Last Sunday, July 15, 2018, we opened to 1 Corinthians 14 and discussed two hot potato topics: speaking in tongues and women teaching in church. Thanks Paul. I could have gone the rest of my life in ministry not having … Continue reading →
Tomorrow we will enjoy a visit from Daniel with a report on his missionary work with Mslm people groups. Of course, we’ll be able to ask questions and pray for him. Payton will give us a report about her mission … Continue reading →
I realize that some Christians don’t get very excited when it comes to sermons about the end-time events, books about tribulation timelines, or even Bible Prophecy Conferences. However, there are biblical reasons to watch and recognize the signs of our … Continue reading →
Prophecy – This Sunday for our “Prophecy in the News” I am going to talk about the USA in Prophecy and Why We Watch for Prophecy Signs. Potluck – So far we have hot dogs, sausage, chili, chips, salad, bake … Continue reading →
Next week is our First Sunday service and we talked a bit today about a “picnic” potluck since its just before Independence Day but we didn’t fully nail down a menu plan, so here is one… Steph and I will … Continue reading →
June 24, 2018 – This Sunday we will open to 1 Corinthians 13. Payton will be leaving for Honduras that night so we will also have a time of prayer for her. July 1, 2018 – Daniel, our missionary in … Continue reading →
This year the Understanding the Times Prophecy Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota hosted by Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries will be live streamed at CrossHope Chapel in west Mobile, Alabama. The date is Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 8:30 AM to … Continue reading →
Tomorrow for Father’s Day we will do the same as we did on Mother’s Day and start with some breakfast time. We’ll make some waffles and have some other breakfast stuff and then we’ll open 1 Corinthians 13 and talk … Continue reading →
I just watched a documentary video on the issue of children and youth leaving their parents faith and practices behind as they enter adulthood. The YouTube video documentary is embedded below and the link is too, because I am aware … Continue reading →
Last Sunday we forgot to talk about potluck, but a few brought it up as we were leaving and here here’s the last minute plan for potluck this Sunday… Steph and I – will bring our George Foremen grill and … Continue reading →
Janet: They are keeping him overnight for observation running some type of tests every two hours but things are looking up – thank all of you for the prayer support!!
I want to share some things about what’s coming up with our Sunday gatherings and teaching series in June. Also, some time during June we will likely have Daniel, our favorite missionary with us and we will give him the … Continue reading →
James’ surgery on his foot went well today. Let’s keep praying for his healing and that he will be back to pain-free walking soon. Georgette is having the first of a few eye surgeries tomorrow, so let’s remember her in … Continue reading →
This Sunday we will have 2 Belgium waffle irons ready to make fresh waffles for you. We can enjoy a little breakfast together before we get into our worship and study. We have all the makings: waffle mix, sugar-free syrup, … Continue reading →
I forgot to add that Janet is bringing Taco Shells – soft and crunchy!
