Search Results for: dove cranson

Posted: 19 Nov, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

At some point, we realize we cannot be the person we should be, could be, or want to be.  So, how can we truly change? How can we go down a different path? How can become fit for Heaven or a life with God?  The answer is to repent and believe.  This message looks at […]

Posted: 05 Nov, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

Jesus said his followers should teach other followers of Jesus to obey everything he commanded.  So what did Jesus command?  What are we supposed to obey and teach others to obey?  This talk looks at what Jesus said was the first and greatest commandment: to love God.  How can we love the infinite God of […]

Posted: 07 Oct, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

Wouldn’t it be sad to have something really good and never share it with others?  Having a relationship with God through Jesus is something worth sharing!  Yet those conversations about our faith, although exciting, can at times be intimidating to initiate. This message shares a couple simple tools that can be used to begin conversations […]

Posted: 24 Sep, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

As followers of Christ, we have been given a mission to bring the good news of Jesus to all of El Paso and beyond.  This message addresses why anyone would want to be a part of that mission and how they could be. Download Handout

Posted: 10 Sep, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

Because of the amazing love of God shown in Jesus, we can experience victory over rejection. Download Handout

Posted: 27 Aug, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

Dove shares about how he has felt a tendency in his own life to isolate himself or become isolated from others.  Yet, the hope of Christ is that his family (his church) will relentlessly fight these tendencies and pursue unity.  We each have a role in building up the family of God and staying united […]

Posted: 13 Aug, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

This message continues on the theme from two weeks ago that life, perfection, righteousness is found in Christ’s life in us.  A full life, perfection, and righteousness are not achieved from our own power to change ourselves, or even from good circumstances, but from the gift of God.  Today we look at how giving thanks […]

Posted: 23 Jul, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

As we saw with the Pharisees (message 2 weeks ago), we cannot be made righteous by cleaning ourselves up but instead by humbly receiving Christ and His life in us.  With Christ in our lives we are new, we are no longer sinners but blameless, pure children of God.  This change is what Jesus did […]

Posted: 09 Jul, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

When Jesus walked this Earth he consistently showed love and grace and acceptance.  Yet His love is much deeper than just trying to make people feel good.  In fact, He spoke surprisingly harsh words to a certain group of people, the Pharisees.  Why?  At least in part it was because the Pharisees thought they could […]

Posted: 25 Jun, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

In today’s episode we see that when a broken Sinner comes to Jesus, she is accepted and forgiven; and her heart of stone is changed into a heart of love.  Could we ourselves dare to be so vulnerable with God?  And could we be people who accept other people? Download

Posted: 11 Jun, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

A rich young man came to Jesus asking how to find eternal life.  He came confident in himself and in his own goodness.  The answer Jesus gave him left him walking away sad.  Despite his own accomplishments, possessions, and reputation he was lacking.  But he couldn’t bring himself to give up control and follow the […]

Posted: 28 May, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

There is something in us that makes us want to share with others the good things we have found.  Whether it is a great movie, a sunset, a revolutionary product, a new love, or something else we find exciting, we have a desire to pass it on.  How much more, despite hesitation or cultural opposition, […]

Posted: 14 May, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

What would it be like to host Jesus and some of his friends for dinner? What preparations would you make?  During dinner would you be busy doing things or would you just sit there and listen to Jesus?  This is the situation of Martha and Mary who hosted Jesus many years ago.  Mary “sat at […]

Posted: 16 Apr, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

A man named Nicodemus came to Jesus in the secret of night only to get far more than he bargained for.  As we look at this interaction with the Life Giver we find how to be born again into a new life.  We do not get life by trying to be a better person, but […]

Posted: 02 Apr, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

This message is from a morning dedicated to the upcoming mission trip to China.  Jason, who is leading the trip, explains his passion for China, his family’s experience there, and the upcoming trip.  Using the book of 2 Thessalonians as a model, Dove then leads the group in prayer as we ask God for help […]

