored mural depicting the legendary phoenix.  Egyptian mythology … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Phoenix Bird

Written by Ginny and Fred Karnas Scripture:  You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak with the life of Christ himself.  So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free men, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Gift of Diversity

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Rachel Brock (2019) Scripture: … the Lord Jesus himself said, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.”  (Acts 20:35b) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and love your neighbor … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Widow and the School Crossing Guard

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Hogan Brock (2019) Scripture:  Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Simple Gifts

Written by Fred & Ginny Karnas Narrated by Sterling Severns Scripture:  For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have eternal life.  (John 3:16) Meditation:  In their book, The Sacred Romance, Brent Curtis and John Eldredge discuss the various … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Sacred Romance

Written by Fred & Ginny Karnas Narrated by Mamie Ruth (Hitchens) Blanton Seeing Each Other With New Eyes Scripture:  What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to- face.  (I Corinthians 13: 12). For where two or three come together in My name, I am there with … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Seeing Each other With New Eyes