The Spirit of Advent

Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation,
of anticipation, of preparation, and of longing.

The Christian Season of Advent

Advent is the beginning of the Church Year
for most churches in the Western tradition.

Finding Answers in the Bible

There are many books in the world today,
only the Bible can answer the great questions of life.

Life Questions

Life is filled with questions...

A Reader's Guide to the Bible

“It is not the things which I do not understand in the Bible that bother me. 
Rather, it is the things which I do understand that trouble me the most.”

Truly Thankful

In Christ we can be truly thankful.

Thanksgiving In America

The tradition of Thanksgiving
as a time to focus on God and His blessings
dates back almost four centuries in America.

A Christ-Centered Christmas

A Christ-centered Christmas doesn’t just happen.

A Sorrowful Misconception

Some people still misunderstand the purpose of Christ’s earthly ministry.

The Colors of Christmas

The Colors of Christmas are as celebrated and as awe-inspiring as are the colors of a rainbow.

Do Not Be Afraid

Two people, two angels, one message, two very different reactions.

The True Story of St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas should be an inspiration to us all.

Overcoming Temptation

Some things require more effort than others.

Sharing Our Faith

Sharing our faith is a solid, basic, biblical, principle.

Warnings and Choices

Today I want to talk about how we go about making choices in our life
– most especially life-altering choices.

Ten Ways to ENLARGE Your Spiritual Life

Everyone of us should be looking to enlarge – not just maintain – our spiritual life. 

There is little-to-no growth if we “rest on our spiritual laurels”.

Removing Sin

Our sinful nature is so ingrained, that it requires a sincere desire and a willingness to do what it takes (in cooperation with God's Spirit of Holiness) to weed out a lifetime practice of impure thoughts and actions.

WORSHIP: An Encounter With God

God is looking to us to be a generation of worshipers.

Walk Your Talk

Christians are living witnesses who should walk worthy of the calling they have received.

Looking Within Instead of Without

Every time we criticize another, we are condemning our self.

Suggestions for Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth results from trusting Christ.

A Spiritual-Life Checkup

If we care about our physical health, then we get an annual checkup. If we care about our spiritual well-being as much as we care about our physical well-being, then it makes sense we should/would want to apply the Apostle Paul's admonition to the church in Corinth as well.

Repetition Aids Learning

Those who are taught how to teach will sooner or later hear that “repetition aids learning.” Repeat your point, in a different way, restating so your hearers will have more than one opportunity to learn the lesson.

Living a Spirit-filled Life 101

Part 1 of 3

Living a Spirit-filled Life 102

Part 2 of 3

Living a Spirit-filled Life 103

Part 3 of 3

Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

John 13:1-17 -- A Model for Men’s Accountability Groups

Spiritual, Not Religious

“The trouble with the faith of today is that it is removed from faith in God.
The faith of today is in laws and moral principles and in ways of living life
— but it is not faith in God himself.”

Living Life In Christ

Are you a follower of Christ Jesus… or of the religion built around him?

Or So They Say

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

Modest In Appearance

Guys seeking to walk in the way of The Christ have a hard enough time dealing with the way women decorate themselves to look pretty and garner attention. It makes it all the more difficult when our sisters in Christ do the same.

Why Does God Allow Evil

People world-wide wonder why God allows evil to exist.

Who Can You Trust?

With all the chatter about "Fake News", it is becoming all the more difficult
to trust in the multitude of information being thrust at us on a daily basis.

The Trouble with the Trinity

"Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." --Romans 14:13 ESV

Deliverance Ministries

A Word of Warning About Deliverance Ministries

What is Truth?

Life-Changing Truth

The Way Less Traveled

As we are growing up, the people and the way of the world, have a strong influence on our life.

Ready to Burst

In the 32^nd chapter of the book of Job, a young man by the name of Elihu became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.

The Promises of God

How strongly -- if at all -- do you believe in the promises of God?

A Prophetic Sign of the Times

Thank you, Father, for the gift of discernment.

Enjoying the Holidays in Early Sobriety

‘Tis the Season When It’s Hard to Stay Sober’

I Believe, But…

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines doubt as
fear, distrust, and a lack of confidence.

A Dangerous Deception

There are many teachings in the world today that are very popular with the masses. Many of them are, in fact, dangerously deceptive.

Anxious

Are You Anxious?

The Fix Is In!

Some of you might be wondering what happened to FocusedandFree.com.

Religion or Relationship

I was raised in a non-Christian home. I first learned about God when my mother sent me off to Kindergarten classes that were taught by the local Methodist church.

Real Faith

We must be able to tell the real from the counterfeit. The substance from the shadow. The truth from the lie. Until such time as we do, we will simply be caught up in the teachings and traditions of mankind.

Irresponsible

Far too many people are unwilling to take responsibility for their actions – or inaction.

Such A Great Salvation

Have you ever had a thought that "escapes" you; something that you can’t recall?

Musical Worship

We are called to be holy, as God is holy. We are called to worship in Spirit and Truth. Yet we argue and fight like brute beasts, tearing each other apart; disparaging the name of God in the process.