Growing in Community
Pastor Derek casts his vision for Chapel D-groups, community-based groups meant to deepen our walk with Jesus and empower us to equip others to know Jesus and follow Him....
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Faith Demands a Response
Following Jesus's example as he interacted with the woman at the well (John 4:1-26) will lead us to share the Gospel message with gentility, kindness, and respect....
Does God Change?
Did God change between the Old Testament and the New Testament? If we accept that God does not change as His Word proclaims, how can we reconcile His Wrath with His love? It’s so important for us to approach the Old and New Testament, not as two separate books of the Bible but as one continuous story – and it’s a love story....
King of Kings
In His first coming, Jesus came in humility, a sacrificial lamb to the slaughter. In his second coming, it will be in splendor, glory, and power. In His first coming, He was crowned with thorns. In His second coming, He will be crowned with many crowns. In his first coming, many rejected Him. In His second coming, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord....
The Throne of Your Heart
John 13:27 says that Satan “entered in” to Judas. So does that mean he was an innocent victim? Was he just a pawn used to start the chain of events that led to the crucifixion? After all, Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him, so can Judas be held responsible for the betrayal? Those are some valid questions to mull over....
Our Future in Christ
How often in the past year during this pandemic have you heard someone wonder, or even wondered yourself, if we are facing the End Times. After all, a lot has happened in this past year that sounds familiar to what we can read in Bible prophecy....
Unanswered Prayer
How can we come to understand how Mark 11:24 fits with unanswered prayer?...
He Walks Along the Road to Jerusalem
Mark Chapter 10 reveals the strange way in which people qualify for entrance into God's kingdom....
Take Up Your Cross
we make the mistake when we try and apply that desire to not suffer to our spiritual lives. Remember that Jesus has invites us to a radically different way of living. The way of the cross is to turn from personal gain and self-love and instead urges us to live fully for Jesus- even when it is painful or costs us something like comfort or security. ...
Seeing Through to the Heart
As we look at Mark chapters 7-8, Jesus reveals that He isn't concerned about outward appearances....
Stretching Your Faith
Being a follower of Jesus is a life-long journey, not a final destination. And we are all on that journey together. ...
True Servanthood
Now, take heart. Here’s a mind-blowing, counter-cultural thought. In Christ, you are someone before you do something. What you “do” for God, no matter how “great” it is, will never change how much God values you and loves you. Already. Before you even do a single thing....
Listening and Following
Knowing Jesus must lead to following Jesus. It requires one step of obedience after another....
Are You a Rule-Follower or Rule-Breaker?
The Pharisees and religious rulers had heaped an impossible burden of rule-following on the people. To adhere to the letter of all their rules required such focus that it allowed no room for what Jesus showed to be more important. Such things included serving and caring for other people, promoting justice, and loving mercy....
God Changes Lives
That process of being shaped and equipped by God often happens gradually and progressively. It doesn't happen by reading a list of things we should eliminate from or add to our lives. It happens by getting to know Jesus and following Him wherever He leads. ...
Make Your Mark
As we begin the new year, we encourage our Chapel Family to consider a commitment to reading their Bibles regularly. If you are not already engaged in a Bible reading plan, we might suggest starting with one of the Gospels. In the coming weeks on the Chapel blog, we'll share some thoughts on the Gospel of Mark and a passage to read for the week....
The Weary World Rejoices
The classic Christmas song, O Holy Night, can remind us that though in some ways this Christmas is very different in how we can celebrate, what we celebrate has not changed. And that is what truly matters....
If We Have Jesus, We Really Don't Need Anything Else
So, are you finding hope and joy in Jesus this Christmas? As you reminisce on some of your memories, do you find your heart filled with overwhelming love and peace regardless of your past or present circumstances? I hope so because if we have Jesus, we really don’t need anything else....
Finding Encouragement Through Music
Pastor Derek shares lyrics of a song that has been a source of encouragement....
Do Not Grow Weary
Need a pick-me-up? Pastor Derek looks to Galatians 6:9 for inspiration to combat weariness....
Don't Be Deflated
Struggling with feeling deflated? When life tosses you around, when you feel beat down, what’s inside of you needs to be stronger than the forces knocking you around....
He is God, and We Are Not
Growing weary? Be empowered by reflecting on God's character...
Keep Your Prayers Moving
Do you struggle to stay on target when you pray? Pastor Derek offers a tip on how to stay better focused when you pray....
Choosing the Right Bible Reading Method
Pastor Derek offers a tip on how to gain the most out of your personal time reading God's Word....
Compassion Is a Decision
Having a heart of compassion isn't always easy, but the Holy Spirit can direct our hearts to love others in this way....
Don't Lose Heart
Sometimes when we are faced with a challenge, we can become so overwhelmed that we don’t even know where we should begin. We fixate on the enormity of the problem, and become stuck, often opting to do nothing because we can’t fix it or change it. However, if we shift our focus from our situation and instead focus on God and the enormity of His love and His Wisdom, it can help bring clarity. God will direct us in what we can and should do....
Growing in Community
Pastor Derek casts his vision for Chapel D-groups, community-based groups meant to deepen our walk with Jesus and empower us to equip others to know Jesus and follow Him....
God Is Truth
Truth is revealed to us by God through the vehicle of the Bible. This authoritative and inerrant book tells me who God is, how He created everything, and how to know Him through His son Jesus Christ. God is first, man is second. God is truth, man responds to God’s truth....
Which Hat Are You Wearing?
Listen to Kylie Gibbons' heart for Women's Ministry and how it related to how God designed us all....
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A Heart for People
This week Jennifer White, Office Administrator, shares how God changed her heart from program-centered ministry to people-centered ministry. By focusing on the example of Jesus Christ, we see the importance of relational ministry....
A Purpose for All Things
Have you ever wondered if God really had a purpose for everything? Even things that seem annoying, bad, or frustrating. Pastor Derek addresses God's Purpose....
1 in Christ
Pastor Derek challenges us to consider the source of where we get our information and hold the Bible as the most important source of all....
How's Your Spiritual Eyesight?
How's Your Spiritual Eyesight? Pastor Derek begins by sharing his woes upon forgetting to bring his glasses to work which leads him to reflect on the One who brings everything in to focus!...
Kicking Up a Fuss
Pastor Derek shares the heart behind Philippians 2:14, the effect complaining has on your witness, and how we can support each other to have a positive spirit....
God's Divine Spark
If we believe in the Bible, God the Father through the creative agent of His Son Jesus Christ created all that we know and see. God, this creative force or being, who has always existed, created (and don’t miss this) all things out of nothing! ...
One Step at a Time
Pastor Derek shares our source for endurance during challenging times....
Where Does Hope and Peace Come From?
Pastor Derek shares insight on how we can respond to anxiety in order to experience peace and hope....
Keep the mission. Adapt the method.
Pastor Derek presses us to focus on why we do ministry. The mission of the church does not change, how we do ministry can adapt....
God Speaks: 6 Meaningful Tips to Hear God's Voice
We need to spend extended time with God to be able to “hear” or discern His voice. So here is some practical advice to hear God’s voice....