Author name: Pastor Burns

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…” The Greek word for “substance” means foundation — what something stands on. In other words, faith gives structure and stability to your hope. It’s not wishing. It’s not vague optimism. It’s confidence grounded in the unchanging promises of God. Think about it — you…

Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” Have you ever tried walking forward while staring off to the side? Eventually, you’ll trip. In the same way, faith requires focus — and that focus must be Jesus. Peter knew what it meant to walk by faith. He literally walked on water.

Colossians 2:6 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.” Christians start their spiritual journey with faith in Jesus, but somewhere along the way, they trade trust for self-effort. Like a runner who begins strong but starts carrying unnecessary weight, they begin to rely more on routines than on

What is saving faith, really? It’s more than knowing about God — it’s trusting Him with your life. Charles Spurgeon told the story of a young boy caught in a burning building. The fire forced him out to a second-story window ledge, where he hung on for dear life. A strong man on the ground called out to him,

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is to the Christian life what fuel is to a car — absolutely essential to move forward. I’ll never forget the day April and I found ourselves stranded on the side of the road in our newly

Ephesians 4:16: “…maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”  How can you tell if you are growing spiritually? Paul gives several indicators: service (you’re involved in helping others), stability (you’re not tossed around spiritually by every circumstance or teaching), soundness (you know and stand on truth), and sincerity (you speak truth in love). A maturing Christian isn’t perfect —

Ephesians 4:12 “…for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry…”  God never intended Christians to grow in isolation. He placed us in a church body — and He gave spiritual leaders, teaching, fellowship, and relationships as His means of helping us mature. Pastors preach truth, friends sharpen us, and the local church gives

Colossians 1:18 “…That in all things He might have the preeminence.” Christian maturity can be summed up in one question: Is Jesus Christ preeminent in my life? Not just present, but first — first in my decisions, first in my priorities, first in my affections. Too many believers want Christ as Saviour, but not necessarily as Lord. Paul reminds us that Christ is

Ephesians 4:15 “…may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”  What we truly believe is revealed in how we behave. It’s one thing to say we believe God’s Word — it’s another thing to live it when we’re at work, home, or under pressure. Paul warns about believers being “tossed to and

Scripture: “…may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” — Ephesians 4:15 Just as physical children are expected to grow, God expects His children to mature spiritually. Salvation may happen in a moment, but spiritual maturity happens over time — as we become more like Christ in our character, conduct, and convictions.