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Posts by Ricky Alcantar

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Date Night Ideas

Missed our list of suggest El Paso date nights? Check them out below ...

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Why Join a Community Group? Four Reasons

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Wondering whether to jump in to a community group this year? Here are four reasons why we think you should jump onboard. ...

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Resources on the Doctrine of Sovereign Grace

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New to terms like "Reformed" or "election" or "sovereignty"? Here are a few places to start exploring. ...

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The Spirit and the Gifts are Ours -- Resource List

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Christ not only gives us the gift of salvation, he continues giving gifts. How can we receive with gratefulness the gift of the Spirit and his gifts? Here is some recommended reading. ...

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Border Relief Prayer and Help

As a church we care deeply about our El Paso community and see being on the border as being a wonderful blessing. We love La Frontera. As the situation at the border is being seen by many in the US, you may be wondering "How can I help?" Here are two simple ways: ...

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The Song of the Lamb (Summary of Revelation)

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Revelation tells one epic story from start to finish. It's a story of loss and sin and judgment. It's a story of renewal and salvation and glory. It's a story of dragons and beasts and lions and thrones. No summary is sufficient, but this is the song of the Lamb. ...

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Answering the Accuser

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On Sunday we talked about how when the accuser threatens us we respond with the blood of the lamb. As we connect our lives to the truths of the gospel we find a profound and unshakeable hope. ...

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Why Are We Meeting Off-Site for Easter??

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Why are we meeting off-site for Easter? Because we are one church, singing one song, about one Savior. ...

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Prayer for Ukraine

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The news about Ukraine and Russia has been inescapable. The first war of this scale in decades. Many calls to prayer but…how are we to pray? What are we to pray for? ...

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King Jesus and the Idol of Politics

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I think I realized I might have a problem when the producer of a well-known show on MSNBC left a voicemail for our church trying to get me on the show that night. In 2016 I never would have said that I was too political, or that politics was an idol for me, or that politics had too great a place in my mind and heart. But that phone call, and what it brought out of me, c...

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Important Safety Updates Starting Sunday, February 21st

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The 9am and 11am services will have differences in restriction levels starting Sunday, February 21st. ...

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Our Hope in Life and Death

We belong to God. This Sunday we took this simple Scriptural truth and applied it to current challenges. This week take some time and see how Christians have expressed and applied this truth. ...

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Worthy Places to Invest in End of Year Giving

Looking to invest some end of year giving well? Our gospel partners would be a wonderful place to start. ...

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Church Gatherings, City Orders, and Our Response

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As you may have heard the new city order today adds additional restrictions to various aspects of life in our city. I wanted to provide a short update on how we are responding as a church. ...

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Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 5: The Wilderness is Where God Refines Us and Purifies Us

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Everyone has their own experience during this pandemic season, and some may feel this more than others. But to one degree or another, we all feel that this year has become a little less cultivated, a little more inhospitable. And we're all wondering where to find the path through this season. The good news is that there is a well-worn path: the path of the wilderness in Sc...

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Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 2: The Wilderness is Where God Meets Us

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Everyone has their own experience during this pandemic season, and some may feel this more than others. But to one degree or another, we all feel that this year has become a little less cultivated, a little more inhospitable. And we're all wondering where to find the path through this season. The good news is that there is a well-worn path: the path of the wilderness in Sc...

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Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 3: The Wilderness is Where God Transforms His People

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Everyone has their own experience during this pandemic season, and some may feel this more than others. But to one degree or another, we all feel that this year has become a little less cultivated, a little more inhospitable. And we're all wondering where to find the path through this season. The good news is that there is a well-worn path: the path of the wilderness in Sc...

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Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 4: The Wilderness is Where God Teaches Us to Trust His Sustainin

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Everyone has their own experience during this pandemic season, and some may feel this more than others. But to one degree or another, we all feel that this year has become a little less cultivated, a little more inhospitable. And we're all wondering where to find the path through this season. The good news is that there is a well-worn path: the path of the wilderness in Sc...

