Love God, love neighbor, make disciples. doug@pastordougolson.com
Our scripture this morning is 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NET). See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. This scripture and other guidance like it has always been difficult for me. I worked security in a number of different places and …
Our scripture this morning is Psalms 133:1 (NLT). How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! I’ve shared the story of taking youth confirmation classes to other churches to learn about their worship and traditions. In almost every case I found that the youth noticed and discussed how things were the …
Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NET). I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree together, to end your divisions, and to be united by the same mind and purpose. Paul’s message for the Corinthians still echoes in our world today. He calls us to …
Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 4:9-10 (NET). Consequently a Sabbath rest remains for the people of God. For the one who enters God’s rest has also rested from his works, just as God did from his own works. In Genesis 2:3 we read “God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on …
Our scripture this morning is Zephaniah 3:17 (NET). The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you. Like most prophets, Zephaniah called Israel to recognize and repent of their sin. His …
Our scripture this morning is Matthew 6:20-21 (NET). But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 18th century pastor John Wesley advised Christians to “earn all you can, save all …
Our scripture this morning is Proverbs 22:4 (NET). The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches and honor and life. Proverbs offers us practical spiritual guidance for life in a decidedly non-spiritual world. Its wisdom teaches ways to treat each other according to God’s plan for us, as well as our responsibility to …
Our scripture this morning is Luke 12:40 (NET). You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. During my time in the military one of the worst peacetime fears was the surprise inspection. It wasn’t that things were normally done “wrong” but maybe …
Our scripture this morning is Mark 8:35 (NET). For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and for the gospel will save it. This call from Jesus sounds like a paradox, but it is part of God’s plan for us. The earthly example of saving …
Our scripture this morning is 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT). Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Paul writes to his pupil Timothy with encouragement that our gifts and …