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I was a believer in reformed theology before I even knew what the term reformed theology meant. I believe it is so evident in the Bible that it is impossible to miss! In this two minute video, Kevin DeYoung gives a very simple definition of what reformed theology is and how it informs our daily lives. View it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3rUUgF4VqY&feature=share Pastor Ben Davidson

Here are some ways that you can be praying for the Peltons as they serve the Lord in Chicago: 1.  We are considering where to move to the city when our lease is up this summer.  We need wisdom in this decision as we take proactive steps now to be ready to move this summer if indeed that is what we ought to do. 2.  We are reaching out to friends in Chicago over the next two months to consider partnering with us financially in our ministry with Cru.  Please pray for the Lord's provision for us. 3.  Pray for fruitfulness in our ministry as we disciple men and women.  Also, pray for opportunities to grow in our frequency and skill in communicating the good news of Jesus to Chicagoans.

I recently had the chance to write a letter to one of our youth students. As I wrote it, I found myself being reminded of such great truths I thought it would even be worth sharing more broadly… Dear Believer, God’s love has been such a challenge for me and I hope it is for you. Here are a few verses with some of my thoughts around them… What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake, we are being put to death all day long; We were conside...

Please pray for Jill Hostetler as she serves the LORD through CEF. Here are some ways that you can pray for her this week. 1. Please pray for a new club that is starting at Lindbergh middle school in Peoria on Feb 4. Pray that many 5-8th graders will come and hear the gospel and place their faith in Christ for salvation and/or that they will be strengthened in the faith. 2. Please pray for me as I travel to Southern IL Feb. 7-8 and conduct a Good News Club Start-up training. 3. Pray for a GNC mobilization meeting in Washington re: starting a Good News Club at Lincoln Grade School on Feb. 9. Pray that we would find 6 additional volunteers join the team. 4. Pray for a GNC to begin in Jacksonville, IL as we have plans for a training on Feb 28-29. 5. Pray for a 30 hour course that we are holding in March and April. It's called, "Teaching Children Effectively Level 1". We are asking the Lord for 10 students. 6. Pray for us as we look for summer missionaries to teach ...

I recently finished reading Greg Gilbert’s book Assured: Discover Grace, Let Go of Guilt and Rest in Your Salvation. Though I don’t particularly struggle with assurance of salvation, I found this book tremendously encouraging. It would be a great resource for those who do struggle with assurance of salvation. Gilbert divides the means of assurance into three main categories of assurance: driving sources of assurance, the supernatural source of assurance, and the confirming source of assurance. The two driving sources of assurance are the truths of the gospel and the promises of God. The very nature of the gospel roots our assurance in the finished work of Christ. The gospel promise of eternal life was never about our worthiness or our ability to do good works. As we grow in understanding the depth of our own spiritual poverty, we are forced to rely on Christ, not only to save us initially but to maintain our salvation. God also promises to save all who repent and believe in C...

Please pray for Sam and Jamie Hornbrook as they serve the LORD in Mexico. Here are some ways that you can be praying for them: 1. For the on going counseling cases we have right now. Some are from other churches. One marriage counseling case, Sam and Jamie do together is especially challenging, but George and Norma are responding well so far. 2. For Jamie as she teaches the ladies Wednesday morning Bible study. She is teaching on what the Bible teaches about emotions. It has gone very well. 3. For Sam and assitant pastor Pepe as they teach them men's Bible study on Fridays and Saturdays. They have taught a series on the Gospel. 4. That the assistant pastor will continue to grow into his roll as a pastor. 5. For the upcoming Counseling Conference in Indiana where Sam teaches in the Spanish Tracks to pastors from all over Latin America.