Paul went on to say in verse 12 of this same chapter, “You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.” Thoughts, desires—perhaps pressures. As Pastor Aaron was opening up his message on Sunday, he was making mention of how many of us are laden...

Pastor Aaron preached on Sunday about a joy that is immune to the world’s conditions and mindsets. Far beyond feelings, this joy is rooted in the character of the Lord. Today’s scripture refers to joy as a pillar in the kingdom of God. Its origins are in the Holy Spirit....

Every life bears fruit. The question is not if but what kind. The flesh produces its fruit: envy, pride, impurity, selfish ambition. It promises gain but only breeds loss. But the Spirit produces another kind, the very character of Christ himself, growing in and through us. Fruit doesn’t appear overnight....

Jesus was not wrapped up in nice fancy clothes or a blanket. He had on dirty old rags. Rags that were used to clean things up. Rags that had oil and maybe blood on them. And he was laid in what was likely a dirty feeding trough that had residues...

You are not worthless; you are washed. There is nothing so dirty that God cannot make worthy by the blood of Christ. The critical blow to Satan came when the Lamb, Jesus Christ, shed His blood for our sins—winning complete victory through His sacrificial payment of the penalty we deserve....