“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name […]

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14
Millions will marvel today at Santa’s ability to criss-cross the world and hit every home with presents in one night. The faithful can even have fun with […]

On Sunday’s, rather than a written “daily devotion from Pastor Steve” we are posting the audio link to his weekend message.
Dialog on today’s message is welcomed - use the comment link below.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called WONDERFUL…” Isaiah 9:6
Deeply imbedded in American Christmas culture is the Christmas film classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Building on this theme, I preached a Christmas series a few years […]

“For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.” Ephesians 6:12
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.  Jack Frost […]

A couple days ago, our daily poll here at the City Christmas Blog asked if people were staying home for Christmas or traveling.  90% responded that they are planning to stay home.  Wow.  Economists say gas prices are restricting some holiday travel but that overall travel is expected to be up about 1% over last […]

“There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, […]

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” John 1:14 (The Message)
Here’s a retro Christmas classic if there ever was one… Jimmy Boyd singing “I Saw Mommy […]

“Teach us to number our days aright [to realize the brevity of life], so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV, Message)
For kids, waiting for Christmas is torture. The entire month of December, it’s like the clock and calendar conspire together to slow way way down. Especially this last week. […]

On Sunday’s, rather than a written “daily devotion from Pastor Steve” we are posting the audio link to his weekend message.
Dialog on today’s message is welcomed - use the comment link below.

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” Revelation 20:12
For the masses who have been wondering what to get me for Christmas […]

At that time (during the End Times just prior to His Second Coming) the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the Bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with […]

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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8
Stumped this Christmas for what to get that special someone on your list who already has everything? Another necktie or cashmere sweater just isn’t gonna cut it. How about some rhino poop?  No kidding.  The International Rhino Foundation is auctioning four pieces […]

“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4
Lists…
Santa has one – kids panic at the thought that he […]

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food. Anyone who […]

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.” Matthew 7:1-2 (The Message)

Ebenezer Scrooge and the […]

On Sunday’s, rather than a written “daily devotion from Pastor Steve” we are going to post the audio link to his weekend message.   Here’s the link. Dialog on today’s message is welcomed - use the comment link below.
The Chicago Tribune article I referenced regarding Christmas Letters from Hell is here. The Justin Rizzo song we did […]

“And this is what he promised us—even everlasting life.” 1 John 2:25

Life is short. My dad didn’t make it to sixty. In recent years, I’ve officiated at the funerals of babies, teenagers, husbands and wives in their thirties, and others whose lives were cut short by car accidents and cancer.
So, reconcile […]

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.” Luke 2:9-10
Angels are real! The Bible says they are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” (Hebrews […]

“Free yourself, like a gazelle, from the hand of the hunter.” Proverbs 6:5
It’s a marketing campaign meant to further enslave you. Life does NOT take Visa. Visa takes LIFE! It’s takes away your joy and freedom. They know you don’t have the money right now, so they want first […]