I am beginning to wonder if Satan is hijacking our political outrage as a scheme to take our eyes off the Lord, the coming Kingdom of Heaven, and what Scripture warns us about end-time deceptions. Thanks to social media, I … Continue reading →
The disciples had lost their confidence that their Master was going to rise to prominence in the land, and that meant their hope of being exulted with Him was fading. Jesus was talking about dying, and within a few days … Continue reading →
Steph and I wish to thank you so much for your love and faithfulness to the Lord through these past 10-years of fellowship at CrossHope Chapel. You all made today such a blessing! It was such a great time of … Continue reading →
I am so looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday for our special 10-Year Anniversary which we will celebrate with praise to our Lord, prayer for each other, the promises of God’s Word, communion, and a Dickey’s BBQ buffet … Continue reading →
Christmas is an annual reminder that the Kingdom of God is with us and Satan’s demise is in deliberative motion. After a successful mission to pay the price for our sins and the legal right to redeem all creation, our … Continue reading →
I am excited to tell you what to expect for our January 3, 2021 “potluck” on our 10th year anniversary fellowship gathering. As I was looking through our options I discovered that Meat Boss will be closed from Christmas to … Continue reading →
As we countdown to a new year and our January 3, 2021 church gathering marking our 10th anniversary, please know that I am praying for you. I am praying that during this two week period before we entered into a … Continue reading →
Payton and I delivered everything to the Ronald McDonald House today and they were very appreciative everything, even commenting on how they need and can use certain items. I think the Nutella snacks were the most popular. They took a … Continue reading →
Today at Bible Study Sonia mentioned the Live Nativity presentations and some of you were interested in going. Here are the details: •One is on December 17th only from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Camp Grace located off Eliza … Continue reading →
This past Sunday I shared with you about Philippians 4:6-7 which states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends … Continue reading →
Please plan on coming out to the Chapel tomorrow for our Christmas potluck which will follow our time of fellowship, prayer, and communion. We will have ham and turkey as our main course and sides (like dressing, rice casserole, [and … Continue reading →
If you follow my Today’s Daily Promise devotionals you have likely noticed that I have recently been using the New International Version, having recently switched from using the English Standard Version. In this post I want to explain why I … Continue reading →
I had sent an email to the Ronald McDonald House and asked about the Wish List items on their website, and Tamara, Family Services Coordinator, replied with a short list of needed items. Those items are: Gloves, Ziplock bags, To-go … Continue reading →
I know we are only a few days into the week, but I am still finding hope and strength from Scripture reading on Sunday from Matthew 8:1-4 and the words of Jesus to the man with leprosy, “I am willing.” … Continue reading →
We are about a month away from our 10-year anniversary as a church fellowship, which we’ll be celebrating on January 3, 2021 at the Chapel in west Mobile. Please mark your calendar to attend or if it looks like you … Continue reading →
Tomorrow, November 29, at CrossHope Chapel we will open to Matthew 8 and start reading about Jesus’ healing miracle encounters after the sermon on the Mount of Olives. We’ll talk about our December 6 potluck plans, too. See you tomorrow! … Continue reading →
New York, 3 October 1789 By President George Washington Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection … Continue reading →
I am looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow morning at the Chapel. I am looking forward to catching up and the latest news, answered prayers, and getting back to our study through the book of Matthew.
