"“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us)."- Matthew 1:23 'Immanuel,' when broken down- comes from the hebrew words: 'Umma'- meaning 'against or beside' 'Am'- meaning 'people' but more specifically in the way it is most often used, 'all mankind' 'El'- Shortened … Continue reading Matthew 1:23- ‘It’s Not Just For Christmas Anymore!’
What is the ‘rock’ upon which the church is built?
Hey- did you know?.... - When Peter first confessed that Jesus was the Messiah, it was at a place called 'Caesarea Phillipi,' which actually featured a temple dedicated to the pagan god, 'Pan.' Here's an artist's rendering of it: And here's a photo of the ruins from above the altar that still exist: - The … Continue reading What is the ‘rock’ upon which the church is built?
Like a marriage- we are legally unified with Christ
Christ's love for us was so strong in the cross that Jesus died "as" us...legally unifying those who love Him to His side forever. What does this mean for you today?: If you're in pain- His suffering is your suffering. If you feel you don't have purpose- His mission is your mission. If you are … Continue reading Like a marriage- we are legally unified with Christ
“Movement”
Natasha loves Jeremy…. She thinks he knows it… …but she’s never said so. Despite the 7 different kerchiefs that hang in her closet (one for each day of the week) she saves the lime green and purple paisley one- the one her best friend jokingly tells her “brings out the color of her eyes”- for […]
“Movement”- The Podcast
Click on the audiofile and listen to this short creative story and devotional about relationships and how to get through those times when life just seems like it's going nowhere.
The Spy Who Loved Me
Nearly everyone probably agrees that country has too much conflict right now, and I believe the church-while not to blame- is not only not helping, we are exacerbating the problem. I think I may know a root cause, and this one isn't political, racial, economic or sexual. It's theological.
So, This Is Your Life…
My daughters' friends call me "Pastor Dad." I LOVE that they see me this way, but I am far from perfect. But enough about me- read on (especially if you're a parent)... All right, so imagine that this is your life- and you've had a rough few weeks. First- you're up every morning at … Continue reading So, This Is Your Life…
“So- I have this vineyard that I did not plant”- Part 2
(The beginning portion of this is restated from earlier posts to remind the context. If you have been keeping up with this series, feel free to skip down to the bold-typed principle #2 for the latest content.) At my home, I have a small vineyard that was planted by the previous owner. He was an … Continue reading “So- I have this vineyard that I did not plant”- Part 2
So…I have this vineyard I did not plant- Part 1
"For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come."- Hebrews 13:14 You've probably heard the phrase, "The only thing constant is change." But have you ever wondered why that's true? I mean, why can't something- anything stay the same...at least for a little while. Just enough … Continue reading So…I have this vineyard I did not plant- Part 1
“Box Mountain”
My wife and I recently undertook a massive, long awaited, long procrastinated project. We sought to unpack what we affectionately called, "Box Mountain." Box Mountain was a geographic wonder of the Arnone world. It wasn't wondrous so much for its size- (though it was substantial- probably 7 feet high by 6 feet wide or so)- … Continue reading “Box Mountain”
Vince Arnone 