The Church of Pergamum refers to the early Church that had its home in Pergamom, a wealthy city at the center of Roman government. It was a city known for it's beautiful art. But it was also known as a city that would worship pagan gods like Zeus, Athena and others who held strongholds in that area. In fact, Jesus, through John's writings acknowledges that this church, was located where satan has his throne! Twice He points out that satan lives in the city. To the Church of P

When John writes about the Church of Smyrna, my Bible titles it as the 'Persecuted Church.' In America, I'm not sure this letter is written to us . . . yet. But we have Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world who are living as the Persecuted Church. Although our news media steers clear of reporting these atrocities, one can check out websites like "Global Christian Relief" to read stories about modern day Christians whose lives are threatened because they belie

Many believe the seven Churches written about in Revelations 2 and 3 represent a time in history, to the first-century Apostolic Church. But I would wonder if Christians today might see themselves in these Scriptures. Remember God's Ekklesia is more than just churches and their denominations, It IS you and me. What part do we play as living temples for the Kingdom of Heaven? Paul talks about this in his letter to the Corinthians. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who l

Recently I've been asking the Lord about our Church today. Why are we seemingly absent from the political realm? Why have we deemed that our "vote doesn't count anyway?" Or why are we silent when babies are murdered in the womb? Why do we argue over senseless things yet refuse to stand on the truths that are found in our Bibles? Matthew 16: 15-18 tells the story of Peter's declaration of Jesus. Then he (Jesus) asked them, "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are

Pastors Peter Haas and Parice Bayer sharing the vision for today’s youth What a great Sunday to be in church! I’m writing this to give hope to the world. It seems we’re always hearing about our troubled youth but let me tell you about my church and how they’re investing in the future. This past Sunday was called “Youth Takeover.” And take over, they did! From worship, to prayer to a high schooler giving the sermon, these young people led with passion! They were engaging. Afte

I've been directing many posts to the Church lately. Today, God seems to be nudging me to make a distinction as to who or what His Church is, in today's world. He has given us our purposes within the early Church. The Ekklesia. The Church which began when His Holy Spirit came up on the earliest believers. The witnesses to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This morning as I was reading, these words in I Peter 1:1-2 suddenly became clear to me. "To God's elect,

4th in the series In the last post, God had given Joshua a battle plan. Joshua and His people were to "Be strong and VERY courageous, meditate on God's Word, day AND night, and OBEY all that is written in it. Throughout the Book of Joshua, we see that God is faithful to His promises. We see divine victories. This book is a testimony to a God who shows up when a people study His Word and put their faith in Him. When a people stand upon the Word of the Lord and step out in obe

3rd in the Series Joshua Remember, God is instructing Joshua to lead the people into the land. He is giving Joshua a battle plan. It is detailed. It is precise. It is holy. "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips, meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. THEN you will be prosperous and successful."(Joshua 1:9) "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your Go

2nd in the Series Joshua God has given the land to the Israelites. BUT they had to engage in the battle to gain what He had given them! They had to believe God's promise that the land belonged to them AND TAKE IT! God told Joshua that just as He had given the land to Moses, "everywhere you go, as far as the Negev Dessert to the Lebanon Mountains to the Euphrates River, to the Mediterranean Sea and all the land of the Hittites" that the land belonged to Joshua. (Joshua 1:1-4)

First in the Series I hadn't noticed the disappearing Church because the church buildings still seem to be on every corner. I remember when I was raising my children, we were at our local Church on Sunday mornings AND Wednesday nights. In fact, our Church called their mid-week program Wednesday Night Alive. And it was. The building was busting at the seams with Bible Studies for adults, teens, children and a nursery. No one; not school administrations, not coaches, not anyon

Well, the Primary Election is done. We know the names of those who will be on our ballots for November 3rd. We have time to plan. To look at the records of the candidates, to research where they stand on the issues that we hold close. Church-we still have time to change the trajectory of our state. Statistics show that 85% of the Evangelical Christian is NOT showing up to vote for Biblical principles. It's time we show up. Don't let the enemy stop you from making your vote co

This post will be a tad different. Mike and I had the opportunity to do an interview with Joyce Erickson on Impactors for Christ. Please allow me to share it with you today. I hope you enjoy. If this blog blessed you, please subscribe, like and share.

Let me share some staggering statistics. According to an article by Karin Miller, Faith in Action, (*see statistic credits below) 50% of Evangelical Christians are registered to vote in our elections 25% of that original 50% show up at the poles to cast their vote 12.5% of that 25% are uninformed as they cast their votes 12.5% of Evangelical Christians are actually researching the candidates and applying Biblical principles as they cast their votes. Friends, this means that 8

"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12 These words don't feel like comfort words. They point out the ugliness in the world. They point out situations where relationships are strained because of differing opinions. If you've experienced it, you know that to stand a

Today represents the 250th birthday of this great nation, America. I find it interesting that in 1774 the prayer below, was offered up to our Almighty God. It is listed as the First Prayer of the Continental Congress. I'm sharing the link to this great prayer below. First Prayer of the Continental Congress, 1774 May we humbly gather at the feet of Jesus and look to the Almighty for wisdom, grace, direction and strength. May America continue to walk in freedom. And even tho

I don’t know about you but for me it seems like it’s getting harder to focus on Jesus these days. Maybe it’s the season I’m in. Maybe it’s in the air we breathe. Or the “in your face” news feeds, television, social media outlets spewing opinions, vying for our attention. There is so much deception everywhere. And hate. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed the hatred I’m seeing now. Hatred for each other. Hatred for a man. A party. A movement. Intolerance. There’s an underlying a

Today I want to put out some ways that Minnesotans can be involved in our government. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV) 1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, PRAY Most importantly we are called to prayer. Pray for ALL in authority. Note the results of our prayers in t

In less than 5 months, Americans will be heading to their voting polls. Are you ready? As of this date, we are still the land of the free and the home of the brave. But my friends, I fear we are at risk of losing our freedoms. Do you have plans to cast your vote? This mid-term election is of utmost importance. We will be voting for Governor, Lt Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, Mn House and Senate positions. Is this important? YES! In Minnesota

Bonnie Gaspar, Child Protection League, spoke about the shallow brain. Have you ever wondered what the effects of too much screen time will have on the younger generations? As a grandma, I'm amazed at how technologically "smart" my grandchildren are. Often I have to ask these young ones to help me with my devices. Once while finding myself alone with my 3 year old grandson. He wanted to watch a certain show. I couldn't understand his words. Using an unfamiliar remote for a te

Mark Trammel, CEO of Center for American Liberty, was another speaker at the Join the Movement Conference put on by the Child Protection League in April. Liz Collin of Alpha News introduced Mark, and said of the Center for American Liberty, that they are "winning cases holding those who violate civil liberties accountable." As in the title of his talk, Mark would add, "One lawsuit at a time." Mark began by talking about the "pipeline of profit" in transitioning our children,