Welcome to May 2018! This Sunday will be our “First Sunday” service which means potluck and communion. The theme for this potluck is taco/Mexican. Here is the current list of who is bringing what for potluck… Meat – Stephanie Dessert … Continue reading →
I want to share with two video clips that are worth hearing if you have the time. The first one is by Amir Tsarfati of Behold Israel on the recent developments on the Korean peninsula and the Iranian – Syrian … Continue reading →
Jesus is coming soon, and that’s the good news! I don’t want to call what I am about to share now as “bad news” but there are 2 things I want to drawer your attention to as needing prayer and … Continue reading →
Our Sunday morning prayer list is now online at www.chcpray.org by clicking on the [Online Prayer List] link. I will send the password out by our Text Announcement system. If you are part of fellowship and church family scattered, and haven’t … Continue reading →
If you signed-up for our Text Announcement system this past Sunday, you should have received a prayer request this evening. (Let’s be praying for Shirley’s granddaughter’s little brother as he is apprehensive about his surgery tomorrow.) If you have not … Continue reading →
This past Easter Sunday was such an enjoyable sweet time of fellowship. That’s probably the best way I know how to describe it, a sweet time of fellowship. Thank you J.P. for inviting us all and allowing us to come … Continue reading →
At CrossHope Chapel we are all about doing things simply. We are different that way, but only because we want to be a church community that stays closely to the principles, practices, and patterns of the New Testament, as much … Continue reading →
I am going back to using my English Standard Version. Last August I bought a Christian Standard Bible and really liked it and I still do, but in recent months my enthusiasm for this new translation has developed into reservation. … Continue reading →
April 1, 2018 is Easter Sunday and at CrossHope Chapel we will celebrate the holiday in fellowship away from our chapel at J.P.’s yard where we will enjoy an Easter potluck picnic, including a Honeybaked Ham. If it rains or we have bad … Continue reading →
Here is a timeline of events (not original with me, but from a shared ministers resource [that means I have no idea where I got it from]). This timeline gives a good overview of Passion Week events… Thursday – … Continue reading →
While we were looking at the 4th chapter of 1 Corinthians, I pointed out that Paul’s understanding of a minister was very different than today’s “executive” or “celebrity” image often assigned to today’s pastors. 1 Corinthians 4:1 gives us the … Continue reading →
Potluck in the morning…breakfast stuff or anything close to it, like desserts are always good. I think Steph is bringing some kind of casserole thing. Sorry for not emailing sooner in the week, bringing yourself is always more important than … Continue reading →
If you find the time, please take the 30 minutes or so to listen to Dr. Tony Evans, the founder and Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX, discusses a theological assessment of what is happening in the nation. … Continue reading →
When I first heard the news about the Florida High School shooting, my mind was already pondering a few other disappointing news stories of the day. I was thinking about the Lutheran minister in New Jersey who had a name … Continue reading →
The St. Valentine story as shared by History.com… “On February 14 around the year 278 A.D., Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed. Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was … Continue reading →
In 1994 I had assumed the pastorate of a church where I had the opportunity to sit down with the outgoing pastor to discuss various issues of that congregation. As I was sitting with him in his office talking, he … Continue reading →
We are back on track with our gatherings and it was a blessing to have Steph and Payton lead us in some praise and worship songs. Here are somethings to note this month… 1 Corinthians – We have finished the … Continue reading →
I am looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow at the Chapel for a time a fellowship, prayer, and a look at 2 John. We got home last night and heard we missed some cold weather. We had some unseasonably … Continue reading →
Your 2017 Tax / Contribution Receipts will go out in the mail on Thursday. I’ve decided to just mail them since I will getting ready to set sail on a cruise ship Sunday and you all will be enjoying Sunday … Continue reading →
I am so looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow! It seemed like our Christmas break this year went on longer than in the past, but it could have had a lot to do with the flu and colds going around. … Continue reading →
I hope everyone is enjoying our cold Christmas Holiday Season. I have been sick this week with whatever Parker likely brought back from Tuscaloosa. So now you know what I got for Christmas this year. Our Christmas Party was fun … Continue reading →
Merry Christmas to you and yours! One of my favorite Bible verses on Christmas is in Revelation 12:10, which says, “And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and … Continue reading →
