by Mark Vroegop | Articles, Spiritual Growth
Anxiety and fear are part of the cultural air we breathe. Every day begins with depressing statistics. Unemployment figures are surging. Answers aren’t clear. Solutions seem illusive. Anxiety and fear were struggles before COVID-19, but now this familiar battle...
by Mark Vroegop | Articles, Spiritual Growth
Good Friday and Easter Sunday are the celebrated bookend events this weekend. Some church traditions even mark Thursday, the evening when Jesus shared the Last Supper. But what about Saturday – the day after the crucifixion and before the Resurrection? Justin...
by Mark Vroegop | Articles, Spiritual Growth
As we remember the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday, I find a timeline is helpful. Seeing the times, events, and scripture references make this historical event more vivid and personal. As you prepare your heart for today’s remembrance, perhaps this timeline...
by Mark Vroegop | Articles, Spiritual Growth
The cross. It’s a symbol revered all over the world. We put crosses inside church sanctuaries and on our worship facilities. Some churches are built in the shape of a cross. We put crosses at graveyards. You’ve probably seen them on the side of the road marking the...
by Mark Vroegop | Articles, Spiritual Growth
Turning water to wine was Jesus’ first miracle in the Gospel of John. According to 2:1-12, the wine ran out at a wedding. It would have been terribly embarrassing to the groom. Jesus quietly intervened. He instructed the servants to fill the ceremonial jars for...
by Mark Vroegop | Articles, Prayer, Spiritual Growth
For over 15 years, I’ve led a monthly prayer meeting for the churches I’ve served. One of the most inspiring moments is when we ask for people to share answers to prayer. Frankly, I’m not sure why we don’t do this more, because it is always deeply encouraging. I’ve...
