Posts by Pastor Mike Kelly

REFORMATION: Solus Christus (Christ Alone)

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Posted by Pastor Mike Kelly on

Typical of a mischievous young boy, flanked with two equally enthusiastic brothers, I often found myself the object of perplexed stares.  To this day, I am still uncertain why I was absolutely captivated with the annihilating effect of the laser-like heat generated by my magnifying glass, ...

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Tags: theology, reformation, church history

REFORMATION: Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)

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Posted by Pastor Mike Kelly on

I found myself fumbling around in the dark recently in the most important room of the house – the kitchen pantry. The darkness antagonistically concealed the much-anticipated bounty all about me. Desperate to replace the lifeless bulb, I stood on my toes, arms outstretched, resolved to ...

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Tags: sola gratia, reformation, church history, grace, luther

REFORMATION: Sola Fide (Faith Alone)

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Posted by Pastor Mike Kelly on

Grasping the concept of faith can be as difficult as seizing a wayward bar of soap during an early morning shower. Faith is somewhat synonymous with intangibles such as belief, or trust, or even hope. During your next visit to a local pharmacy, preferably an unfamiliar pharmacist, ask her for a ...

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Tags: protestant reformation, theology, church history

REFORMATION: Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)

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Posted by Pastor Mike Kelly on

Endings are a natural part of the Universe. We thoroughly enjoy the experience of living in the Ouachita Mountains, surrounded by the kaleidoscopic colors of autumn.  Ironically, the very season we take pleasure in is actually a brilliant picture of the necessary endings in life.  Life ...

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Tags: protestantism, doctrine

Reformation Week

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Posted by Pastor Mike Kelly on

I was walking along Hernando Trail this past Sunday evening, thinking carefully about an appropriate title for a weekly column in The Voice.  My ever-expanding waistline was clear evidence that I had not been on the trail for some time, as were the many fallen trees that littered the trail ...

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Tags: tradition, church history, protestantism

Symbolism: Unity in Christ

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Posted by Pastor Mike Kelly on

Symbols are part of our daily life. Symbols are things that represent something else by association, resemblance, or convention.  Oftentimes, a material object, used to represent something invisible. As Americans, the American eagle, once believed only to be found in North America, represents ...

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Tags: communion, unity, fellowship

Developing a Culture of Service in the Christian Life

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Posted by Pastor Mike Kelly on

In our Christian walk together, do we envision ourselves on a Cruise Ship, or a Battleship?  The response  to the question is important for those who claim to be followers of Christ. The responses of those who walk into our services on a given Sunday morning ...

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Tags: culture, service, discipleship

Culture of Service

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Posted by Pastor Mike Kelly on

Recently ... while reading behind T. J. Addington in his book, Live Like You Mean It, He makes a strong case for the Christian to; clarify your purpose, live intentionally, and to make the most of the rest of your life. In the aftermath of the most recent storms, VBC had the privilege of hosting ...

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Tags: service, ministry, retirement