I want to continue some thoughts from my last post and email titled “Pastor Appreciation & Keeping Community” because it had occurred to me that some good may come out of the COVID-19 pandemic for the western church. My thought … Continue reading →
This coming Sunday, October 17th, we will open to the 27th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew and continue through the closing scenes of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. We will cover Matthew 27:1-44 this coming Sunday, and on the … Continue reading →
Last Sunday at CrossHope Chapel we opened to the 25th chapter of Matthew and read two parables and an explanation of the separating of the saved from the unsaved at Jesus’ return. This chapter was a continuation of the same … Continue reading →
This past Sunday we opened to Matthew 24 and had a good discussion on the signs of the end as given by Jesus to His disciples. We saw that Jesus gave this discourse with the purpose stated in Matthew 24:42-44 … Continue reading →
At CrossHope Chapel, we are moving along in our Bible study through the Gospel of Matthew and will complete this teaching series in about five weeks. Where are we going after Matthew? Well, when we first started the Matthew series … Continue reading →
Last Sunday, August 15th, we enjoyed the 22nd chapter of Matthew and discussing Jesus’ parable of the wedding banquet, and the questions posed to Jesus with the intention to trap Him up in front of the people there in Jerusalem. … Continue reading →
Last Sunday at CrossHope Chapel we had a rich time in the 21st chapter of Matthew, partly because it was loaded with differing accounts and partly because it was the beginning of Jesus’ final week. We enjoyed so much interaction … Continue reading →
This past Sunday at CrossHope Chapel we paused from our current series through the Gospel of Matthew for a Prophecy Update. It was a First Sunday so we also celebrated communion and had potluck together. We talked briefly about conditions … Continue reading →
This past Sunday at CrossHope Chapel we examined the 20th chapter of Matthew, but we spent the bulk of our time discussing the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The chapter engaged us with the stories of Jesus healing … Continue reading →
This past Sunday we looked at Matthew 19 and were encouraged that although some may try to distract our eyes from the mission, if we keep our eyes on Jesus we will stay the course. I’m referring to the scene … Continue reading →
In our study through the Gospel of Matthew we have started to see a transition in Jesus’ conversation with His disciples to openly include His approaching expected death. Matthew makes this comment in the 16th chapter, “From that time on … Continue reading →
I thought it might be good to update you on where are in our verse-by-verse study at CrossHope Chapel through the Gospel of Matthew and I am going to that by just hitting some highlights… Matthew 14 was a great … Continue reading →
This morning at CrossHope Chapel was a good one as we went through the 14th chapter of Matthew. We studied through three stories recorded by Matthew, the beheading of John the Baptist, the feeding of the 5000, and Jesus walking … Continue reading →
This is Easter week and soon we will be together to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord together through fellowship and communion. Every year during this season I tend to think of a very minute portion of the Easter story … Continue reading →
I’ve been thinking about the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28:19-20, which says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and … Continue reading →
This morning we awoke to an upgrade of the weather threat, extreme conditions north of us and more moderate here locally, but with the same need to be aware of damaging winds and tornadoes. As I looked at the high … Continue reading →
This past Sunday when I mentioned wanting to leave you with a promise for our fellowship as we go into the future, I asked for someone to find and read Matthew 18:16. I wrote that verse on the flip chart, … Continue reading →
Recently I was doing some studying on a topic that led me to Psalm 37:1 which says, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” When we read Psalm 37:2 we see the … Continue reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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’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 →
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 →
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’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 →
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 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 →
Recently, the American public has been shocked and sadden by New York and Virginia’s plunge into creating a legal right to kill babies at birth. We’ve been disgusted with our own National government’s funding of the killing of babies through … Continue reading →
The early followers of Jesus, who faced trials, persecution, and uncertainty about their future, took heart encouraging one another with an Aramaic greeting, “Maranatha!“ Maranatha means “the Lord is coming!” or “come, Lord Jesus” as in Revelation 22:20 “Surely I … Continue reading →
Well, let me say the title of this post should more accurately be “Why Clemson Won – Possibly, Theologically Thinking.” My thought is that Coach Dabo Swinney of the championship Clemson college football team did such a powerful job at … Continue reading →
In 2019 my word is FOCUS. Last year my word was STEADFAST and it helped keep me on course by reminding me to simply remain steadfast at teaching the Word and praying and being present as our church fellowship progressed … Continue reading →
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship … Continue reading →
