Mike Hoffman's blog
2 Word Story
As a part of my sermon yesterday, Don, a young adult friend from Converge, shared his 2-Word Story. It was an amazing witness of his life before Christ, and his life since accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. Afterward he received a hearty round of applause for being so transparent. Praise God that he allowed the Holy Spirit to speak through him! - Pastor Mike
Bowling Ball
Last night the young adult group, Converge, went bowling. I kept searching for a ball that fit my fingers. When I finally found a ball that fit, it was a heavy 16 pounds. By the end of the evening and three games later, my wrist ached. Sin is similar. Even when it seems to be OK and "fits" the occasion, it soon will weigh us down and make us ache. - Pastor Mike
Speaking
James, Jesus' brother and a leader in the Jerusalem church, compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire. Even if we apologize later, the scar remains, perhaps destroying a relationship that took years to build. Before you speak, remember that words are like fire - you can neither control or reverse the damage they can do. - Pastor Mike
Witness
"Can I get a witness?" are the words in a Motown song. Jesus says in John 15:8, "This is to my Father's glory, that as you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." Our actions and words bear witness to how close we walk with God. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. Can I get a witness? My hope is that it is you! - Pastor Mike
Soil
Mark 4 records Jesus' parable of the four soils. This represents 4 different ways you may respond to God's message during different times or different areas of your life. For example, you may respond like good soil to God's demand for worship, yet be like rocky soil to his demand to give to people in need. Be like good soil in all areas of your life. - Pastor Mike
Discernment
As Christians, we must grow to maturity as we learn how to discern good from evil. Can you recognize temptation before it traps you? Hebrews 5:14 says, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." We must train our consciences, senses, minds and bodies to discern between right and wrong. - Pastor Mike
Salt
Paul says in Colossians 4:6, "Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Yesterday a friend of mine hurt another by telling them that they were not a Christian, because they held on to a belief they felt was not sinful. Words can be made tasty with salt, or they can hurt by rubbing salt in a wound. - Pastor Mike
Love
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul writes about love. God's love is directed outward toward others. This is the kind of love that expects nothing in return. The more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others. Want a tough assignment? Share some love with someone who has recently hurt you. That's what Jesus did for us. - Pastor Mike
Heaven
There is an article in the April edition of Time called "Rethinking Heaven" in which N.T.Wright is quoted as saying that the alleviation of pain and injustice and making the world Godly and just is the beginning of heaven on earth. He states that the Bible makes it clear that God's Space and our space both overlap and interlock. What do you think? - Pastor Mike
Decisions
In 1 Samuel, chapter 8, the Israelites ask Samuel for a king, even though it was not in God's will. It is not that there is anything wrong with having a king, it's the reason they wanted one: because everyone around them had a king. Don't let others values and actions dictate your attitudes and behavior, especially when it goes against God's will. - Pastor Mike
