Monthly Archives: February 2025

Aspen Church Conference

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Set in the breath-taking mountain town of Aspen, our church conference brought together believers seeking renewal, healing, and deeper faith. Aspen, known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere, provided the perfect setting for spiritual reflection and connection with God. As the snow-capped peaks surrounded us, we were reminded of the majesty of our Creator and the transformative power of His Spirit.

Many believers begin their faith journey in the Spirit but later seek to be perfected by their own efforts. This pattern is seen even in church leaders who, after years of successful ministry, return to formal education in search of validation. While education is valuable, spiritual growth and effectiveness are not measured by degrees but by the power of God working through us. The Spirit’s guidance is essential, yet too often, people seek human recognition rather than divine approval.

Hezekiah’s story in 2 Kings 20:1-6 illustrates the power of prayer. Facing death, he turned to God, pleading for mercy. Before Isaiah even left the palace, God answered, granting Hezekiah fifteen more years of life. This account reminds us that God hears and responds to sincere, heartfelt prayers.

Daniel 12:2 speaks of two resurrections—one unto life and another to shame. These will occur at different times, reinforcing the reality of eternal consequences. Our focus should not be solely on earthly accomplishments but on the spiritual truths revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 that God’s wisdom is beyond human understanding, and only through the Spirit can we comprehend the deeper things of God. Just as a person alone knows their own heart, so only God’s Spirit knows the depths of His plans.

Contrary to common misconceptions, experiencing the Spirit’s presence does not always involve dramatic manifestations. The Spirit moves naturally, often in ways that seem ordinary. People sometimes expect a supernatural sensation, but the Spirit works in us through wisdom, discernment, and love.

Scripture warns that lawlessness is already at work (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8). The world grows darker, but believers are called to be filled with the Spirit, allowing rivers of living water to flow from their lives. This overflow of the Spirit enables us to live transformed lives and minister effectively to others. When we yield to God, He brings us closer to the ideal version of ourselves rather than lowering His standards to fit our weaknesses.

Call to Maturity

The Aspen Church Conference was not just about hearing the Word but also about living it. Faith is not passive; it requires action. Jesus demonstrated this when He forgave the woman caught in adultery (John 8). The Pharisees sought condemnation, but Jesus extended mercy and restoration. He did not ignore her sin, but He offered a path forward: “Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more.” True faith leads to transformation, not just intellectual agreement.

Believers are called to serve others through the gift of helps. Acts of service—whether visiting the sick, providing meals, or assisting the less fortunate—demonstrate the love of Christ. The Spirit moves through practical love, not just in dramatic spiritual experiences.

Lot’s rescue from Sodom (Luke 17, 2 Peter 2) illustrates God’s ability to deliver the righteous while reserving judgment for the wicked. This principle applies today. Though the world is increasingly corrupt, God protects and guides His people.

Church history reveals a cycle of spiritual decline. Revelation 17-18 describes the fall of religious and commercial Babylon, symbolic of the world’s systems opposed to God. Even within the church, lukewarmness is a danger. Many profess faith but deny God through their actions (Titus 1:16).

Maturity in Christ is essential. The word “perfect” in Scripture often means “mature” or “fully developed.” Paul urged believers to grow in their faith, ensuring that their lives reflect their testimony (1 Timothy 4:12, Acts 20:18-35). The Christian life is not about perfection but about progress—becoming more like Christ each day.

Scripture provides the foundation for spiritual growth. Experiences alone cannot sustain faith; only God’s Word can provide lasting strength. Just as physical health depends on proper nutrition, spiritual health requires feeding on Scripture. Without it, believers become weak and vulnerable.

Throughout the conference, attendees shared testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Many were reminded of the privilege of investing in God’s kingdom, not just through financial giving but through their time, talents, and energy. Malachi 3:10 reminds us that giving is not merely an obligation but a privilege. When we trust God with our resources, He provides abundantly.

Aspen, with its majestic mountains and peaceful environment, served as a beautiful backdrop for this conference on healing and redemption. As we left the conference, we carried with us a renewed commitment to faith in action, trusting that God’s work in us would continue to bear fruit in our communities and beyond.