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Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 1: The Wilderness Is Not Where We're Meant to Be

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Everyone has their own experience during this pandemic season, and some may feel this more than others. But to one degree or another, we all feel that this year has become a little less cultivated, a little more inhospitable. And we're all wondering where to find the path through this season.The good news is that there is a well-worn path: the path of the wilderness in Scr...

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Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 6: The Wilderness is Where God Prepares Us

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Everyone has their own experience during this pandemic season, and some may feel this more than others. But to one degree or another, we all feel that this year has become a little less cultivated, a little more inhospitable. And we're all wondering where to find the path through this season. The good news is that there is a well-worn path: the path of the wilderness in Sc...

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An Important Update to the Lord's Supper and Livestream Services

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We are making room for those who cannot attend in-person to participate in the Lord’s Supper, under the direction of the elders, alongside with those in the in-person gatherings. Here are a few practical ways to participate in communion over our livestream services. ...

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Read the Bible With Us in 2020

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Want to grow in your faith in 2020? Join us in reading the Bible together in 2020. We'll get a little help with some free resources. ...

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Resources on Justice, Racism, Unity, and Hope

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We want to encourage our whole church to spend time in the Word of God, with key passages and messages that can help inform our understanding of the world around us....

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Even If... - Our sermon series on the book of Habbakuk

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The small book of Habbakuk transforms us from being a “What if?” people to being an “Even if” people. It takes us from being a worried people wondering what will happen next, to a people confident that even if the worst happens we are secure because God is in control. ...

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Church Service Update

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These are extraordinary times. It feels like everything in life has changed in just a few days -- everything from our workplace to getting groceries to visiting friends to plans to even gathering as a church. ...

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Kids Ministry Update

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Ricky shared a few challenges our church is facing regarding our volunteer base and the variety of factors that contribute to them. Our Kids Ministry is facing the most significant problem, so here is the appeal we believe we need to make right now: If your kids are benefitting from Kids Ministry, we are appealing for your help in the ministry. ...

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Gospel Culture 101 - An Invitation

When the gospel changes lives and brings people together it creates a gospel culture. It transforms our relationships, families, and churches. It creates a culture of unity, grace, love, and hope flowing from the gospel. Whether you've been a Christian for a month, a year, or a decade, this is a class worth taking. ...

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Who Cares? - A Sermon Mini-Series

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Everyone needs care. Everyone is called to care for others. Join us for a sermon mini-series this January on why God has called us to care for people around us and how to do it well. Whether you're feeling fainthearted, stuck, or weak, God has help for you in his word. ...

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Our VISION as a Church

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This Sunday we’re going to take a short break and launch a five-week mini-series at Cross of Grace on our vision as a church. In the next few weeks, we want to layout where we think God is taking us as a church, what we long to see happen in our city, and how we want to live as a church community. ...

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6 Ways to Love Your Neighbor in the Aftermath of the Shooting

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It seems surreal that it was only a few days ago that a gunman opened fire in El Paso. On Monday I had to go back to the store. Next week our boys are going back to school. We are here for a reason as disciples of Jesus and one of our tasks is to love our neighbors well in a way that serves them and points them to Jesus. But how do we do that? ...

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Soundtracks for our Isaiah Series

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Playlists to pair up with our sermon series on Isaiah ...

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Our 2019 Sermon Series on Isaiah

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We're about to embark on a one year journey through the book of Isaiah. Over the next year most of our preaching will focus on this book and even our worship and liturgy will be shaped by this book. Before we jump in, I want to answer a big question: "Why Spend a Year in Isaiah?"...

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Jesus Perfect Family Series (and 5 Ways to Apply It)

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We all feel pressure to be perfect around the holidays, but none of us are. The good news is that Jesus' family is made of imperfect people like us. And as a result, we should invite in others and care for them the way Jesus has cared for us. ...

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What Jesus Did Next - Our Fall Sermon Series

When Jesus ascended into heaven the story wasn’t over. Luke wrote a gospel that bears his name as well as the book of Acts. Luke said that the gospel was all about what “Jesus began to do and teach” (1:1) with the clear implication that Jesus’ work continued in the book of Acts. In this sermon series on Acts 3-12, we’ll walk through the story of how the message a...

