Irene H. Durkac
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 →
Category Archives: Pastoral Notes
The Lord Among the Churches
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 →
Questions on Why Sin?
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 →
Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is Near
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 →
Virus Fear and Our Want of Safety
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 →
C-19 Vaccine & The Mark of the Beast
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 →
Voddie Baucham, J.D. Faraq, & The Mark of the Beast
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 →
Law of Moses?
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 →
50 Promises for your Problems
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 →
Happy Mother’s Day!
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 →
Online Church
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 →
No Official Church Membership
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 →
Today in Passion Week – Sunday
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 →
Today in Passion Week – Saturday
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 →
Today in Passion Week – Friday
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 →
Today in Passion Week – Thursday
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 →
Matthew: The Kingdom of Heaven
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 →
Coronavirus, Anxiety, and Hebrews 13:8
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 →
Revelation: Shortly Come to Pass?
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 →
A Reason to Have Hope
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 →
How to Cast Out Fear
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 →
15 Bible Promises For Use in Your Prayers
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 →
1 Samuel 17:11 and Fear in the Camp?
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 →
2 Timothy 1:7 and Spirit of Fear?
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 Coronavirus and Psalm 91
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 →
Enforcement of the Mark
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 →
Isaac & The Messiah
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 →
War, Wars, and More War
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 →
Former Adventist Community Group
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 →
Facing Trials
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 →
Historical Evidence for Noah’s Ark
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 →
Kanye West, End Times, and The Latter Rain
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 →
Why Satan is in American Politics
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 End is Near
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 →
The Truth on the Turks and Trump
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 →
What About Unclean Foods?
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 →
Do You Have A Life Verse?
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 →
John 10:10 and Political Contention
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 →
10 Effects of Sin in Genesis 3
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 →
A Tribute to My Dad
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 →
Sweet, Sweet, Spirit
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 →
1 Peter 3:7 and Weaker Vessel?
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
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 →
El Paso, Dayton, and the Return of Christ
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 →
Creation Time and 1000 Year Days
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 →
Days of Creation
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 →
God Said
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 →
The Blessed Hope
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 →
The Schemes of the Devil
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 →
Amir Tsarfati and Michael the Archangel
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 →
Spinning, Redefining, and Hiding Truth
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 →
“I will be with You”
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 in Heaven?
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 →
The Doctrine of War
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 →
The Hyphenated Christian
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 →
Almost Mother’s
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 →
Sealing Work of the Holy Spirit
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 →
Wednesday Crucifixion?
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 →
Walking in the World, but not as the World
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 →
Common Ground on Pre-Trib vs Post-Trib
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 →
2 YouTube Videos
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 →
Ash Wednesday and Lent
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 →
Retracing the Exodus
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
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 →
Meanwhile, Back At CrossHope Chapel
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 →
But God…
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 →
Behind the Abortion Decrees
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 →
Globalism? Maranatha!
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 →
Why Clemson Won
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 →
The Word is Focus
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 →
As It Was When Jesus Was Born
“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 →
A New Year, Again
Someone once said, “A birth of a baby is God’s way of saying the world must go on.” I don’t know who said that or why that has stuck in my memory, but there is some truth to that. If … Continue reading →
Why We Christmas Differently
Since our first Christmas together in 2011 we have not met over the Christmas holiday, some years we took three weeks off and some years we took two weeks off, depending on the calendar. Typically, our last gathering of the year … Continue reading →
Top 5 Posts in 2018
Here are the top 5 searched and viewed posts in 2018 from our www.crosshopechapel.org website. That means that people searched the internet for a specific topic or question and our website post came up on that search so with our … Continue reading →
Fear at Christmas
Christmas time is nearly always portrayed in the media as a happy, positive, encouraging season but that is simply not always the case. The good news is that our God knows that. When the sun sets tonight and it’s Christmas … Continue reading →
After Thoughts
Last Saturday evening’s CrossHope Chapel’s Christmas Party was such a blessing! I have to admit that my knee was starting to really ache and just before everyone arrived I was beginning to feel like I would rather curl up in … Continue reading →
2018 in Scripture
I wanted to share a thought with you about where we have been in 2018, as a church in the Scriptures. We have been in 3 John, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Corinthians. We have systematically and intentionally journeyed through 3 … Continue reading →
New Logo in 2019
CrossHope Chapel will have a new unique logo starting in 2019. Our new logo is an encircled cross and opened Bible, and it will be replacing the use of the Calvary Chapel dove. Many of you know the story of … Continue reading →
Podcast: ABC’s of Prayer
Pastoral Podcasts are available at www.crosshopechapel.org/podcast A new podcast, “ABC’s of Prayer” – 09:21, is available direct at: https://www.crosshopechapel.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ABCprayer.m4a
Continue reading →Podcast: “ESV & Bible Translations”
Pastoral Podcasts are available at www.crosshopechapel.org/podcast A New Podcast, “ESV & Bible Translations” – 15:25, is available direct at: https://www.crosshopechapel.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ESV.m4a
Continue reading →Vote Biblically
In the elections here in America, I hope you will give your attention to voting biblically. When you are deciding your vote in terms of voting biblically, you will relieve yourself of the stress and defense of standing by a … Continue reading →
The Accuser’s Playbook
We may be dismayed by the behavior of the politicians and their protesting allies attempting to disrupt the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, but there is a bigger lesson here for Bible believing Christians. The lesson for those who stand for biblical … Continue reading →
More on Today’s Church
A few weeks ago I posted on 2 Corinthians & God’s Word and got into a bit of a rant on my observations on the waywardness of today’s church with a trend away from preaching from the Bible. You can … Continue reading →
2 Corinthians & God’s Word
Sunday was a good day in fellowship. It amazes me how God shows up even when we are few. That is the promise of Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (ESV), … Continue reading →
1 Corinthians 14
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 →
Why Watch for Prophecy?
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 Conference
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 →
Why We Do Age-Integrated Church
I just watched a documentary video on the issue of children and youth leaving their parents faith and practices behind as they enter adulthood. We’ve all heard that upward of 80% of our youth do not remain in church attendance … Continue reading →
Prophecy Watch
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 →
Prayer Needs & End-Times
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 →
Why We Will Easter Simply
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 →
Professional Pastor?
I read an account from a church pastor who recently had some work done at his home by an electrician. The electrician asked him, as the homeowner, “What do you do for a living?” To which he replied, “I am … Continue reading →
CSB, ESV, and Translations
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 →
Easter Events Timeline
Here is a timeline of events (not original with me, but edited a bit and 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 … Continue reading →
3rd Tier Rowers
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 →
What on Earth is Going On?
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 →
Florida Shooting
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 Valentine Story
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 →
Prayer Therapy: How to Pray for Problems
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 →
Christmas in Revelation
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 →