What about Heaven & Hell?
by Baly Botten on May 26th, 2025
Have you ever wondered what happens after we die? The concepts of heaven and hell have captivated human imagination for centuries, sparking countless debates, questions, and reflections. Today, let's dive into these profound topics, exploring what awaits us in eternity and how it impacts our lives here and now.Heaven: A Place of Renewal and ReunionContrary to popular depictions of heaven as an eth... Read More
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Finding the Thin Place
by Sean Christensen on May 20th, 2025
From Sean Christensen, Lay Elder at SVA Church:From May 15 to 18, 2025 I joined 4 other men from SVA to attend Young Life’s Men’s Weekend at Camp Malibu in Canada. Malibu is one of Young Life’s premier locations in the world and is personally very special for me (I met my wife there 32 years ago ?). Attending this camp was our inaugural SVA Men’s Weekend. Many churches from around western Washin... Read More
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Gospel Witness in Political Chaos
by Baly Botten on May 18th, 2025
In a world increasingly divided by political ideologies, how should people of faith engage with politics? This question has become more pressing than ever, as the air of contempt chokes our society and even infiltrates our places of worship. But there is a higher calling for those who follow Christ - a call to bold civility.Bold civility isn't about compromising biblical truth or being passive in ... Read More
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What's Up with Kids these Days?
by Baly Botten on May 11th, 2025
In a world that often seems to be moving at breakneck speed, it's easy to find ourselves bewildered by the words and actions of the younger generation. We might catch ourselves asking, "What's up with kids these days?" But perhaps the more pertinent question is: "What's up with adults these days?"As we contemplate our posture towards young people, we're faced with a profound challenge. How can we ... Read More
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Why Trust the Bible?
by Baly Botten on May 4th, 2025
In a world filled with skepticism and competing truth claims, many wonder why they should trust the Bible as a source of divine wisdom and authority. Is this ancient text truly the inspired Word of God, or merely a collection of myths and moral teachings? Let's dive into some compelling reasons why the Bible deserves our trust and careful consideration.Historically ReliableOne of the strongest arg... Read More
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Finding Faith in God's Silence: Lessons from Psalm 77
by Baly Botten on April 28th, 2025
Have you ever felt like God was silent in your life? Like your prayers were hitting a stone wall and you couldn't sense His presence or guidance? If so, you're not alone. This feeling of divine silence is a common struggle for many believers, and it's one that the Bible addresses head-on in powerful ways.Psalm 77 provides a profound glimpse into this spiritual battle. Written by Asaph, a worship l... Read More
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I AM: Resurrection & Life
by Baly Botten on April 23rd, 2025
In the depths of human experience, we often encounter moments that challenge our faith, shake our foundations, and leave us questioning the very nature of life and death. It's in these moments that we find ourselves face to face with the profound declaration: "I am the resurrection and the life."This powerful statement, uttered by Jesus in the Gospel of John, stands as a beacon of hope amidst the ... Read More
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I AM: The Way, The Truth, & The Life
by Baly Botten on April 13th, 2025
In a world filled with uncertainty, we often find ourselves searching for direction, seeking answers, and longing for a life of purpose. It's in these moments of questioning that we encounter one of the most profound statements ever uttered: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." These words, spoken by Jesus, offer more than just a theological concep... Read More
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I AM: The Good Shepherd
by Baly Botten on April 6th, 2025
In a world filled with countless voices vying for our attention and allegiance, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, wondering which path to take. The concept of the "good shepherd" offers a profound insight into this dilemma, inviting us to consider who or what is truly guiding our lives.Jesus said in John 10, "I am the good shepherd." This simple yet powerful statement carries deep implicati... Read More
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I AM: The Door of the Sheep
by Baly Botten on March 24th, 2025
In a world filled with countless paths and philosophies, one profound truth stands out - there is a singular door to true freedom, abundance, and eternal life. This door is not a physical entryway, but a person - Jesus Christ himself.Throughout scripture, doors and gates hold significant symbolic meaning. From the guarded entrance to the Garden of Eden to the single door of Noah's Ark, from the lo... Read More
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I AM: The Light of the World
by Baly Botten on March 17th, 2025
In a world often shrouded in darkness, the concept of light takes on profound significance. Light is essential for life, hardwired into our very beings. It's no coincidence that we associate light with honesty, integrity, and uprightness. When financial misdeeds are exposed, we say they're "brought to light." Science tells us that all colors result from reflected light, and even our food chain dep... Read More
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I AM: The Bread of Life
by Baly Botten on March 9th, 2025
In a world constantly searching for fulfillment, we often find ourselves chasing after temporary satisfactions. We fill our lives with pursuits, possessions, and pleasures, hoping to quench a deep-seated hunger within our souls. But what if the answer to our spiritual starvation has been right in front of us all along?The concept of bread as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment is deeply rooted in... Read More
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