Posted: 26 Mar, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

Dove shares his conviction that the greatest aspiration in all of life is to know God.  God has sent his Son into the world to pay a price for us so that we can be with God.  Anyone who desires to come to God is welcomed into His family, through Christ.  In this relationship with […]

Posted: 19 Feb, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

Dove shares about the opportunity to develop an ongoing, growing relationship with the living God.  He unpacks Jesus’ call in the beginning of Matthew chapter 6, to pray, give, and fast in secret—not for the approval of others but for God only.  When done with a desire to discover the heart of God, not just […]

Posted: 05 Feb, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

From Super Bowl losses, to the loss of loved ones, we will all have disappointments in our lives.  In this message Dove wrestles through some of the disappointments in his own life, explaining some of the anchors he has found and continues to cling to along the way.  It is the journey to find God […]

Posted: 22 Jan, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

As we near the end of 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul reminds his audience what is of first importance: the gospel.  The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ came and died for our sins, taking our place, and providing a way for us to have a relationship with God and to be with […]

Posted: 08 Jan, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

Love is the greatest power on Earth and the true nature of God.  In 1 Corinthians 13 we see the beauty and excellence of love.  Through Jesus we can participate in this divine life. Download Handout  

Posted: 18 Dec, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

Even though it is easy to lose sight of the original purpose, traditions start with the intent of helping us remember significant truths. This year, take the time to remember what God has done for you and find the light of Jesus in the midst of darkness and personal brokenness. Download    

Posted: 04 Dec, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

What comes to mind when you think of authority and the submission to authority?  Our own experience and cultural context have inevitably shaped that view.  We probably all know examples of the abuse of authority and realize the potential to be taken advantage of.  As we look deeper, we see that a loving authority is […]

Posted: 20 Nov, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

As we continue to look at the Higher Calling we have in Jesus, we see the example of Paul to work with extreme effort to bring the good news of Jesus to others, breaking down barriers and enduring difficulties in the process.  What is the source of his dedication and sacrifice?  Is he trying to […]

Posted: 06 Nov, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

Each of us lives in a situation that is not always easy.  In fact life is often extremely challenging, and it is easy to think that if we were only in a different situation then we would be happy and fulfilled.  If only I had a spouse, or if I didn’t have one but could […]

Posted: 23 Oct, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

It is the reality of life that each person gets to enjoy pleasures and happiness.   Also each human being experiences loss and sadness.   Through this adventure of learning to trust God we are called to a bigger perspective.   We can learn to be content with what we have been given and trust […]

Posted: 09 Oct, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

Are you chasing after an elusive pursuit to be somebody? What do you think others think about you? What do you think about yourself? It’s easy to think our worth is wrapped up in our own accomplishments and the praise of others, but what really counts is that you belong to Christ. In 1 Corinthians […]

Posted: 25 Sep, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

In a culture where intellect and worldly wisdom is praised, God’s wisdom is often neglected or belittled.  Many seem to think we have become too smart for God.  In this look at 1 Corinthians chapter 2, human wisdom is contrasted with the vast mystery of God’s wisdom.  The chapter lays out how God’s wisdom is […]

Posted: 28 Aug, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

Dove uncovers in his own life and others’ how our perception of what others think of us can be so crippling.  This has created a tendency to hide our shortcoming and emphasize our strengths.  Failure can become debilitating.  But with the unconditional love of God as our solid foundation we can walk through failure and […]

Posted: 07 Aug, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

The thing that matters more than anything else in the world is faith. The biblical David is a great example of someone who trusted God and God’s timing when his circumstances seemed to point to an easier course of action. In the long run, David’s faith was rewarded. We can follow God with that same […]

Posted: 24 Jul, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

God loves us passionately and wants a special place in our lives. He wants your heart given to Him and not to anyone or anything else. In this message Dove shares a powerful illustration that will help you understand the place God wants in your heart. Download Handout