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Standing Firm in an Earthquake

April 22, 2018

April 22, 2018 • Dr Charles Kyker

In 1960 the worst earthquake on record happened in Chile. Not only was this slender South American country devastated, but Islands stretching across the Pacific Ocean were affected by destructive tidal waves and tsunamis. Some 7,000 people perished. What happens when life unravels – an earthquake takes out 7,000 people, a tornado rips through your home of thirty years, you lose your business, or you find out your spouse has cancer with only six months to live? Or what about relationally—your co-worker slanders you, a parent disowns you, your friend betrays your trust, your spouse lives a secret life on the side, your ‘church family’ turns out being more like an enemy? When ground once secure begins to shift and crumble, how can we survive the dangerous fault lines that lie beneath?

Fight From Freedom, Not For It

May 20, 2018 • Dr Charles Kyker

Throughout the gospel of John, Jesus is focused on carrying out the work assigned Him by His Father. Jesus was sent from above to connect people with God: “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth” (John 1:51). John the Baptist said: “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but He has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else” (John 3:31).

Submission Wins Battles

May 13, 2018 • Dr Charles Kyker

After the period of the Judges, Israel demanded a king. “Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations” they told Samuel, prophet, priest, and last judge of Israel. Samuel was grieved at their request and ask God for guidance. But the LORD said, “Do everything they say to you... it is me they are rejecting, not you. They do not want me to be their King” (1 Samuel 8:5b-7). God sends Samuel a man from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul son of Kish (1 Samuel 9:15-17). Saul had the look of a king, “head-and-shoulders above anyone else” (1 Samuel 10:23b). Saul appeared to be humble (1 Samuel 9:21) and after winning the first battle, he did not retaliate against those who scorned his leadership (1 Samuel 11:13). But in time, Saul’s fears, jealousy, and disobedience robbed him of God’s special anointing. Saul’s pride surfaced as he rose in power and position. Saul failed to recognize that any position or authority is a gift from God.

Conquering the Enemy

May 6, 2018 • Dr Charles Kyker

Our enemy is not conquered when we take the easy way out. Nor is the enemy conquered if we resign to defeat in times of despair. But hell trembles as individuals, imperfect people like you and me, decide not to take the easy way out, but get up and move out of our despair. If we seek the better place, we will begin to look better (and smell better!) as we experience God’s redemption. Everything changes because God created us Himself. But know this, the forces of darkness will try to do anything to try to keep you behind enemy lines. Where will you go when life falls apart?