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CrossHope Chapel

Mobile, Alabama

CrossHope Chapel
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Category Archives: Pastoral Notes

Pastoral Notes posts are related to our Sunday morning Bible teaching series, supplemental study, or comments on various biblical topics of discussion in our fellowship.

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John 20:12 and The Easter Story

CrossHope Chapel Posted on April 1, 2021 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, Ark of the Covenant, Easter, Exodus 25:17-19, John 20:11-12, John 20:12, Resurrection Sunday

On Evangelism, Witnessing, and The Great Commission

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 19, 2021 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 2 Corinthians 5:20, Acts 1:8, ambassador, Ephesians 4:11, evangelism, evangelist, Great Commission, Hebrews 10:24-25, John 13:33-34, Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 5:14-16, outreach, Philemon 1:6, soul-winning, witness, witnessing

Prayer and Weather Threat

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 17, 2021 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1 Peter 5:7, Isaiah 41:10, Proverbs 3:25-26, tornadoes, weather

Mark 16:18 and Handling Serpents

CrossHope Chapel Posted on February 16, 2021 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Desmond Doss, Mark 18:16, Matthew 18:16, serpents, snakes

Let’s Stop Fretting

CrossHope Chapel Posted on February 5, 2021 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged evil, faith, fretting, Psalm 37:1-2, rapture, return of Christ, second coming, wicked, worldliness, Worry

Christians, Politics, and Satan’s Work

CrossHope Chapel Posted on January 14, 2021 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged America, America in Prophecy, apostasy, bible prophecy, Bible Study, Ephesians 6:12, John 10:10, John 18:35-36, Matthew 24:24, politics, Revelation, Revelation 12:17, Revelation 12:9, Romans 15:4

Don’t Lose Heart

CrossHope Chapel Posted on January 6, 2021 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged bible prophecy, Blessed Hope, Hope, John 14:1-3, John 14:1-4, Maranatha, return of Christ, return of Jesus, Revelation, second coming

Thank You!

CrossHope Chapel Posted on January 3, 2021 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 10 Year Anniversary, Hebrews 10:23-25

Merry Christmas!

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 24, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Gratitude and Philippians 4:6-7

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 8, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged anxiety, fear, Gratefulness, Gratitude, Philippians 4:6-7, Prayer, Worry

NIV, ESV, and Translations

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 4, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged best translation, Bible Translations, Bible versions, CSB, dynamic equivalence, dynamic translation, English Standard Version, ESV, ESV Study Bible, KJV, New International Version, NIV, NIV Study Bible

“I Am Willing”

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 1, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged James 4:2, Matthew 8:1-4, Psalm 50:10-12

Thanksgiving Proclamation

CrossHope Chapel Posted on November 25, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

God Knows, Even the Hairs of your Head

CrossHope Chapel Posted on November 18, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged John 10:29, Matthew 10:30, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 56:11, Romans 8:31, Worry

Keeping Us From Evil

CrossHope Chapel Posted on November 14, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Election Outcome and Knowing God Reigns

CrossHope Chapel Posted on November 7, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1 John 3:4, Psalm 47:8

Irene H. Durkac

CrossHope Chapel Posted on October 22, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Alzheimer, Dementia, hospice, Irene H. Durkac, Louis S. Durkac, Memoriam, motherhood, Ohio, Rossford

The Lord Among the Churches

CrossHope Chapel Posted on September 24, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 10 Year Anniversary, church, churches, CrossHope Chapel, Revelation 1:10

Questions on Why Sin?

CrossHope Chapel Posted on August 17, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Bible Study, evil, Great Controversy, resources, Sin

Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is Near

CrossHope Chapel Posted on July 20, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged gospel, Kingdom of Heaven, Matthew 3, Matthew 3:1-2, repent, repentance

Virus Fear and Our Want of Safety

CrossHope Chapel Posted on July 16, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged COVID-19, fear, Luke 21:26-28, return of Christ

C-19 Vaccine & The Mark of the Beast

CrossHope Chapel Posted on July 8, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Mark of the Beast, Prophecy, Revelation, Revelation 13:17

Voddie Baucham, J.D. Faraq, & The Mark of the Beast

CrossHope Chapel Posted on July 6, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Deuteronomy 6:5-8, J.D. Faraq, Mark of the Beast, Revelation 13:16-17, Voddie Baucham

Law of Moses?