The Fort Collins Church Chronicle Written by Arabella

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Greetings from Fort Collins, the most populous city in northern Colorado! Known for its vibrant historic district, our city is a beacon of culture and adventure, nestled against the foothills of the Rockies. With a lively youthful energy, thanks to Colorado State University, our town is alive with history, music, and a love for the great outdoors. Yet, beyond the bustling breweries and charming Old Town streets, our church stands as a place of refuge, healing, and redemption. Today, I write to you about a message deeply embedded in our faith—the power of healing and the assurance of resurrection.

We stand at the heart of redemption, the very foundation of Christianity, where healing is not an afterthought but a central part of God’s plan. Healing was embedded in Jesus’ ministry—woven into His words and actions. If healing were of little importance to God, why then did Jesus spend so much of His time ministering to the sick? He healed from morning until night, with crowds traveling from all the surrounding towns to receive His touch.

Everything Jesus said and did was a direct reflection of God’s will. Since God never changes, His will for healing remains the same today. Your physical body matters to Him—not just your spirit, not just your soul, but the very body in which you live. 1 Corinthians 6:11 reminds us, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified…” Too often, people mistakenly identify themselves as sinners even after salvation. But Paul’s words are clear: You were a sinner. Now, you are washed and justified in the name of Jesus Christ.

Just as one instance of flying does not make a person a pilot, one mistake does not redefine your identity in Christ. Before salvation, sin was your nature, but not now. That old life is washed away, and you are a new creation.

Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 6:12, stating, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient.” While many things may be permissible, not all things benefit us. The passage reminds us that our physical bodies are temporary, yet significant. “Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.” God created our bodies for a higher purpose, not merely to satisfy desires.

People argue, “Why did God give me these urges?” The enemy distorts natural desires, tempting individuals to believe that fulfilling them is essential for happiness. But Paul warns that allowing our desires to rule over us leads to destruction. The truth is, we are not slaves to our bodies. Our bodies belong to the Lord.

For those who are single, it is a lie to believe that intimacy is essential for fulfillment. Feeding lustful desires only makes them stronger, but starving them weakens their hold. On the other hand, within marriage, intimacy is a sacred and essential part of the covenant. 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 commands husbands and wives not to deprive each other.

The body is not an afterthought in God’s plan of redemption. Just as Christ was raised, so too will our bodies be raised. This reality shapes how we live today. We belong to Christ, and our bodies are members of His holy design.

Paul continues his message in 1 Corinthians 15, emphasizing the resurrection. The Gospel we stand upon proclaims that Christ died, was buried, and rose again. His resurrection is the bedrock of our faith, and without it, there is no Christianity. Some in Paul’s time, and many today, argue that there is no resurrection, but Paul refutes this, declaring that over five hundred people saw the risen Christ.

Skeptics today attempt to explain away the resurrection, claiming Jesus was merely a man, that His body was stolen, or even that He married and left behind descendants. But these are baseless claims. If Jesus’ bones were still in a tomb, our faith would be meaningless. But the truth is, He is risen, and His body is glorified.

Some believers struggle with their physical form, wishing for a completely new body in heaven. But Scripture teaches that the glorified body we receive will not be entirely different—it will be transformed, but it is still the same body, just as Jesus’ body was after His resurrection.

After He rose, He appeared to His disciples, ate with them, and encouraged them to touch Him. “A spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have,” He said in Luke 24:39. The same transformation that occurred in Jesus’ body will happen to ours. Our bodies will no longer age, weaken, or be subject to disease.

An account of a man who experienced temporary death illustrates this truth. While clinically dead, he found himself running with strength and speed unlike ever before. But when revived, he awoke to the limitations of his earthly body. His testimony affirms that our resurrection bodies will be perfected and powerful beyond imagination.

Christ’s bodily resurrection affirms the importance of our physical being. He paid for our redemption—spirit, soul, and body. Paul, addressing the Corinthians, challenged their cultural norms that dismissed the body as unimportant. He asked, “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 6:15). This refutes the false notion that only the spirit matters and that bodily sins are inconsequential.

Believers must reject modern skepticism that denies Christ’s resurrection. This is not a matter to be “open-minded” about. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then Christianity is a lie. But He did rise, and His empty tomb stands as proof of our hope.

The resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee of our own resurrection. Philippians 3:21 declares that He will change our bodies to be like His glorious body. This is not myth or imagination—it is the very heart of the Gospel.

Jesus Christ, alive in His glorified body, sits at the right hand of God. He is coming again, and we too shall be transformed. This is our great hope, our assurance, and our future reality.

May we walk in this truth, knowing that our bodies are part of God’s redemptive plan. Let Fort Collins be a place where healing and redemption are not just preached, but lived out daily. Until we meet again, may God bless and keep you.

In Christ, Arabella

Violet’s Sermon in Pueblo, Colorado

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Good morning, my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ! What a blessing it is to be gathered here in Pueblo, a city rich in history, culture, and resilience. As I walked through the streets, I marveled at the historic buildings, the vibrant waterfront plaza, and the echoes of the past that still whisper through the city. Pueblo, once a humble trading post, became a thriving hub of industry, a gateway for pioneers, and a place of transformation.

But today, I want to talk about a transformation far greater than industry or history—a transformation of the heart, a revival that starts with the love of Jesus Christ. Pueblo, just as your city stands at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek, I believe today you are at a spiritual confluence, where God’s power and love are ready to flow into your lives like a mighty river.

A City of Strength, A People in Need of Revival
Pueblo has long been known as Steel City—a place of endurance and perseverance. The people here are hardworking, passionate, and deeply connected to their roots. But let me ask you today: Have we placed our trust in our own strength rather than in the strength of the Lord? Have we relied on our history rather than our destiny in Christ?

The Bible tells us in Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Pueblo, God is calling you to be strong in Him, to trust in His power rather than your own. If this city is known for steel, let it now be known for hearts refined by fire, strengthened by faith, and unshaken by trials.

We are standing in the very place where, every late August, thousands gather for the Colorado State Fair. It is a time of joy, music, celebration, and excitement. People come from all over to see the rodeos, hear the concerts, and experience the carnival. But as I reflect on this, I am reminded that no earthly joy can compare to the joy we find in Christ.

The Bible tells us in Nehemiah 8:10, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” The celebrations of this world are fleeting, but the love of Jesus brings a joy that lasts forever. Pueblo, God wants to bring a revival that is greater than any festival—a revival that changes lives, heals wounds, and restores hope. Just as the fair draws crowds year after year, what if the love of Christ drew people into the kingdom daily? What if Pueblo became a city known not just for its festivities but for its faith?

Pueblo’s history is filled with pioneers, builders, and dreamers. It has seen hardship, but it has also seen resilience. I believe God is calling His people in this city to be pioneers of faith, to build His kingdom, and to dream again with His vision.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Pueblo, you are not hidden. You are called to shine. You are called to be a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope for the lost, the broken, and the weary.

What would happen if we, the Church, stepped out in faith? What if we took Christ’s love beyond these walls and into our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods? Just as the steel industry shaped the skyline of this city, the love of God can reshape its future. Let us rise up and become vessels of revival, carriers of His love, and builders of His kingdom.

The Revival Starts With You
Every great move of God begins with a willing heart. Maybe today, you feel weary. Maybe you feel distant from God. Maybe you think revival is for someone else, but not for you. But let me tell you, the love of Jesus is for you! His power is for you! His Spirit is moving in this city, and He is inviting you to be part of it.

Haggai 2:6-7 says, “I will shake the nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory.” Pueblo, the shaking is happening. God is calling you into something new. Are you ready?

Conclusion: Will You Say Yes?
Today, I leave you with this challenge: Will you answer the call? Will you open your heart to the revival God is bringing to Pueblo? Will you allow His love to transform you so that you can bring transformation to others?

Maybe you’ve been hurt. Maybe you’ve been carrying burdens too heavy to bear. But today, Jesus says to you, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

The rivers that run through this city have shaped its land. Now, let the river of God’s love shape your heart. Let it cleanse, restore, and fill you with purpose. Pueblo, your best days are ahead. Your revival is here. Will you step into it?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your presence in this place. Thank You for Your love that never fails and Your plans that never falter. Today, we say yes to You. We open our hearts to Your revival. Fill us, renew us, and let Your love flow through this city like never before. May Pueblo be a city known not just for its history, but for its destiny in You. We give You all the glory, Lord.