Continue reading →There is a verse in Matthew 10:30 that says that “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” The context of the verse is Jesus telling the disciples to have no fear for those who oppose them. Jesus says, … Continue reading →
I am looking forward to being together in fellowship this coming Sunday, November 22, 2020 at the Chapel. We’ll open to Matthew 8 this week and pick up where we left off. We’ll also talk about our church calendar between … Continue reading →
I’ve been thinking about Psalm 121:7-8, which says, “The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” … Continue reading →
I want to share some things related to our church calendar these next few weeks, including our Holiday schedule, and our January 3, 2021 10-Year Anniversary. I’m going to highlight some dates below and just add some notes and ideas … Continue reading →
There is a verse in Psalms that comes to my mind today, it is Psalm 47:8 which says, “God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.” If you look up Psalm 47:8 in the ESV … Continue reading →
I know that some of you have chosen to self-quarantine because of having contact with Payton on Sunday, and it occurred to me that I ought to share with you the vitamin cocktail recommended for fighting off COVID-19… Vitamin D3 … Continue reading →
If you are on the CrossHope Chapel prayer alert text list you already know that yesterday Payton was verified COVID-19 positive, and now Steph and myself are in a 14-day quarantine. Payton is experiencing slight fever and other flu like … Continue reading →
It is a great pleasure and honor to serve you all as pastor, and I pray that I am faithful in my duty and calling as I seek to fulfill that at CrossHope Chapel by giving myself “to prayer, and … Continue reading →
Potluck has been discussed and is planned for this Sunday. This is good because this is First Sunday so we will also have communion and a Prophecy Update that will center around the Presidential Election. The chosen potluck theme is … Continue reading →
It is good to be back home now from our trip to Ohio for my mother’s funeral. This Sunday I will share more about this past week, but I wanted to let you know that Steph and I are home … Continue reading →
I will be leaving for Ohio early on Sunday morning but I do want you to know that I will be praying for each of you while I’m there. I will be praying for those who will gather at that … Continue reading →
My sister and I sat in the living room of our childhood home where my mother laid in her hospice bed. As we talked quietly, trying not to disturb our mother’s rest, I could see my mom open her eyes … Continue reading →
I want to share with you that my mother passed away peacefully this afternoon and while I was on the phone with my sister who was there with my mother. My sister called to tell me that the hospice nurse … Continue reading →
The Psalm’s Bible Study scheduled for tomorrow afternoon is cancelled because I will be across the Bay on a visit to my daughters and a meeting with Calvary Chapel pastor, and likely not back in time. While I have you … Continue reading →
This past week my mother’s condition with hospice has changed from palliative care to end of life. Yesterday the hospice MD had given my mother a 2 to 3 week life expectancy, changed her pain meds to morphine, and my … Continue reading →
I’ve been thinking about Revelation 1:10 lately and how it relates to CrossHope Chapel. I probably need to mention that with this pandemic I’ve been thinking a lot about CrossHope Chapel, where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re … Continue reading →
It’s not an uncommon question to ask, Why Sin? So I want to point out that we have some resources available to you at www.crosshopechapel.org if this question arises in your conversations or within your own heart. It’s a good … Continue reading →
This past Sunday as we looked at Matthew 3 we spent some time reflecting on the call for repentance in the gospel as presented by John the Baptist, Jesus, the Apostles, Peter, and Paul. I had mentioned to you that … Continue reading →
A few months ago I was of the opinion that the COVID-19 pandemic was going to subside come summer, but today I am thinking differently. We are half way through July and the COVID culture is ramping up its influence … Continue reading →
This afternoon our Psalms Bible study became a Q&A study on the mark of the beast and the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccine. I want to share with all of you two important points when you hear others declaring the COVID-19 vaccine … Continue reading →
Sunday I made reference to Dr. Voddie Baucham, a black Reformed Baptist minister, and his public statements on the anti-Christian positions being welcomed by social justice leaders in the church and the protesting organizations. If you search Voddie Baucham in … Continue reading →
I want to make some general statements regarding the Law of Moses, in hopes that I can shed some biblical light on the place of the law in our Christian walk. When the Bible makes mention of “the law” it … Continue reading →
There is a promise for every situation and circumstance of life. The Bible is one big promise of God’s response to the great conflict between Christ and Satan. Every word from Genesis to Revelation can be understood in the light … Continue reading →
I want to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day! There is a verse in 1 Timothy 5:10 where Paul is talking to Timothy about caring for the widows and he makes a secondary comment that has always intrigued me. Paul’s … Continue reading →
Here is a picture from our online church. It’s blank. It’s blank because we are the church and we could care less about one-way digital dissemination of information called “church.” Instead, we’ve prayed for each other, we called, texted, and … Continue reading →
Here at CrossHope Chapel we do not have an official sign on the dotted line type of local membership. You can’t sign anything that says you want to be a member of CrossHope Chapel or you can’t sign any commitment … Continue reading →
Sunday – Resurrection Day Jesus rises from the dead (before dawn) and makes five appearances on the day of His rising: To Mary Magdalene [given a message to the disciples] To the other women come to the tomb [intending to … Continue reading →