CrossHope Chapel Posted on June 4, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 10 Commandments, Law of God, law of Moses, law vs grace

50 Promises for your Problems

CrossHope Chapel Posted on May 20, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 50 Bible promises, Bible Promises, claiming promises in prayer, God's promises, Prayer, Prayer is the Answer

Happy Mother’s Day!

CrossHope Chapel Posted on May 10, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1 Timothy 5:10, Mother's Day

Online Church

CrossHope Chapel Posted on May 1, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged online church

No Official Church Membership

CrossHope Chapel Posted on April 21, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged church, CrossHope Chapel, membership, non-member church

Today in Passion Week – Sunday

CrossHope Chapel Posted on April 12, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Easter, passion week, Resurrection Sunday

Today in Passion Week – Saturday

CrossHope Chapel Posted on April 11, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Easter, passion week, Sabbath, timeline

Today in Passion Week – Friday

CrossHope Chapel Posted on April 10, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Easter, Good Friday, passion week, timeline

Today in Passion Week – Thursday

CrossHope Chapel Posted on April 8, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Easter, passion week, timeline

Matthew: The Kingdom of Heaven

CrossHope Chapel Posted on April 8, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Bible Study, Matthew, teaching series

Coronavirus, Anxiety, and Hebrews 13:8

CrossHope Chapel Posted on April 6, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged anxiety, coronavirus, COVID-19, fear, Hebrews 13:8, Philippians 4:6, Worry

Revelation: Shortly Come to Pass?

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 31, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Blessed Hope, coronavirus, COVID-19, last days, Luke 21:28, Matthew 24:22, rapture, Revelation, Revelation 1:1, second coming, Signs of End, signs of times, thief in the night

A Reason to Have Hope

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 27, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Faith Academy, Hope

How to Cast Out Fear

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 26, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1 John 4:18, coronavirus, COVID-19, fear, fear not, God is love, how to cast our fear, Love

15 Bible Promises For Use in Your Prayers

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 23, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Bible Promises, God's promises, Prayer, prayer ministry, promises, using Bible promises in prayer

1 Samuel 17:11 and Fear in the Camp?

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 19, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged coronavirus, COVID-19, CrossHope Chapel, David and Goliath, fear, fear not

2 Timothy 1:7 and Spirit of Fear?

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 18, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 2 Timothy 1:7, angels, coronavirus, COVID-19, CrossHope Chapel, fear, fearfulness, Prayer, Psalm 51:10-12, Psalm 91, shut-in, sound mind, spirit of fear, spirit of love

The Coronavirus and Psalm 91

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 6, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1 Peter 5:7, China, coronavirus, COVID-19, COVID19, epidemic, flu, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 41:10, Luke 21:11, pestilence, Philippians 4:6, Psalm 91, Psalm 91:14-16, Psalm 91:2-6, Wuhan

Enforcement of the Mark

CrossHope Chapel Posted on February 24, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Bernie Sanders, coronavirus, end time, Luke 21:28, Mark of Beast, Prophecy Outlook, Prophecy Update, Revelation 13:17, Trump

Isaac & The Messiah

CrossHope Chapel Posted on February 9, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Abraham, Genesis 22, Isaac

War, Wars, and More War

CrossHope Chapel Posted on January 3, 2020 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Iran, Matthew 24:26, Trump, USA

Former Adventist Community Group

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 18, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Adventist, Alabama, Former Adventist, Mobile, SDA, Seventh-day Adventist, Seventh-day Adventist Church

Matthew 6:33 and Anti-Nationalism?

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 13, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged border walls, borders, citizenship, Matthew 6:33, nationalism, nations, Philippians 3:20, politics, walls

Facing Trials

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 4, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12-13, 3 Verse Bible Study, Grief, Romans 5:3-5, suffering, trials

Historical Evidence for Noah’s Ark

CrossHope Chapel Posted on November 10, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Ararat, David Guzik, Enduring Word, Genesis 7, Genesis 8, Noah's Ark, Ron Wyatt

Kanye West, End Times, and The Latter Rain

CrossHope Chapel Posted on November 8, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Early Rain, Holy Spirit, James 5:7, Joel 2:28, Kanye West, Latter Rain, Sunday Service

Why Satan is in American Politics

CrossHope Chapel Posted on October 31, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 2 Corinthians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 4:4, America in Prophecy, bible prophecy, end time, Ezekiel 28:15, Isaiah 14:14, John 10:10, Norman Gulley, politics, Preparation for the End Time, Prophecy, Revelation 13:1-18, Satan, two beasts, USA

The End is Near

CrossHope Chapel Posted on October 15, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 2 Timothy 3:1-4, Blessed Hope, end of world, Matthew 28:20, return of Christ, Signs of End, Titus 2:13

The Truth on the Turks and Trump

CrossHope Chapel Posted on October 12, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Amir Tsarfati, bible prophecy, Iran, Kerds, Middle East, Trump, Turkey

What About Unclean Foods?