The United Nations has voted 128 to 9 to make “null, void” the United States decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Our US Ambassador has said that we will be taking names and remembering those nations when it … Continue reading →
Many years ago a sincere church member once asked me, Is Jesus really God? They went on to explain that they see where the Bible says Jesus prayed to God the Father, was called the Son of God, and they even … Continue reading →
You are invited to the CrossHope Chapel Christmas Party! When: This Sunday evening, December 17, 2017, at 4:00 PM. Remember, we will not be meeting this Sunday morning – only Sunday afternoon for the Christmas Party. We will be off … Continue reading →
Just a quick Prayer Alert having to do with religious liberty. Jack Phillips is a baker in Colorado who choose to stand with his religious convictions and not bake a cake for a gay couple’s weddings. The gay couple complained, … Continue reading →
First Sunday tomorrow means potluck and communion. Frank has offered to grill some pork butt and whatever side you bring is fine and good. Of course, if you don’t know what to bring, at least bring yourself! Upcoming dates to … Continue reading →
The usual dutch-treat gathering at Cracker Barrel before the Wednesday evening Midweek Fellowship, will be meeting at the new Kravers Seafood Restaurant tomorrow at 4:00 PM (or so) if you are available, interested, and up for some seafood. Kravers Seafood Restaurant is … Continue reading →
We commonly conclude our prayers by saying “In Jesus’ Name” and rightly so. When you say, “Lord, in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen” you are sharing in His power by claiming His character, life, atonement, and righteousness – … Continue reading →
Today at church we discussed our 2017 Christmas Holiday schedule and I’ve shared that below along with some other items in chronological order between now and then… • Tuesday, November 21 – We will not have our usually scheduled Midweek … Continue reading →
I forgot to mention in the last email titled “San Antonio, Texas” that I did visit with Daniel when I traveled through Houston. We meet at a BBQ restaurant and had an enjoyable time just talking and visiting. The Lord … Continue reading →
I am happy to be back in Mobile today after being in San Antonio, Texas this week. Memorial Service… The memorial service for Frank Wehrly went well and it was well attended as we celebrated and honored his life … Continue reading →
Please don’t let the haters of truth define what it means to “love one another” because they are pressing society to believe that love is equal to agreement with another’s sin and even celebration of another’s sin. We can love … Continue reading →
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour tonight, unless you want to get to church early. I am looking forward to seeing you all, too!
Just a quick reminder that this Sunday, November 5, is our First Sunday service and that means communion and potluck. The potluck them is “breakfast” so anything breakfast to you is good, and remember, dessert is always good for breakfast. … Continue reading →
Yesterday at church, we backtracked just a bit to get a big picture look at 1 John by looking at the four stated purposes of why John wrote the book. First, we read in 1 John 1:4 “We are writing … Continue reading →
Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness and gift as you all marked Pastor Appreciation Month last Sunday. You certainly did not have to give me anything, partly because I am always slightly embarrassed about receiving gifts and also because … Continue reading →
Since Nate is expecting to impact our area beginning Saturday evening and continuing through Sunday morning, let’s plan on playing it safe and canceling our Sunday services. I’ve noticed that several Southern Baptist churches near us have already canceled their … Continue reading →
Just a heads-up that I am monitoring the Tropical Storm that is expected to become Hurricane Nate. As you know by now, Mobile is in the center of the cone and it is expected to make landfall about 8:00 AM … Continue reading →
Evil is becoming common place in our society and it challenges us to wonder why. When we open the Bible we can find help in making sense of evil. In Isaiah 14:11-15 and Ezekiel 28:11-15, we understand that evil was … Continue reading →
There is a lot of chaos in our society and it is an intentional strategy of Satan, because we know from John 10:10 that he “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (ESV) and Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we “wrestle … Continue reading →
This is an update on the Sunday at Sonny’s Update. Let’s plan on having communion on Sunday, October 8, 2017 and we will put everything on one check for the church fund to pay. So we can each throw some … Continue reading →
This is an update on our last post at https://www.crosshopechapel.org/sunday-at-sonnys/ about having Sunday at Sonny’s this coming weekend on October 1, 2017. Update: Sonny’s BBQ Restaurant has asked us to arrive at 10:45 AM to get seating together, so let’s just meet … Continue reading →
