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The Death of a Pope

As you all know Jean Paul II has died at the age of 84. He is the spiritual leader and head of the Roman Catholic Church. It is said that there will be over 1 million people that will visit his body in Rome. The world and especially Catholics see this as an important and historic event, but how are we, as New Testament Christians, to react to the death of this Pope?

Death - Ruth's Example

Even in the face of grief and loss, Christians find comfort in the hope of resurrection, trusting in God's promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 15

29. What Happens to Your Soul After Death, Before Judgment?

Discover the intriguing debate on what happens to the soul after death and before judgment, exploring biblical references like I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Luke 16:19-31 to understand differing interpretations.

Why Death?

This article delves into the contrasting perspectives on death for believers and non-believers, highlighting the impact of sin and the promise of salvation through faith in Christ.

Celebration Sunday

Reflecting on the celebration of victories in Christ Jesus and the blessings of living in a prosperous time in American history, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal victory over death through faith and baptism.

A Good Death

Wang Zhiming, a Miao pastor in China, chose martyrdom over denying his faith, leaving behind a powerful message of steadfast belief in Christ.

16. When the Spirit Moves

Luke 8:31-55 uses the girl's restored spirit and the demons' fear of the abyss to show that death is real, the spirit survives the body, and our eternal destiny must be faced with urgency.

Luke 8:31, 55

Jonesboro - When Good People Die Badly

The text delves into the profound topic of death and sin, emphasizing the importance of faith and resurrection, offering a perspective on coping with loss and finding hope in the promise of eternal life.

Why Me, Why Now?

One thing you learn a lot about as a minister is suffering and death. You're among the first to be called when there is illness and the last person to see the dead as they are buried at their funerals.

A New Vision of the Church

Experience the big picture of building the spiritual temple of God within the church and understand how each individual plays a vital role in creating a community of believers destined for eternity.

Payback

This sermon delves into the challenging realities of Christianity, emphasizing the importance of following the narrow path and dealing with enemies in a Christ-like manner, inviting readers to reflect on their own journey and faith.

Why Jesus Had to Resurrect

In the Church of Christ we have no "special" services for religious holidays like Easter but the fact that Easter Sunday is celebrated by many seems to motivate people to make an extra effort to be at church service at this time.

17. The State of the Dead

Luke 8:31 and Luke 8:55 together teach that death is the separation of spirit and body and that the spirit continues under God's authority until the resurrection, with Restorationist views differing on whether that waiting is conscious or unconscious.

Luke 8:31, 55

Spiritual Emergencies

Sometimes in our lives, we face spiritual emergencies and I think we need to learn to prepare for these events as well, because everyone at one time or another will .. face a "spiritual" emergency of some kind.

II Samuel 12:7-25

How to Correct Sinful Christians

Mike emphasizes the importance of addressing the struggles of sin within the church community, particularly for long-standing Christians, while shifting the focus from evangelism to support and guidance for those already in the faith, using Paul's letter to the Corinthians as a foundational reference.

The Matrix Conspiracy

There is new technology, new gadgets, new ideas about how things work. But as far as the human condition is concerned; as far as what mankind's essential responsibility is; as far as what is truth and the reality of life, death and what comes after --- there really is nothing new here on earth --- under the sun.

Repentance is a Revolution

Bible Basics

Mike explains how true repentance goes beyond feeling sorrow for sins—it's about a complete transformation of heart and lifestyle. He emphasizes that repentance is a bold, revolutionary act that turns one's life toward God, creating lasting change. This lesson challenges believers to rethink their understanding of repentance and embrace it as a powerful force for spiritual growth.

Acts 2:38

Every Person's Prayer

Facing the fear of suffering and death, believers find solace in the unwavering love of God that transcends all challenges, as expressed in Romans 8:38-39.

Freedom Through Dependance

Understanding the concept of mutual dependency for freedom and peace, this excerpt delves into the importance of dependence on God and each other, highlighting the true freedoms enjoyed as citizens of the kingdom of heaven.

1. The Preaching of Jesus

Perhaps in examining Jesus' style and approach to this glorious work we can become more of what all of us seek to be, like Him.

Matthew 5:1-2

History vs. Racism

Peter the Apostle, in a bold address to Jewish leaders, highlights the historical significance of his own people's role in the death of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging this aspect of history rather than attributing it to racism or hatred.

A Modern 'Pilate' Moment

The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

The assassination of Charlie Kirk in 2025 sparked a cultural and spiritual conversation, drawing parallels to the cosmic confrontation of Jesus' trial in John 18–19 and urging society to look beyond the crime to a deeper conflict of our time.

Divine Justice

As the execution of Oklahoma City bomber, Timothy McVeigh, approaches there will surely be a rise in the debate over the issue of the death penalty. Unfortunately, both sides often talk, over each others' heads and the discussion rarely moves toward any kind of resolution.

The Ritual of Dying

Prioritizing important conversations before death can bring closure and comfort to loved ones during a critical time of separation and reflection.

The Disciple and Service

In this lesson, we learn the basic requirements for becoming and persevering as disciples of Christ.

Matthew 20:28

How Should We Worship God?

In discussing worship, there exists a tension between progressive believers who seek a modern expression of worship and traditionalists who believe in preserving established methods, while many in the middle simply desire to express their love for God in a sincere and communal way, emphasizing that true worship transcends worldly norms and is fundamentally about honoring God.

Materialism

Mike reviews two different types of materialism and how we are to deal with it.

Where Are We and Where Do We Go From Here?

In the midst of tragedy (the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing) and uncertainty, the call to honor the victims, get involved, and offer prayers emerges as a way to navigate the aftermath and move forward with hope and resilience.

Before You Leave for Heaven

This sermon emphasizes the importance of planning for one's final days and inheritance to ensure family unity, avoid conflict, and leave a lasting, positive legacy.

Not Ashamed

This lesson is based on Romans 1:16 and promotes the notion that the church needs to rediscover the manner and core message of the gospel in order to have a true impact on today's world.

Romans 1:16