CrossHope Chapel Posted on October 11, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged clean, diet, food, Leviticus 11, Mark 7:14-23, Mark 7:15, pork, Romans 14:17, Unclean

Do You Have A Life Verse?

CrossHope Chapel Posted on October 2, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Bible Promises, Deuteronomy 6:8-9, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 41:10, Life Verse, Pastor Colin Morris, Peace, Romans 12:2

John 10:10 and Political Contention

CrossHope Chapel Posted on September 28, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 2020 elections, John 10:10, politics, Trump

10 Effects of Sin in Genesis 3

CrossHope Chapel Posted on September 8, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, 2 Peter 3:10-14, earth made new, evil, Genesis 3, Heaven, return of Christ, Revelation 21:1-3, Sin

A Tribute to My Dad

CrossHope Chapel Posted on September 4, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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

CrossHope Chapel Posted on September 1, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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?

CrossHope Chapel Posted on August 27, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1 Peter 3:7, Adam, Eve, Garden of Eden, Genesis 3:1-8, Weaker Vessel

I Walk by Faith

CrossHope Chapel Posted on August 15, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

  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 →

Tagged 2 Corinthians 5:7, Christian life, faith, Walk by Faith

El Paso, Dayton, and the Return of Christ

CrossHope Chapel Posted on August 5, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Dayton, El Paso, Shootings, Trump, violence

Creation Time and 1000 Year Days

CrossHope Chapel Posted on July 24, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1000 year days, 2 Peter 3:8, Astrology, Creation Time, Days of Creation, Genesis 1, hermenuetics, literal 24-hour days, numbers, Numerology, Psalm 90:4

Days of Creation

CrossHope Chapel Posted on July 22, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 24 hour day, creation, Days of Creation, Genesis 1, Wayne Grudem, yom, yowm

God Said

CrossHope Chapel Posted on July 20, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged creation, Genesis 1, Jesus, teaching series

The Blessed Hope

CrossHope Chapel Posted on July 16, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Blessed Hope, Isaiah 25:9, John 14:3, rapture, return of Christ, Revelation 22:20, second coming, Titus 2:13

The Schemes of the Devil

CrossHope Chapel Posted on June 15, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged apostasy, devil, Ephesians 6:11, Satan, temptation

Amir Tsarfati and Michael the Archangel

CrossHope Chapel Posted on June 11, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Amir Tsarfati, Angel of the Lord, angels, Daniel 10:13, echad, Jude 1:9, Matthew 4:14, Michael the Archangel, Zechariah 3:1-2

Spinning, Redefining, and Hiding Truth

CrossHope Chapel Posted on June 4, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 2 Corinthians 11:14, Matthew 5:37

“I will be with You”

CrossHope Chapel Posted on June 2, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Matthew 28:20; John 14:16-17, Philippians 4:9

War in Heaven?

CrossHope Chapel Posted on May 27, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged America, Exodus 15:3, military, Question, Revelation 12:7, Satan, Sin, war

The Doctrine of War

CrossHope Chapel Posted on May 27, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged America, evil, Exodus 15:3, military, Revelation 12:7, Satan, Sin, war

The Hyphenated Christian

CrossHope Chapel Posted on May 20, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged new creation, new life, old man

Almost Mother’s

CrossHope Chapel Posted on May 11, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Joel 2:25, Mother's Day, resurrection

Sealing Work of the Holy Spirit

CrossHope Chapel Posted on May 6, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Ephesians 4:30, Holy Spirit, Mark of Beast, Revelation 9:4, Seal of God

Wednesday Crucifixion?