If you missed being with us yesterday, Sunday, September 24, 2017, the group decided on something different for this coming “First Sunday” experience for us all – a dutch-treat meal at Sonny’s BBQ Restaurant. Yesterday’s discussion on potluck had a lot … Continue reading →
America may have finally squandered its moral stabilizing influence upon a world pushing for global Satanic rule, and the judgement of disasters may be God getting our attention. In 1948, God was able to use our president in the fulfillment … Continue reading →
POTLUCK SUNDAY – Here’s a last-minute-we-forgot-to-talk-about-it potluck plan for this Sunday: Labor Day Weekend potluck theme… We are bringing our George Foreman Grill and some hamburgers with buns. Our George Foreman Grill can cook 6 burgers at a time. Bring anything … Continue reading →
It has come to my attention that some of the larger churches, like West Mobile Baptist, have canceled their prayer meeting services tonight because of the weather forecast. So after looking at the forecast, I think we need to follow … Continue reading →
Last Sunday as we looked through James 4:1-12, the topic of making our words mean something was discussed. We talked about a promise being a promise, and our words having worth. I had mentioned an Old Testament story that signified … Continue reading →
HURRICANE HARVEY – Let’s continue to pray for Texas. Also, know that as part of our church fellowship you have made disaster relief contributions to both Samaritan’s Purse and Calvary Houston. Samaritan’s Purse has relief vehicles stationed in Houston and … Continue reading →
MEN’S MINISTRY – This Saturday at 9:00 AM is the Men’s Ministry Breakfast at our Chapel. It will be led by Pastor Mike Sternard, who is planting a Calvary Chapel church in Midtown starting in September. I will be attending … Continue reading →
Here is the video we watched today on the eclipse, and if you can’t see the video below, link to it on YouTube is https://youtu.be/Pce4-VbNAe. Remember, we are governed by “thus saith the Lord” not a “thus saith the signs” … Continue reading →
Let’s pray for Sonia and Frank’s grandson, Johnny, a kindergarten student. He is in Children’s and Women’s Hospital, having been brought in to their ER on Wednesday because of flu-like symptoms and being unable to stand or use his legs. … Continue reading →
The men of CrossHope Chapel are invited to a Men’s Ministry Breakfast at our chapel on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 9:00 AM. I will be attending, but this gathering will be led by Pastor Mike Sternad, who is planting … Continue reading →
Satan is happy to incite anger among all that will yield to it, because anger can quickly and easily be inflamed into his mission “to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). But I say to you, forsake anger so you become … Continue reading →
The mission statement of CrossHope Chapel is very simple: “To love God and make His love known.” If you think of it, it is the love for God that distinguishes the believer from the unbeliever, the saved from the unsaved, … Continue reading →
Lately, my social media feed has been full with video clips of live church worship music and something has struck me as an oddity regarding these numerous church worship programs — light shows. I’ve noticed that there appears to be … Continue reading →
There is no question, from a Christian perspective, that America has gone through a recent period of leadership that has trampled on our religious freedom. Much of the harmful effects of elevating social ideologies over civil security and sexuality above … Continue reading →
My family and I are back from our vacation and I am looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday! We will open to the book of James and look at chapter 2. James 2 is divided in two parts: … Continue reading →
Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, had an employee policy that said every Walmart employee was required to verbally acknowledge every customer within a 10 foot distance of the employee, whether the employee was standing still or walking somewhere. The … Continue reading →
Here is another video clip from Francis Chan on “How to hear from God” where he deals with comparison between the American Church and Jesus, with a godly balance speaking the truth in love. There are many speaking against the … Continue reading →
I’m sharing with you a brief post and video clip of Francs Chan from my own blog (www.stevedurkac.org) of Francis Chan talking with ministers and church leaders. The subject is right in line with some of the things we discussed … Continue reading →
Tomorrow we will open our Bible’s to James 1 and finish the chapter. We’ll be looking at James 1:16-27. Remember, no meeting next Sunday on July 23, 2017, but we’ll be back to regular schedule on Sunday July 30, 2017 … Continue reading →
We dealt with the topic of temptation last Sunday at CrossHope Chapel when we read James 1:12-14 in our current teaching series through the book of James. I thought it would be good to reiterate our study points from our … Continue reading →
Last Sunday I forgot to remind and mention again that on Sunday, July 23 I will be on a family vacation, which means no meeting, unless someone or some of you would like to show up. We are planning on … Continue reading →