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The Bible vs. Grumbling

We all feel the pull in our hearts toward grumbling. If we're to turn away from that we need to turn somewhere else: the word of life. ...

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Reading Plan: Don't Give Up Just Yet!

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Right now our Bible reading plan is taking us through the books of the law. You may be discouraged and want to give up. Don't stop now though! There are riches to be found here....

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Two Services One Mission

Two Services Starting March 4th

On March 4th we'll launch two services at 8:45am and 11am. There's a lot of change ahead but one thing that won't change at all. ...

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Reading Plan Devotional - Week 4: The Mountain and the Mediator

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Exodus 19 shows God's people that because of sin they cannot approach God themselves. They need someone stand between they and God. Today, thousands of years after Moses, we still need someone to stand before us and God. ...

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Reading Plan Devotional: Week 3

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I am by nature an impatient person. I fidget when my coffee order takes longer than a minute to come out, when traffic slows down inexplicably, when I have to wait in line at the UPS store behind someone who appears to be shipping their entire home in cardboard boxes. But there are also two truths that are beautifully clear in periods of waiting. ...

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Read Scripture Devotional: Week 2

What lessons can we learn in our Bible reading plan from the conniving trickster Jacob? His story reveals some surprising choice for each of us: self-dependence or God-dependence...

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Read Scripture Devotional: Week 1

The beginning of Genesis reminds us that the universe, and our lives, are not meaningless. When we glimpse the Designer we glimpse the design for it all. ...

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Making the Most of Advent

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Don't let the Christmas season slip by this year. Prepare and focus your heart with three simple resources including a free devotional and soundtrack to the Christmas season...

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"Thy Way Not Mine" Lyrics & Song

After church on Sunday a couple people asked me where to find the hymn lyrics I quoted in my sermon. They were originally written by Horatius Bonar, who was a Scottish pastor and hymn writer. At one point he lost 5 children in succession but he never lost his faith in the Lord. Read and let his words encourage you. You can also listen to a new version of the hymn arranged ...

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Praying "Thy Kingdom Come" Together

Last Sunday we had a time of missional prayer as a church in response to the phrase "Thy kingdom come" in the Lord's prayer. But we want to keep praying these prayers not just on Sunday but individually and during the week. I've found it helpful when there are specific prayers I have for gospel advance so here are a list of places we long to see God's kingdom come. ...

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10 Reasons to Join a Community Group

Wondering why Community Groups are so important to us? Read on for 10 reasons we think you should check one out and get plugged in ...

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Next Sermon Series: The God of Chance

Where is God when we look around and can't seem to see him anywhere? That's the question the book of Esther tackles, and the question we'll explore together. ...

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4 Simple Questions to Share Jesus

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Jesus prayed to the Father "As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world" (John 17:18). But on a really practical level, how do we do this? Too often we don't even engage people in conversation, or when we do it's hard to figure out how to bring up our faith. Here are four questions to help. ...

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8 Practical Ways to Pursue Unity

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Last Sunday we heard Jesus pray a unique and powerful prayer: "Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one even as we are one." We learned that the unity of His people is very close to the heart of God. But how do we live out that prayer in practical unity?...

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Resources for Christian Exiles in America

In light of the message today I want to give you a bundle of digital resources and encourage you to drink a coffee with a good Christian brother or sister. These are things I've found helpful as I've prepared and hope will equip you to think biblically about politics, our country, and the kingdom of Jesus. ...

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The Beginning of Wisdom and the Bible on Your Shelf

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Proverbs says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This means that getting time with God is one of the most practical things we can possible do. Here are some suggestions. ...

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Make a Plan to Read the Bible in 2016

We believe that the words in the Bible are God's very words, breathed out by him (2 Tim 3:16), as carried along writers across the centuries (2 Peter 1) to tell one great story. Now is the perfect time to plan what you'll read in 2016....