Saturday – Sabbath Day Jesus is in the tomb Jews request of Pilate to set guard at tomb and seal the tomb of Jesus Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there Disciples hiding behind closed doors in fear Matthew 27:66 … Continue reading →
Friday – Trials & Death of Jesus First trial, before Annas [nighttime hours]; Annas is looking for an accusation, biding time till Sanhedrin is gathered at High Priestly villa Second [and primary] trial before Sanhedrin, Jesus is condemned, misused Third trial, … Continue reading →
Thursday – Passover Meal Peter and John sent to make preparation for Passover meal After sunset, eats meal with the twelve; washes disciples feet Judas departs from Jesus and the twelve The Lord’s Supper instituted as Passover To the Garden … Continue reading →
We are in an in-between period, not just because of COVID-19 but because of our Bible teaching series at CrossHope Chapel. In case you missed it we have finished our Sunday study through the book of Genesis, after I concluded … Continue reading →
It may not be the first Bible promise you have thought of when dealing with your coronavirus anxiety, but it is very applicable. Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Consider this encouraging … Continue reading →
The book of Revelation spells out some details of the end time events that the Old Testament prophets proclaimed. What is interesting to me — in light of our current coronavirus crises —is the use of the phrase “shortly come … Continue reading →
I want to share with you a reason to have hope about our future. Let me first give you a little back story… When Governor Ivey made the decision yesterday that Alabama Public Schools would not be going back to … Continue reading →
We are now about two weeks into this coronavirus crises and sometimes fear can creep back into our hearts, especially as there is still no end is in sight. The first week reminded me of a good Ohio winter snow … Continue reading →
In the video I posted on Sunday, March 22, 2020, titled 7 Bible Promises for Prayer, I shared about God’s promises that are good to use in our prayers, and here I wish to share with you 15 Bible promises … Continue reading →
You are familiar with the story of David and Goliath and today I want to point out the little known similarity to that account and our current coronovirus pandemic. It begins in 1 Samuel 17:11 where the Scriptures records that … Continue reading →
The Apostle Paul wrote these words to a fearful Timothy, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). I say fearful because Timothy was … Continue reading →
The Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6 admonishes us to not be fearful about anything but to pray about everything. That includes the coronavirus. We ought to be praying that it will cease spreading, that it won’t befall us or our … Continue reading →
The account of Revelation 13 tells of an economical global enforcement that will punish those who refuse to acknowledge or employ “the mark of the beast” into their lives. Revelation 13:17 states, “no man might buy or sell, save he … Continue reading →
This morning during our Bible teaching we discussed the ways that the biblical account of Isaac points to the fulfillment of the Messiah. The birth of both was a promise from God. The birth of Isaac was delayed to his … Continue reading →
Some upcoming dates to know about… Sunday, February 16, 2020 we will have a breakfast potluck before our gathering. Sunday, February 23, 2020 I will be in Toledo, Ohio. J.P. has graciously agreed to step in that morning at the … Continue reading →
Yesterday our President took a stand for America in the Middle East by approving an airstrike that killed an Iranian general responsible for terror. Just a few minutes ago, President Trump released this statement: “General Qassem Soleimani has killed or … Continue reading →
You’ve likely already read that I am a former Seventh-day Adventist minister with the Carolina Conference and Gulf States Conference, but you may be interested in knowing that I host a community group for those with similar backgrounds, like formers, … Continue reading →
You may or may not be aware of it, but there is a belief being promoted among some who claim the name of Christian, that Matthew 6:33 means you can not be a nationalist. Nationalism is simply a description of … Continue reading →
I want to share with you three verses on the topic of facing trials, along with some brief pastoral commentary… 1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, … Continue reading →
As we looked at Genesis 7 and 8 this morning, I had two things regarding the historical evidences related to Noah’s Ark that I wanted to share with you but we simply ran out of time, so I will share … Continue reading →
While most of us American Baby Boomers have been focused on the fake news coming out of a basement in the Capital Building of the House of Representatives, a remarkable cultural change is influencing the younger generation. Kanye West, a … Continue reading →
Yesterday morning I was reading a book titled “Preparation for the End Time” by Norman Gulley, a theologian that I had taken course work under, during my days in school. He was making the point that we have to keep … Continue reading →
The marque sign outside of a church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama read: The End is Near!! Just Kidding We Don’t Know. That signed humored me because in my understanding of Christianity, the only way a church would not know that the … Continue reading →
J.P. sent me a link to Amir Tsarfati’s Middle East Update video and I want to share that with you. The YouTube link is at https://youtu.be/csKQg2VKAe0. The video is an hour long, but the the first 30 minutes is Amir … Continue reading →
Here are some things to consider on unclean foods… The Christian life is one of living by faith, and sometimes being obedient by faith is harder than being obedient by works (or law) because we feel accomplished by a behavior but … Continue reading →
When I was baptized in 1981 as a new Protestant follower of Jesus Christ, the pastor who baptized me suggested that I pick a “life verse” and he would read it to the church as we stood in the baptistery. … Continue reading →
Americans tend to think of themselves as independent, being free thinkers who choose to exercise their own political decisions. When we side with one political view over the other we generally find ourselves accused of not being independent and not … Continue reading →
