Posts from 2025

Equipped is for every member and visitor of our congregation, not just preachers, elders, and deacons. Equipped speakers will go through every chapter of Isaiah from Thursday night through Sunday night. Equipped will have special sessions for youth, ladies, church leaders, preachers, and those who want to go deeper into several Bible topics. Equipped will have multiple study options during every daytime hour for you to choose from. Equipped will have a bookstore which has the books which our speakers…

There are days that we cannot forget, and the Judgment Day is one such event that Christians must never overlook. In his second letter, Peter combines his warnings about false teachers with the certainty of the coming Judgment Day. Let’s consider six facts about this event, drawn from Peter’s own words. 1. There Will Always Be Mockers (2 Pet. 3:3-4) Peter begins by emphasizing that mockers will come, especially in the Christian age. These mockers ridicule the idea of the…

The Bible tells us many things about God’s family. The church is referred to as the household of God, and we are all members of one another (Ephesians 2:19-22). The New Testament instructs us on how to live in the house of God as members of Jesus’ church while representing Him on earth to a watching world (1 Tim. 3:15). However, the New Testament does more than simply describe us as members of Jesus’ family. It regularly reminds us of…

With Jim Humphrey’s resignation from the eldership last Sunday, I wanted to take a moment to express a few things about him and Alice that I so appreciate. We’re thankful that they will continue to serve alongside us at Cumberland Trace, but God tells us to show honor to whom is due (Rom. 13:7). They are undoubtedly worthy. Hospitable, opening their home to many. Humble, never promoting their obvious talent, intelligence, and success, choosing rather to focus on others. United,…

I was 16, an average high school junior in 1964. I did not have the $17 it cost, so I asked for and received an advance from my boss, the Christian owner of an office supply store. I made $.70 an hour and I worked an unpaid 25 hours to repay the advance. But, like all my classmates, I wanted a senior class ring. I wore the ring routinely until it was unwise to do so in a later job:…

President Donald Trump made this statement in the midst of his address to the joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on the evening of March 4th. In its context, the president was asking congress to pass a bill permanently banning and criminalizing sex change operations in children. While I heartily agree with his appeal and his assessment, I hope it might help open doors of opportunity for Christians to talk to friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow students…

The Bible emphasizes the importance of hearing and listening to the word of God. Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). While we can imagine ourselves captivated by Jesus’ teachings in person, many of us struggle to listen attentively to modern-day sermons. Unlike other forms of media, sermons require focused, uninterrupted attention for thirty to forty minutes Afterall, the message we are hearing is the most important one in the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). So, how should…

We often say all sin is the same and that unrepentant sin can cost us our souls. It’s true that all sin transgresses God’s law (1 John 3:4; Isa. 59:1-2), and all unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17). While some sins like adultery, murder, and theft are highly visible and condemned, we may be tempted to overlook “smaller” sins. But we must remember that even these carry eternal consequences. Sin, no matter how small, always separates us from God (Jer.…

The National Retail Foundation, in a press release, anticipates that Americans will break yet another record spending record for the Valentine’s Day Holiday this year. After spending $27.4 billion in 2020 and spending $25.8 billion in 2024, expectations are that we will spend $27.5 billion ($188.81/person) in 2025. The NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer insights remarked, “Consumers are looking for special ways to treat their loved ones and can expect retailers to provide the best gift options and…

1. Every member of the Godhead was involved in the creation of humanity (Gen. 1:1- 2; Job 33:4; John 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:1-3) 2. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit dwell in the Christian (Eph. 3:17; 1 John 4:12; 2 Tim. 1:14). 3. The Holy Spirit dwells in Christians in a unique way as a down payment or earnest of the future eternal salvation which is to come (2 Cor. 1:22, 5:5; Eph. 1:13-14). 4. Christians are baptized into…

Here we are a few weeks into meeting at our new building on Cumberland Trace, and for the first 2 weeks we experienced some challenges associated with the weather. As I write this, it is snowing. But, to prepare for the removal of the snow in order for everyone to be able to get into the building safely, we did what is referred to as “pre-salting.” The idea is to get salt down on the hard surfaces before the snow…

Sin is a short three-letter word with a long history. It is a biblical concept worth understanding, as much of the Bible addresses its meaning and how we can overcome it. While popular culture often diminishes the significance of sin, God’s word speaks plainly about the pain it causes and the remedy He provides. Here are some important truths about sin that everyone should know: Sin entered the world through Adam’s disobedience (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12). We do not inherit…