Tag Archives: Christianity

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.

A Church Discussion in Cañon City

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Aria stood at the front of the small yet vibrant church in Cañon City, her voice steady and filled with passion. The discussion tonight was about faith, perseverance, and the incredible power of God’s healing. The congregation, a mix of young and old, leaned in, eager to hear what she had to share.

“Cañon City is a place of adventure,” Aria began, gesturing toward the large windows that framed the distant peaks of the Rocky Mountains. “People come here for the thrill of rafting the Arkansas River, climbing steep cliffs, or walking across the mighty Royal Gorge. But life itself is an adventure, full of trials, victories, and, most importantly, the presence of God.”

She paused, then continued, “Tonight, I want to talk about healing—spiritual, physical, and emotional healing. We often read about healing in the Bible, but how many of us truly believe that God still heals today?”

The room was silent, each person contemplating the question. Aria smiled. “We have seen it happen. We have heard testimonies of people being healed, not just in their bodies but in their hearts. Healing is a gift, and it is part of the adventure of faith.”

A woman in the front row raised her hand. “But what about when healing doesn’t come?” she asked softly.

Aria nodded. “That’s a question many of us struggle with. Even in biblical times, Paul had a ‘thorn in the flesh’ that was never removed. But what did God tell him? ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9). Sometimes, the healing we receive is not the one we expect. God’s ways are higher than ours, and He sees the full picture.”

A young man in the back, John, spoke up. “I read in Revelation where John talked about seven thunders speaking, but he was told not to write down what they said. It made me wonder—are there things God doesn’t reveal to us because we wouldn’t understand?”

Aria’s eyes lit up. “That’s a great question! Yes, I believe there are mysteries we may never fully grasp in this life. But that’s where faith comes in. If we understood everything, we wouldn’t need to trust Him. Faith means walking forward even when we don’t have all the answers.”

She turned to the congregation. “Think about the widows in the early church. There was a dispute about how they were being cared for, and the apostles had to step in to bring order. God didn’t eliminate their struggles; He provided wisdom to navigate them. The same is true today. Healing and miracles happen, but sometimes God gives us the strength to endure rather than an immediate resolution.”

An older gentleman, Pastor Thomas, nodded. “That reminds me of what Jesus said to the church of Smyrna—He had nothing bad to say about them. They were faithful through suffering. Sometimes, God’s greatest work is done in our trials.”

A hush fell over the room as people absorbed these words. Aria continued, “The enemy has tried to take many of you out because you are key and strategic in what God is doing. But let me tell you something: You are still standing. You are still here. That is evidence of His power!”

There were murmurs of agreement, some with tears in their eyes. A woman near the back whispered, “From this night, we begin a new life.”

Aria smiled. “Yes! We serve a God of new beginnings. Maybe the enemy tried to steal your joy, your health, or your purpose, but God is declaring victory. His gavel is coming down in the courts of heaven, and He is saying, ‘It is finished.’”

Pastor Thomas stood and read from Deuteronomy 28:10: ‘Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you.’

He looked at the congregation. “You are called. You are set apart. Even in your trials, God is working something greater than you can imagine.”

A young woman, Sarah, wiped her eyes. “I’ve been struggling with doubt. But tonight, I feel like I’m stepping into a new season. I want to see what He is dreaming about for my life.”

Aria stepped forward and took Sarah’s hand. “That’s the key—seeing what God is dreaming about. We often focus on what’s going wrong, but God sees the bigger picture. He sees restoration, healing, and breakthrough. Even in the fire, He is preserving you.”

The atmosphere shifted as a sense of hope filled the room. People began to pray together, lifting their voices in unity. Songs of worship filled the air, voices singing, “Nearer, my God, to Thee.”

Aria closed her eyes, overwhelmed by God’s presence. “Lord, we thank You. We thank You for the victories, for the lessons, for the healing—seen and unseen. You are faithful, and we trust You.”

As the discussion ended, people lingered, sharing testimonies and praying for one another. The church in Cañon City had been strengthened that night, their faith deepened, their hope renewed.

And as they stepped out into the cool Colorado night, they knew—this was just the beginning of a greater adventure with God.