Logos Pro

October 12, 2024 By Jim Erwin

Logos Pro Logos Pro: Cutting-Edge Tools for Deep Bible Study I had early access to Logos Pro, and after exploring its features, I can confidently say this subscription model offers great value for anyone serious about Bible study. As someone who also subscribes to other AI tools, I appreciate how this software integrates AI to enhance research, teaching, and sermon preparation. Although some people prefer one-time purchases over subscriptions, I believe that the continuous updates and new tools make this... Read more

The Positive Power of Influence

September 30, 2024 By Jim Erwin

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The Positive Power of Influence Judges 1:12-15 The positive power of influence is one of the keys of leadership. Leadership isn’t just about having a powerful position. Anytime you use your influence to affect the thoughts and actions of others, you are engaging in leadership. This story is in the Book of Judges. The Book of Judges is about the transition from Moses and Joshua until Israel chose kings. During this period, God raised up judges to help the people... Read more

Go

July 19, 2024 By Jim Erwin

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Go Luke 14:12-24 “Go” is the fourth sermon in the series “Gather, Grow, Go” which is our theme for the year. CONTEXT: Jesus is sitting in the company of leading Pharisee (14:1) who has invited many people to his home. Jesus has just healed a man in his home. Then Jesus spoke to the invited guests about their attitudes. The guests were competing for the best seats in the house. Therefore, Jesus teaches about humility to the invited guests (14:7-11).... Read more

Grow

June 22, 2024 By Jim Erwin

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Grow Mark 4:26-29 Grow is the second sermon in our series: “Gather, Grow, Go” which is our theme for the year. Have you ever wondered how God grows you spiritually? Do you sometimes feel frustrated or discouraged by your lack of progress in your faith journey? Do you wish you could see more fruit in your life and in the lives of others? If so, you are not alone. Many of us struggle with these questions and feelings. But the... Read more

Gather

April 15, 2024 By Jim Erwin

Gather Hebrews 10:24-25 Today we are continuing our sermon series on Gather, Grow, and Go. (See Gather Grow Go for part one in this series.) We have been learning about the three essential aspects of our Christian life: gathering as God’s people, growing in our faith and maturity, and going out to share the gospel and serve others. With each of these aspects, we look at how to use our present system of Sunday School to help us fulfill our... Read more

Gather Grow Go

March 11, 2024 By Jim Erwin

Gather Grow Go Matthew 28:16-20 As we begin 2024, I want to challenge the church with a new set of strategies. Three simple words: Gather Grow Go. Say these words with me: Gather Grow Go. That’s the strategic challenge for our church. It is reflected in the word of the Great Commission given by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. If we want to strengthen our church, then we need to Gather, Grow, and Go. GATHER GROW GO AS THE... Read more

How My Prayer Can Have an Eternal Impact on Others

January 11, 2024 By Jim Erwin

How My Prayer Can Have an Eternal Impact on Others Acts 16:25-34 Here we see a process that shows how my prayer can have an eternal impact on others. I pray. “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25, CSB) You know how my prayer can have an eternal impact on other? It can happen when I pray. Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to... Read more

How to Be HUMBLE in My Prayer Life

November 12, 2023 By Jim Erwin

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The How to Be HUMBLE in My Prayer Life Acts 18:9-14 Here we see in this parable how to be humble in my prayer life. Humility is a two-way street. I learn to trust in God and not myself. I also learn not to look down on others. Prayer is one way we can practice humility. The purpose of humility is described in the first verse: “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were... Read more

The Mystery of Israel

October 15, 2023 By Jim Erwin

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The Mystery of Israel Romans 11:25-27 The mystery of Israel impacts our world. We live in a troubled world, where we see violence, hatred, and injustice every day. One of the most complex and controversial issues in our world is the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East. As Christians, we may wonder how we should relate to Israel and the Palestinians, and what God’s will is for them. The Bible has a lot to say about this... Read more

The Challenge of Pastoral Burnout

September 4, 2023 By Jim Erwin

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The Challenge of Pastoral Burnout A recent blog post has been circulating, entitled “Departure: Why I Left the Church.” The author Alexander Lang accurately addresses many of the challenges of being a pastor. Many of his insights resonated with me, and they illustrate the challenge of pastoral burnout. Quitting the Ministry For example, Lang cites a survey from Barna, which shows why 42% of pastors have considered quitting the ministry: The reasons for this are myriad, but the top five... Read more