Pastor Frank DeFusco 1 Peter 3:15, instructs the believer to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” And in Isaiah 1:18, God gives an invitation for all mankind to “Come now and let…
Tag: Faith
January 2026, Religion
Do You Believe in Jesus?
Pastor Larry Sundin Do you believe in Jesus? Seems like a pretty straightforward question. But you’d be surprised to know how many people don’t want to be asked that question. Recently, I came across a man–on–the–street interview, where a guy holding a microphone walks up to seemingly ordinary people on the street and asks them,…
September 2025, Religion
Is Jesus God?
Pastor Frank DeFusco When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” Their answers varied. “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Jesus goes on to ask, “But what about you?” he asked. “Who…
August 2025, Religion
Judging Rightly
Pastor Ash Dotson Hey folks, Ash Dotson here with a thought and an invitation to join us at Oasis UMC in the Laredo Room, Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Jesus tells us in John 7:24: “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement.” This is a tough one, folks. Motivation, motivation, motivation … what…
August 2025, Religion
What Is the Gospel?
Pastor Larry Sundin, Rock Springs Church What is the Gospel? What is this good news that’s supposed to be at the heart of Christianity? Originally, the term “gospel” was a secular word in the Greek language that an official was sent to announce back at the capitol: namely that there had been a victory on…
July 2025, Religion
Looking Beyond
Pastor Ash Dotson I was looking at a scripture the other day, and it occurred to me that we have it a bit tougher than those who physically followed Jesus. In John 6:36, Jesus speaks with his followers and points out that even though they saw him it was difficult for them to understand or…
Religion, July 2025
More to “Church” Than Meets the Eye
Pastor Larry Sundin Have you ever wondered, “Is there more to ‘church’ than meets the eye?” The first church service I ever attended as an adult was in 1981. There were three distinct impressions I took away from that first service. One, the music wasn’t of my generation. Everyone was singing these slow, plodding songs.…
June 2025, Religion
Gospel Values and Leadership
Rev. Donna Vande Kieft The celebration of Easter this year occurred while I was at sea experiencing a wonderful Sea Sabbatical. Spending time with a variety of people from other states, countries, and cultures provided reflection time on history and various leadership successes and failures. The resurrection of Jesus that Christians celebrate at Easter leads…
Religion, June 2025
The Good Shepherd
Pastor Larry Sundin Most of us are familiar with Psalm 23. This Psalm is often read at memorial services. It is a beloved passage of Scripture by many. It’s a Psalm of David, who used this metaphor of a Shepherd to describe His personal relationship with God. The first few verses read like this: The Lord is…
June 2025, Religion
How Great Is Our God
Pastor Frank DeFusco 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts the believer to always be ready to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason for the hope that is in you. Some ask in earnest, while others seek to trip you up. To the former, engage with them humbly and with reverential awe. To…