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Making the Most of the Season

As the Christmas season turns to a new year we want to make the best use of our time to live an intentional Christ-focused life (Ephesians 5:16). Here are a few suggestions to get you started....

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Praying for Paris & The Coming Kingdom

Here is a prayer offered in light of Friday's tragedy in Paris and Sunday's message: The Lord reigns, let us rejoice, mourn, and long for his return. ...

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3 Reasons to Come to the Church History Seminar

Why come to a seminar on Church History (of all things)? How about deepening your faith, being encouraged in your circumstances, and having a ton of fun? ...

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Joining Jesus in the Harvest - More Resources

Last Sunday guest preacher Ian McConnell brought a powerful word from Matthew 9 inviting us to see our city the way Jesus sees our city. But what's the next step? How do we join Jesus' work in El Paso? Here are some resources to check out and study further...

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Give Me Life - a new sermon & study series

When you think about reading the Bible, what's your honest reaction? Discouragement? Confusion? Obligation? This is David's reaction: "Give me life in your ways!" (Ps 119:37) Join us for this preaching and study series on finding life in the pages of Scripture. ...

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5 Ways to Honor Your Parents

How can you practically honor your parents? Here are five suggestions ...

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Back Into the 10 Commandments

Like the Israelites Christ has set us free from slavery, but how should we live? God calls his people not to return to spiritual slavery but instead live joyful and holy lives under the freedom of his good rule. Along the way God provides help for everything from marriage to possessions to anger and envy. ...

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Why We're Taking a Detour

We're changing the next three weeks of our preaching schedule to focus on mission in everyday life and through community groups. And we want you to come to this series not as a spectator, but as a player. Here's why. ...

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Where God Is at Work in Cross of Grace

I'm out on a study retreat but as I'm reflecting on our church here are some specific ways I see God at work. Let's be quick to see where God is at work, and quick to rejoice together. ...

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Ever Get Stuck While Reading the Old Testament?

On Sunday we took a different approach to our Sunday Message and dug into the question, "How do we explore passages like Exodus on our own in daily Bible reading?" I suggested three simple questions that can be used profitably for any Bible passage and also recommended some resources to give deeper into Bible interpretation....

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Celebrate Christmas With Us! [Rundown of Events]

Looking for a quick rundown of all our holiday events this December? Check out this easy to scan list of opportunities to serve, give, and celebrate. ...

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Our History & Sure Foundation

Three reflections on three decades of history and our foundation as a church: Jesus is our foundation, our foundation is sure, and from this foundation we advance ...

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New Miniseries: How the Gospel Shapes Our Homes

Let's face it: outside of work we live most of our lives within the four walls of our homes. Our most precious and important relationships are often within those walls. We make most our our decisions about money, possessions, time, and priorities in the home. This month we'll look at how the gospel transforms our lives by transforming our homes. ...

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Four Ways Not to Waste Easter Week

We're already halfway through Easter Week, don't waste it! Here are four quick ideas for how to get the most out of this week. ...

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Read More: The Holy Spirit's Work

Sunday we covered Ephesians 5:18 on Paul's command to be filled with the Spirit. Want to learn more about the Spirit's work? Here are some great places to start. ...

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Wait, Why Are We Going on the Radio?

Why are we launching a weekly radio broadcast? For the same reason Paul went to the marketplace: because that's where people are. Join us in praying this week for the work. ...

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So How Do I Fight Lust On a Practical Level?

After a message on lust these can be common questions: "Well, that was good to hear but what I am supposed to do now? What if I have a struggle with lust? What can I do practically?"...

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The Marriage Seminar Was Great, But Now What?

Last weekend was an outstanding marriage seminar...but now what? Maybe after the seminar you realize you need to do some more study about how to build a healthy marriage, or you want to go through a book together, or you'd benefit from counseling. ...

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Marriage Seminar Schedule (& Childcare Note)

We're getting pretty excited about our upcoming marriage seminar next Sunday with guest speaker Billy Raies, Sr. Pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Midland. Here are a few important details (like the seminar schedule) you'll need to know. ...

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