Navigating Christianity

1. Salvation

There is a fundamental question that gets asked in Church: How does one become a Christian? Or, what must I do to be saved?

Most every Christian group agrees that Jesus is involved, and that there is some role that we would have. But what exactly? It is such a core question of the Church, that you would think there would be widespread agreement. But shamefully, there isn't.

In this message, I take a brief look at 9 different answers to this question that are provided by 9 different Christian groups. How can we know who is right?

 Doug Ellis    |   January 26, 2025   |   Ephesians 2:8-9

2. Religious Burdens

At the core of all leadership is "follow me". All Christian leadership follows Christ, and since Christ was a servant then all Christian leadership serves others to help them become spiritually successful. If, instead, leadership seeks glory, fame, and benefit, then is this practicing the message we preach?

 Doug Ellis    |   February 2, 2025   |   Matthew 23:1-12

3. Prayer

Prayer is one of the most common activities of Christianity, and yet so many still have questions about it. How do I do it? Why is her prayer answered, and mine is not? Do I need to use "amen" or "in Jesus name" at the end?

I am going to answer five of the most common questions that people ask me regarding prayer, and in so doing hopefully drive home an important point - prayer is always easy, but it is essential.

 Doug Ellis    |   February 9, 2025   |   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

4. Prophecy and Scripture

God has been speaking to humanity since he first created us, and he typically does this through prophecy. But, we know from Scripture that there can be false prophecy, so how can we know what is truth and what is myth? How can we know who is a prophet and who is not?

 Doug Ellis    |   February 16, 2025   |   2 Timothy 3:14-4:4

5. Obedience

Most of us are aware of these words of Jesus, "If you love me then you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). But how?

Some might suggest obedience like a soldier (out of duty), or a child (out of fear), or through accountability, or penance, or to demonstrate love. But what if we still desire to sin? What if that battle for our behavior still rages?

God knows that we are weak and vulnerable. God never asks us to do something without providing all the resources and power for us to be successful. With obedience, he provides the Holy Spirit to transform our heart. As we are sanctified, we obey because that's what we've become.

 Doug Ellis    |   February 23, 2025   |   John 14:15-17

6. Festivals and Holy Days

 Doug Ellis    |   March 2, 2025   |