CrossHope Chapel Posted on April 22, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Crucifixion, Easter, Good Friday, passion week, Passover, Resurrection Sunday, Sabbath

Walking in the World, but not as the World

CrossHope Chapel Posted on April 14, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Ephesians, Ephesians 4, Ephesians 4:17-32;, walk, worldliness

Common Ground on Pre-Trib vs Post-Trib

CrossHope Chapel Posted on April 8, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Blessed Hope, End-Times, persecution, plaques, post-trib, pre-trib, rapture, Revelation, second coming, tribulation, Wrath of God

2 YouTube Videos

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 11, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged videos, YouTube

Ash Wednesday and Lent

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 6, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Alabama, Bible Church, Catholic, CrossHope Chapel, Day of Ashes, Lent, Mobile, Pastor Steve Durkac, Roman Catholic

Retracing the Exodus

CrossHope Chapel Posted on March 5, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Exodus, Moses, Mount Sinai, Ron Wyatt

Dear Church Friend in Mobile, Alabama

CrossHope Chapel Posted on February 18, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Alabama, anxiety, arthritis, Bible Church, blindness, church, CrossHope Chapel, Mobile, Pastor Steve Durkac, Simple Church, vision

Meanwhile, Back At CrossHope Chapel

CrossHope Chapel Posted on February 16, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 2 Peter 3:18, Acts 2:42, Alabama, Bible, Bible Church, church, CrossHope Chapel, Mobile, Pastor Steve Durkac, Simple Church, Sunday, verse-by-verse

But God…

CrossHope Chapel Posted on February 12, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Ephesians, Ephesians 2:4

Behind the Abortion Decrees

CrossHope Chapel Posted on February 4, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged abortion, Esther, John 10:10, killing, Luke 21:28, murder, Romans 13:11

Globalism? Maranatha!

CrossHope Chapel Posted on January 15, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged America, Daniel 2:44, Luke 21:28, Maranatha, Psalm 96:11-13, rapture, return of Christ, Revelation 11:15, Revelation 22:20, Trump

Why Clemson Won

CrossHope Chapel Posted on January 11, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Dabo Swinney, football, Glory to God, Nick Saban

The Word is Focus

CrossHope Chapel Posted on January 8, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 10 Commandments, 2019, commandments, Focus, Matthew 22:37-39

As It Was When Jesus Was Born

CrossHope Chapel Posted on January 4, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

“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 →

Tagged 1 Peter 1:3-4, Christmas, Ephesians 2:19, Isaiah 9:7, John 14:1-3, Luke 22:29-30, Matthew 2:1-2, Philippians 3:20, politics

A New Year, Again

CrossHope Chapel Posted on January 1, 2019 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 2019, fear, Isaiah 26:3-4, new year

Why We Christmas Differently

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 29, 2018 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Catholic, Christmas, Protestant

Top 5 Posts in 2018

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 28, 2018 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Bible Translations

Fear at Christmas

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 24, 2018 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Christmas, fear, Luke 2:10-11

After Thoughts

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 20, 2018 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Christmas, CrossHope Chapel, fellowship

2018 in Scripture

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 8, 2018 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Alabama, Bible, Bible Church, chapter by chapter, CrossHope Chapel, daily devotional, expository, Mobile, Pastor Steve Durkac, teaching, verse-by-verse

New Logo in 2019

CrossHope Chapel Posted on December 3, 2018 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged Alabama, Bible Church, Calvary Chapel, Calvary Chapel Association, Calvary Chapel Dove, Calvary Global Network, CCA, CGN, CrossHope Chapel, logo, Mobile, Pastor Steve Durkac

Podcast: ABC’s of Prayer

CrossHope Chapel Posted on November 9, 2018 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →
Tagged ABC's of Prayer, Bible Promises, Prayer is the Answer

Podcast: “ESV & Bible Translations”

CrossHope Chapel Posted on November 9, 2018 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →
Tagged Bible Translations, Bible versions, CSB, ESV, translations

Vote Biblically

CrossHope Chapel Posted on October 9, 2018 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 10 Commandments, America, Democrat, elections, Noah Webster, Republican, vote, vote biblically, voting

The Accuser’s Playbook

CrossHope Chapel Posted on September 26, 2018 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged 2 Timothy 3:1-5, accuser, bible prophecy, Revelation 12:10

More on Today’s Church

CrossHope Chapel Posted on September 4, 2018 by Steve DurkacApril 17, 2021avatar

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 →

Tagged American, Bible, church, John 12:32

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