Monthly Archives: January 2016

Trouble with the Church

Posted on January 30, 2016 by David Nuottila

1 Peter 2:6-16 It’s obvious; the world has trouble with the church. For those who belong to the world, two messages prevail. The first is “Get what you can and keep it for yourself.” The second is like it, “Do … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Trouble with the Church

A sure foundation

Posted on January 26, 2016 by David Nuottila

1 Corinthians 3:1-11 In order to build a structurally sound house, one must begin working from the ground up. To build on top of the soil, you have to dig well below the surface and lay strong foundational support that … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on A sure foundation

Life’s greatest question

Posted on January 24, 2016 by David Nuottila

Genesis 1:1-2:3, Hebrews 1:1-14 Since the beginning, humans have struggled to figure out just how, when, and especially why the world came into existence. When we think about history’s great discoveries, we realize most were made while trying to answer … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Life’s greatest question

No Partiality

Posted on January 19, 2016 by David Nuottila

Acts 10:34-48 The young man sitting next to me in the airport seemed awfully worried. His face reflected the weight of his worry. After some time, I broke the ice. “How are you doing?” I asked him. I could not … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, Evangelism | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on No Partiality

More than enough

Posted on January 14, 2016 by David Nuottila

Mark 6:30-44 When the disciples realized the time of day, they knew there was a problem. Having spent the day listening and learning from their Lord, it suddenly dawned on them. There were too many hungry people in a place … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, Mission | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on More than enough

Called to serve

Posted on January 9, 2016 by David Nuottila

2 Timothy 1:1-14 The seminarian knelt upon the chancel steps anticipating the moment ahead. A life spent studying the Holy Scriptures, one filled with encouragement from family and teachers, suddenly reaches the moment of ordination. Not all are called to … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Called to serve

Just like my Father

Posted on January 6, 2016 by David Nuottila

Romans 6:1-11, John 8:33-47 When asked, many little boys will say, “When I grow up I want to be just like my father.” Certainly, any father would be honored to hear this statement from his son, especially if he were … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Just like my Father

Each according to his ability

Posted on January 5, 2016 by David Nuottila

Matthew 25:14-30 Believe it or not, the parable of the talents is not about money. To think so is to miss the point of this passage. As it is in so many churches, we read this parable and immediately think … Continue reading →

Posted in Mission | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Each according to his ability

Good Soil

Posted on January 4, 2016 by David Nuottila

Mark 3:31–4:9 Not surprisingly. most Christians believe they live a very good life and are open to God’s Word in most instances. After all, we worship, we sing the hymns, and we say the prayers; what else is there? Certainly, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Good Soil

Turning Tables

Posted on January 3, 2016 by David Nuottila

Mark 11:12-26 If Jesus were to enter your church today, what would he find? Would he find a pastor who is diligently leading worship? Would Jesus find pews filled with faithful children of God? If Jesus were to sit the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Turning Tables