This morning at CrossHope Chapel as we looked at Genesis 3, I had mentioned that I didn’t cover something that I had noted to bring out in our study discussion, and that was 10 effects of sin on humanity specifically … Continue reading →
My Dad, Louis S. Durkac, died this morning, September 4, 2019. He was 91 years old and the adopted father of 5 adopted children, and he himself was adopted. He died just 2 days shy of his 67th wedding anniversary … Continue reading →
This morning was a great time together in prayer, worship, and God’s Word. I enjoy every week when we gather together, but this morning was just a sweet time of fellowship. There was a song that came to my mind … Continue reading →
Last Sunday at CrossHope Chapel we looked at Genesis 3:1-8 and the account of Satan approaching Eve, but not Adam. We talked about the probability that Satan had studied these new creatures, man and women, and apparently he saw reason … Continue reading →
I walk by faith and not by the world (2 Corinthians 5:7), I walk by faith because I have been adopted by God (John 1:12), I walk by faith because He has given me a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26), … Continue reading →
This morning as I was enjoying my hotel breakfast waffle I found myself sitting in front of a TV and forced to endure its fake news. What I witnessed was an interview with the El Paso mayor and a CBS … Continue reading →
In my last post, Days of Creation, I addressed the contextual evidence for literal 24-hour days of Creation. In this post I want to address a theory about “Creation Time” rendering of the days of Creation in Genesis 1. I … Continue reading →
Sunday as we wrapped up Genesis 1, I found myself out of time to talk more about the literal days of Creation, but below I have listed out 7 things that I believe need to be considered about the literal … Continue reading →
When we look at the Creation account in Genesis 1 we find nine times that the phrase “God said” is used to describe the creation process. You will also see that after the record declares that “God said” to whatever … Continue reading →
It is not for no reason that the Bible refers to the return of Jesus Christ as the blessed hope. Titus 2:13 says that believers are “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and … Continue reading →
As an introduction to the armor of God in Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11; ESV). Whether you … Continue reading →
Last week Amir Tsarfati, whom you know from Jan Markell’s Prophecy Conference, got a lot of blow back on a teaching he did about recognizing the preincarnate Jesus in the Old Testament. In the video teaching, Amir mentioned Michael the … Continue reading →
I was amused by something I heard on a radio newscast today. A politician commenting negatively about the many states passing heartbeat bills, referred to it as being “a cluster of fetal pulsation.” A cluster of fetal pulsation? We should … Continue reading →
Whatever the trial, hardship, or fear of persecution as our world rushes headlong into these last days, don’t forget that our Lord has promised to be with you. The final words recorded by Jesus in the gospel of Matthew are … Continue reading →
War was first known in Heaven, not because it is holy, but because sin is so unholy. Revelation 12:7 says “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his … Continue reading →
War was first known in Heaven, not because it is holy, but because sin is so unholy. Revelation 12:7 says “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his … Continue reading →
Hyphens are used to join two words that create a compound word with a two part meaning. We could say that I am an Italian-American. I don’t say that because I feel like being American has a great enough significance … Continue reading →
Many years ago I officiated a wedding for a couple at a beautiful home within a gated community along the Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida. When I arrived at the house the groom warmly greeted me and we walked inside … Continue reading →
We find the concept of the Seal of God in the book of Ephesians and in Revelation. There is a definite connection between the two books on the Seal of God. Let’s beginning by looking at Ephesians 4:30 where Paul … Continue reading →
This past Sunday as we were discussing the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, we had a brief exchange on the possibility of a Wednesday crucifixion rather than a Friday crucifixion. I had mentioned that by the common literacy usage of … Continue reading →
Today at CrossHope Chapel we opened to Ephesians 4:17-32 and in case you missed it, here are some notes… The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor “walk” as a way to express how we live our lives. Walk is a descriptive word … Continue reading →
In recent months voices have been raised in American Christendom criticizing the pre-trib position regarding our Lord’s return. (Perhaps church leaders are finally getting tired of arguing about Calvinism.) If you ask me if I am pre-trib or post-trib, I … Continue reading →
Last Sunday I mentioned that I would send out the YouTube link to the flash mob gospel singing with Hezekiah Walker and the song “Every Praise is to Our God.” JP originally sent it to me and it is a … Continue reading →
Mornings in our home are usually filled with the sounds from a Christian radio station. This morning a caller asked one of the disc jockey’s “What is the reason for Ash Wednesday?” The disc jockey said something to the jest … Continue reading →
I want to share with you a video that James had shared with me. It is an hour long but a gentleman retraces the steps of the Exodus and it is just fascinating! If you can’t see the video below, … Continue reading →
Dear Church Friend in Mobile, Alabama, Have you ever invited the guy you work with or the lady at that office or the couple in your neighborhood to attend your church but they just haven’t? Maybe you have great Bible … Continue reading →
In the morning, thousands of people will wake up and get ready to attend a church of their choice. Some will put on their best clothing, some will happily re-wear something from the day before, and some will be more … Continue reading →
Last Sunday we opened to Ephesians 2 but surprise surprise we only got through the first 3 verses. Here’s a recap if you recall and an update if you missed… In Ephesians 2:1-3 we find the Spirit of God convicting … Continue reading →
