Book Review: Parenting by Paul David Tripp
January 18, 2017
In his book, Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family, Paul David Tripp writes, “If someone were to ask you what the ultimate job of a parent is, what would you answer? Well, your answer is here. Your job is to do everything within your power, as an instrument in the hands of […]» Read the rest of this post.
Affirming Your Child
January 10, 2017
As parents we want the best for our children. We want to see them flourish and experience life at its best. But sometimes we approach the attaining of this fine goal in the wrong way. We excessively correct or critique our child(ren) doing this in the name of helping them be their God-given best. We […]» Read the rest of this post.
I’m a Parent, Now What?
January 3, 2017
The questions parents can have are myriad. They include: What is my responsibility as a parent regarding my child’s spiritual development? What does God expect of me? How do I teach my child about God? Are there recommended materials? Why doesn’t my child listen to me when I ask him to do something? How should […]» Read the rest of this post.
Grace to You
November 21, 2016
Who hasn’t encountered a time or two when you were wronged and subjected to cruelty, and unkindness? Maybe it was just simple thoughtlessness on the part of the other…be it foe, family or friend. A show of hands would fill a room. Who among us would also agree that our Christian demeanor can fade like […]» Read the rest of this post.
Thanksgiving at Camelback
Thanksgiving is the one holiday that is distinctly Christian and distinctly American. Other holidays are distinctly Christian (Christmas and Easter) and others are distinctly American (Independence Day and President’s Day). But perhaps in the aftermath of one of the harsh winters of William Bradford’s Pilgrims, early Americans determined to start giving thanks to God. We […]
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A Living Tradition: Communion
November 2, 2016
We all do things to remember certain events or recall cherished memories. There are rituals such as lighting candles that help us remember loved ones, or special meals that help us remember our heritage. Jesus calls us to partake in communion in remembrance of him. This ritual recalls Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, what was […]» Read the rest of this post.
A Living Tradition: Baptism
Nobel prize winner, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, once stated, “there is no life without water.” Water symbolizes life, renewal, purification, and transformation. Water is an essential element for existence, and a fundamental part of baptism. Baptism is both a personal and public identification with Jesus Christ. When we are baptized, we turn away from our old life […]
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Loss and the Holidays
October 26, 2016
For most people, Thanksgiving and Christmas usually bring to mind thoughts of family, friends, presents, and fellowship around the table. But for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one, holidays can be painful. GriefShare offers a Surviving the Holidays seminar to give people a safe to learn how to deal with all the demands and emotions […]» Read the rest of this post.
A Living Tradition: Child Dedications
October 19, 2016
The African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” holds true in our society and in the Christian church. Take a moment to reflect upon your upbringing and those who helped raise you. Was it solely your parents? What about other relatives? Were you raised in a church community? For me, it truly […]» Read the rest of this post.
A Living Tradition: Prayer
October 12, 2016
Last week’s blog, A Living Tradition, explored the general idea of Christian practices and rituals that form our living tradition which moves us closer and closer to Christ. This week we look more closely at one of these essential traditions of the Christian walk – Prayer. One of the greatest gifts from God is the ability to pray. Prayer has been […]» Read the rest of this post.
The Prayer of Mother Teresa
Have you ever heard a prayer so moving, your prayer life and spiritual walk were forever changed? Prayers are an act of worship in themselves and a vital part of our spiritual walk. One of the most moving prayers I’ve heard is the one below where we ask our minds, thoughts, actions, and attitude to be more […]
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Ministry Highlights
October 5, 2016
A family recently returned to Camelback, after moving away to Colorado for four years. The husband and wife pulled me aside and couldn’t wait to report their impression. ‘It’s a completely different church. There is so much more going on. It’s so alive!’ Praise God, we’re growing in our love of Christ and in our […]» Read the rest of this post.
A Living Tradition
Have you ever wondered why we do some of the things we do as Christians such as baptism, communion, child dedication, or even prayer? What part do these and other traditions play in worshiping God and growing in our faith? Over the next few weeks we will explore these practices and rituals more deeply in […]
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What is Outreach?
October 4, 2016
As the Pastor of outreach at CBC, I’m often asked by those within and outside of the Church, what is “outreach”? The word itself doesn’t appear in scripture and yet its concept is evident throughout both the Old and the New Testaments – it is fundamental, it is essential, and we are command by Christ […]» Read the rest of this post.
Challenging the Fear of Change
September 21, 2016
People hate change. They fear change, don’t want change, and won’t accept change. Far too often we avoid new ideas because it means that something in our ministries will have to change. Change has become a word more feared and vilified in churches than many curse words. But the message of the gospel is change. […]» Read the rest of this post.
Revelation: Light for Today
September 7, 2016
Dismayed by the breakdown of our society, where do we look for light? Not to things powerless against the darkness, such as prosperity and pleasure. We need something brighter. The book of Revelation points us to just such a Light. I am amazed by the relevance of this biblical book, especially for a nation stumbling […]» Read the rest of this post.
Widows and Orphans
July 12, 2016
The Word encourages us to take care of the widows and orphans (James 1:27). Osborn Health and Rehab is one of the best places to love these dear people, ages 18-105, providing them a context for understanding how much God loves them in the person of Jesus Christ, and helping them know that they are […]» Read the rest of this post.
Community Groups: Being the Local Church
April 29, 2016
Last summer we had the opportunity to reunite over dinner with our original Camelback Bible Church community group, which was formed 7 years ago. It was very encouraging for me to reflect on how the Lord has used this group. Our community group grew from a mutual desire to grow together in the Lord and in our […]» Read the rest of this post.
Bach’s St. John Passion: A Musical Sermon
December 19, 2015
Our Sanctuary Choir will have the wonderful opportunity to sing the chorales from the St. John Passion in January of 2016 as part of the centerpiece concert of the 2016 Arizona Bach Festival. The Arizona Bach Festival contacted Camelback to participate because they knew we believe in the deep teaching of the Word and our hearts for Christ — the essential elements by which we can truly express the meaning of the Gospel and share Christ’s love with others.» Read the rest of this post.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
November 25, 2015
Yet You have reached through time and space, to give us Your Son, so that we CAN truly know You...that is real life! To be completely known, AND completely loved anyway...what else do we really need?» Read the rest of this post.