April 4, 2023
by Eric Stillman
One of the biggest reasons that people stop believing in God or calling themselves Christians is experiencing a tragedy and feeling like God was silent and did not answer prayers. The death of a child, the dissolution of a marriage, being the victim of a terrible crime – these and many other events can cause even the most fervent believer to ask “why, God?” So, what are we to believe when we find ourselves in that place, or what do we say when listening to someone who is going through this kind of crisis?...Keep Reading
Posted in: Suffering Tags: Jesus, Gospel, Suffering, Trust, Cross
January 3, 2023
by Joe Barone
Worry. It’s a word that brings to mind skipped meals, knotted stomachs, cold sweats and sleepless nights. Worry is a heavy burden to carry. For something that causes our minds and bodies to endure so much distress, why do we do so much of it? No worry, no headaches. Easy, right? So will all those who don’t worry please step forward. We want to hear about your success in letting everything go. Umm! Not one? Max Lucado was right when he penned, “Do you worry? I worry about you if you don’t’ worry! All of us worry, but we shouldn’t. Jesus commands us a half a dozen times, ‘Do not worry’.”
...Keep Reading
Posted in: Discipleship Tags: Trust, worry
July 20, 2021
by Eric Stillman
Many years ago, I remember someone telling a story that went something like this:
There once was a little girl who had a necklace made of plastic pearls that she loved to wear. One night, her father came and kindly asked her, “would you please give me your pearls?” The little girl refused, because she did not want to give them up. Night after night, her father would say good night, tuck her in, and then ask “would you please give me your pearls?” And night after night, the little girl would say no.
...Keep Reading
Tags: Grace, Discipleship, idols, Trust
March 16, 2021
As I was reading the news today, I came across this line regarding embattled New York Governor Andrew Cuomo: Mr. Cuomo, our politics reporter writes, “finds himself sliding from hero-level worship to pariah-like status with the kind of astonishing speed that only the friendless suffer.”
Politics and morality aside, that quote made me think of Jesus. ...Keep Reading
Tags: Discipleship, Trust, Opinions
December 18, 2019
by Eric Stillman
If you have ever listened to K-Love, you know that they have an occasional segment called “Behind the Music” where a singer shares the story of where their song comes from. I often find that I develop is a greater emotional connection to the song when I know the heart behind the words. The same holds true for the classic hymns of the church. One of the most powerful “Behind the Music” stories is the story behind “It is Well with my Soul,” which was written by Horatio Spafford in the 1880’s, which I reference this past Sunday during our worship time....Keep Reading
Tags: Suffering, Trust, Horatio Spafford
March 1, 2016
by Eric Stillman
When I was in 8th grade, I wished I had straighter hair so I could grow a mullet like the cool high school boys.
When I was in 11th grade, I wanted to paint a mural in my room that would be inspired by the songs of Led Zeppelin.
When I was a freshman in college, I wanted to get my ear pierced.
Those embarrassing memories came together in just a few minutes of reflection. I am sure that if I took some extended time to look back on my life, I would be able to come up with many more things that I was sure I wanted at the time, that I was positive were great ideas, that I can now look back on and say “I am so glad I didn’t get what I wanted.”...Keep Reading
Posted in: Discipleship Tags: Trust, Unanswered Prayer
January 19, 2016
by Eric Stillman
As I have preached through Luke 4 over the past two Sundays, one recurring theme has been how God allows all kinds of struggles into our life in order to heal us spiritually and make us holy, while Satan, on the other hand, does all he can to get us to elevate the things of this world above God. Satan knows that if we want anything ...Keep Reading
Posted in: Suffering Tags: Suffering, Trust
June 17, 2014
by Eric Stillman
Although I may hide it well, I am often an anxious person. At times, my anxiety overwhelms me so quickly that I respond out of my fear without even thinking. My anxiety has caused me to lie, to avoid stressful situations, and at times to act with a lack of integrity and courage, all out of a desire to stuff down my anxious feelings and regain the peace I so desperately desire. I hate the way my anxiety affects me.
What is beneath my anxiety? If I stop and think about it, it is often one of two related reasons:...Keep Reading
Posted in: Discipleship Tags: Anxiety, Trust
