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Joshua Blake Hargrove 4-9-2026 memory

Joshua Blake Hargrove lived with joy, love, and a growing heart for Jesus. Though his life ended too soon, his legacy continues through lives touched, a youth ministry that endured, and a calling that shaped his parents’ lifelong service.
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Life story

To anyone reading this: May you know that you are not alone in your struggle. May you learn earlier than I did that asking for help honors both the giver and the receiver.
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Peace

In the wake of the tragic fatal shootings in Minneapolis involving federal immigration agents, Minnesota communities are experiencing widespread unrest, protests, and deep divisions. Two U.S. citizens — Renée Good and Alex Pretti — have been killed during federal immigration enforcement operations, sparking ongoing demonstrations and a statewide general strike. Local business leaders have publicly…
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Using Spark Leadership to Avoid Dysfunction and Burnout

Spark leadership must be used as a regulating system, not a call to do more.
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Will Christians Be Spared Trials? What the Bible Actually Promises

Christians are not promised freedom from trials, but God preserves their faith, sustains them through suffering, and ultimately delivers them from judgment and eternal harm.
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DEEPER DIVE John 15 — Remain, Receive, Recognize
July 19, 2026 | | Sunday Deeper Dive TEACHING SEQUENCE 1. Remain in Christ (vv. 1–5) — The source of spiritual life and the necessity of dependent perseverance. 2. Receive the Father’s pruning (vv. 2, 6) — How to understand suffering, correction, change, and relationships. 3. Remain in Christ’s love (vv.…
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One more night

Journal It is after 2:00 in the morning. Tonight I find myself at a place where I honestly feel like nothing works anymore. I cannot fix anything. I cannot fix my wife’s eyes. I cannot instantly solve our financial problems. I cannot fix people problems. I cannot fix church problems. I cannot fix medical problems.…
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Watching the Person You Love Hurt

It is 2:00 in the morning. The house is quiet except for the soft sound of my wife crying beside me. She cannot sleep because her eyes hurt so badly. Over the past weeks we have tried so many things. Systane. Refresh. TheraTears. Refresh PM ointment. Every new product brings a little hope, but by…
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Jesus Christ: Fully God, Fully Human, and the Spirit-Led Life

Central Truth Jesus Christ is one divine person who possesses two complete natures: a truly divine nature and a truly human nature. He did not cease to be God when He became human, nor did His humanity merely appear to be real. The eternal Son took upon Himself a complete human nature and lived among…
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John 15: Remaining in Christ
Central Truth Jesus does not call His disciples to manufacture spiritual life, force visible results, or prove their worth to God. He calls them to remain in Him. As branches depend upon the vine, believers depend completely upon Christ for spiritual life, character, endurance, obedience, love, prayer, and faithful witness. Biblical Text John 15:1–27 1.…
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God’s Love and the Language of Hatred
Questions sometimes arise from passages such as: “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”Malachi 1:2–3; Romans 9:13 In Malachi, Jacob and Esau represent not merely two individuals but two peoples: Israel and Edom. The language concerns covenant election, historical purpose, and divine judgment. Biblical language can also use “hate” comparatively to describe choosing…
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When God Seems Silent
Believers sometimes experience seasons when God appears distant or silent. Scripture does not treat this experience lightly. Examples include: A feeling of divine silence does not prove divine absence. During such seasons, believers should continue to: God’s primary authoritative speech is preserved in Scripture. Even when a believer receives no special impression or immediate answer,…
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John 15: Misconceptions
John 15: Misconceptions 1. Misconception: God Loves Us Only When We Obey Him Jesus says: “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.”John 15:10 This does not mean that obedience purchases Christ’s love. Jesus first says: “Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love.”John…
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John 15: Misconceptions
1. Misconception: God Loves Us Only When We Obey Him Jesus says: “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.”John 15:10 This does not mean that obedience purchases Christ’s love. Jesus first says: “Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love.”John 15:9 Christ’s love…
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John 16

Guardrails John 16:13 does not promise that every believer will receive infallible private revelation. The promise first establishes the Spirit-guided apostolic witness. John 16:8 does not reduce conviction to an emotional feeling of guilt. The Spirit exposes the truth about sin, Christ’s righteousness, and judgment. John 16:23 does not promise that every request will be…