This month we are in the book of James. Sunday, July 1 – Potluck theme is a picnic “Fourth of July” type foods. Last Sunday you all did a great job of laying it out on the board of who … Continue reading →
We had a conversation Sunday during our study of James about what to do when we have sinned, and I want to share those Bible promises that I referenced again here. First, I mentioned a verse that I couldn’t locate … Continue reading →
The solution to unprovoked firearm violence in our society is not gun control, but self-control. Galatians 5:23 tells us that self-control is the result of the indwelling Spirit of God in one’s life, and without the Holy Spirit there is … Continue reading →
What are we to do when we realize we have made the wrong decision, are going down the wrong path, or have chosen evil over righteousness? Repent. The message of Jesus in Mark 1:15 is as applicable today as it … Continue reading →
Q: So when we get into heaven, will we have to literally eat of the tree of life to keep living forever, or is the tree of life a metaphorical object meaning we already have eternal life? A: In Genesis … Continue reading →
Daniel, the missionary within the Muslim community, is in Bangladesh for training and a mission project with 70 former Muslim evangelist. Daniel has been bitten on the foot by a spider and his foot has swollen and may be in … Continue reading →
Last Sunday at CrossHope Chapel we spent a little more time on 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 and the subject of “the man of lawlessness” and who this man could be. I shared a thought I had, but I couldn’t recall if … Continue reading →
What does the Bible say about the issue of climate change and global warming, of man destroying the seasons and the earth? In Genesis 8:22 the Creator of the climate says, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and … Continue reading →
Here are some upcoming items to know about… June 4, 2017 – First Sunday with communion and potluck. This is a bring want you want potluck with a “low-carb” emphasis, but whatever you want to bring will be welcomed, even … Continue reading →
In our teaching series at CrossHope Chapel we are in 2 Thessalonians 2 which seems timely when placed as the backdrop to President Trump’s current trip to the Middle East. President Trump has traveled to Muslim Saudis Arabia, then to Jewish … Continue reading →
Today at CrossHope Chapel we took a cross-reference jump from 2 Thessalonians 2:5 to 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and read this: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, … Continue reading →
Here is a 15-point sequence of events of the rapture that I pieced together from a couple different sources… The Lord Jesus Himself descends from His Father’s House where He has been preparing a place for His bride, the church. … Continue reading →
As we get into 2 Thessalonians 2 in our teaching series at CrossHope Chapel, we’ll see that Paul is trying to explain to the believers there that they have not missed the rapture and they are not now in “the … Continue reading →
Here are some quick notes for May 2017… Sunday, May 7, 2017 – First Sunday Potluck, Communion, and we’ll finish 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 Sunday, May 14, 2017 – Happy Mother’s Day, and the men will be providing breakfast and Daniel … Continue reading →
The necessary consequence of sin. Rom. 6:16, 21, 23; 8:13; James 1:15. The portion of the wicked. Matt. 25:41, 46; Rom. 1:32. The way to, described. Ps. 9:17; Prov. 14:12; Matt. 7:13. God alone can inflict. Matt. 10:28; James 4:12. Is described as… Away from the presence of God. … Continue reading →
Is from God. Lev. 26:18; Isa. 13:11; 2 Thess. 1:6. Because of… Their sin and iniquity. Jer. 36:31; Lam. 3:39; Ezek. 3:17–18; 18:4, 13, 20; Amos 3:2. Idolatry. Lev. 26:30; Isa. 10:10–11. Rejection of the law of God. 1 Sam. 15:23; Hos. 4:6–9. Disobedience of God. Neh. 9:26–27; Eph. 5:6; 2 Thess. 1:8. Evil ways and … Continue reading →
Last night at Midweek Fellowship we looked at Psalm 37, and this verse stood out for me… “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast … Continue reading →
From time to time we have visitors who come with an expectation that CrossHope Chapel is just like other churches in style, format, and programs, but just a little smaller in scale. We’re different. We don’t do big church in a … Continue reading →
A very Happy Easter to you all! Tomorrow we will enjoy fellowship together as we celebrate our risen Lord in worship, scripture, communion, and a potluck that will include a large Honeybaked Ham. I am planning on sharing some thoughts on … Continue reading →
I just read an article titled “Christianity Promises Suffering and Persecution: Here’s How to Prepare.” The author Zane Pratt, of the Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board, states that we “need to include the subject of suffering well in our … Continue reading →
Remember, no meeting tomorrow April 9, 2017. I will miss seeing you all as I’ll be heading to Ohio, but I am also taking advantage of my travel time to pray and refresh with God. If you are interested in … Continue reading →
