FREE BOOK! If you were asked to explain God, how would you do it? What if you only had one book of the Bible, would you be able to explain who God is and what God’s mission in the world is? What if you only had the book of Jonah? This book is a reworkContinue reading “The Book of Jonah”
Category Archives: church
CROSSROADS DEVOTIONAL IS AVAILABLE!
My name is Ryan Stratton and I wrote a book called “Crossroads.” It’s a forty day devotional and I am really excited about it! You’ve been in a position and situation where you have had to make a big decision. You may have felt an overwhelming sense of dread or anxiety because you keep tryingContinue reading “CROSSROADS DEVOTIONAL IS AVAILABLE!”
Preparing a Sermon
Pastors know this. Sunday’s coming whether we are ready or not. The question is, are you ready to preach and proclaim the Word of God with confidence and humility? In this video, I outline the “steps” I have learned to understand the scripture. I hope this helps. Even if you are not preaching, this videoContinue reading “Preparing a Sermon”
How to Read the Bible
The Bible is the book that has changed millions of lives over the last few thousand years. It is a life changing book. This “book” has changed my life. Yet, the Bible can be challenging to read. John Wesley, the 18th century founder of the Methodist Movement, called “searching the scriptures” (reading and studying theContinue reading “How to Read the Bible”
Matthew 13
Take some time to read this parable: “That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “AContinue reading “Matthew 13”
Work of the Gospel
I am sure you may know what the “gospel” (Good News) of Jesus Christ is. If not, the Apostle Paul gives a great “short” telling of the essence of what the gospel is: “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed inContinue reading “Work of the Gospel”
DECISION v. DISCERNMENT
Everyone of us comes to a place of needing to make a decision. Of needing to make a change in life, habits, job, friends, starting something new. This is part of life. We all have to decide what we need, or want, to do. But, one of the challenges this brings is the emotional stateContinue reading “DECISION v. DISCERNMENT”
What Does the New Testament Say?
This is Part 2 of Overview of the Bible Series. Click here for Part 1: What Does the Old Testament Say? If you could sum up the Bible in one word, what would it be? This may be tricky for some. Some may be thinking we can’t sum up the Bible in one word. IContinue reading “What Does the New Testament Say?”
What Does the Old Testament Say?
The Bible is my favorite book. Every time I read something out of the Bible, I see and learn something new. That is the power of the scripture. God’s Holy Spirit will speak to us, in different ways and at different times, a message we need to hear whether we have read that particular passageContinue reading “What Does the Old Testament Say?”
The Greatest Gift
Read Mark 12:38-44 October 31 is Reformation Day. What does this mean? This is the day Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the front door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This is the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Reformation. Every 500 years, or so, the Church goes through a process of “reforming” toContinue reading “The Greatest Gift”
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