Russ Allen's Blog, page 2

The Most Important Easter Detail That You’ve Always Missed

The Easter story is a familiar one to both Christians and non-Christians alike. In fact, it is the world’s most famous story. Almost everyone has encountered the good news of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Each of the gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) provide various perspectives of this historical phenomenon. They all assert … Continue reading The Most Important Easter Detail That You’ve Always Missed

The 3 Most Dangerous Words to Pray

I am ashamed to say that there are three words I have spoken to God only a few times in my life. After all, they are not easy to say, and I am quite sure that the Enemy works hard to remove them from my vocabulary. Yet, when spoken from the heart, they are the most … Continue reading The 3 Most Dangerous Words to Pray

If God Didn’t Create Us… Aliens Did

Aliens are trending. According to Pew Research Center, around 65% of Americans believe that intelligent life exists on other planets. That leaves me in the minority. Although the vastness of the universe may convince others of the likelihood that intelligent life exists somewhere, it’s hard to square the existence of aliens with the words of … Continue reading If God Didn’t Create Us… Aliens Did

Sermon: No One is Good

ROMANS 3:9-20 9 What then? Are we Jews[a] any better off?[b] No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin,10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;11     no one understands;    no one seeks for God.12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;    no one does good,    not even one.”13 “Their throat is an open grave;    they … Continue reading Sermon: No One is Good

Joy to the World and a Deathbed Smile

I put my shoes on in the entryway to my house and looked around. It had all the signs of Christmas excitement. A nativity toy play set lay scattered on the ground, Christmas books were piled on the coffee table, and decorations hung prominently from the hearth, tree, and banister. The triumphant tune of “Joy to the World” was blaring from the bluetooth speaker in the kitchen. A most-fitting melody. I grabbed my coat from the rack and walked to the door. 

“Bye, everyone!”

My two-year-old daughter...

Real Men

A real man leads by serving

He does his best at everything

And never stops learning

~

A real man would rather call than text

He’s a gentleman to women

And makes his no, no, and his yes, yes

~

A real man gives a firm handshake and looks people in the eye

He always walks with his head up

And isn’t afraid to cry

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A real man easily admits that he’s weak

He’s willing to ask for advice

And would rather listen than speak

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A real man cares more about peo...

Celebration is Coming

Graduating Seniors,

This isn’t the ending that you wanted. It’s not just the postponed graduation or the cancelled events – it’s so much more. This was to be a season of enjoyment.

Community. Friendship. Recognition. Celebration.

Despite the noble attempts of others to re-create these realities in the midst of the current circumstance, there is a bitter taste that still lingers. Even in the best efforts to look ahead, be grateful, and say the right things, there is always the undeniable whisper ...

Don’t Date a Good Person

I wrote this blog post 5-6 years ago. It’s a bit unpolished, but wise.

Two days ago I got engaged to the godliest woman I’ve ever met.

I’m SO glad that I took my own advice! If you’re a Christian, you should too.   

 

If I had to guess, I’d say that most of you are reading this right now because of the title. I can’t blame you – it’s an attention-grabber. After all, it goes against everything that we’ve been taught ever since our first serious elementary school relationship.

Don’t date a good ...

When the Next Step Looks Like the First Step

When I became a Christian, I was called. I loved God because he first loved me. I would not have chosen to follow him without first hearing his voice. I was perpetually resistant before he first softened my heart. God opened a door to himself that I had, by nature, overlooked but could no longer ignore. When I became a Christian, I was called.

When I became a Christian, I saw. God had been working in my life for this moment all along. He had been shaping me, even in my rebellion. He had been pre...

The Most Important Easter Detail That You’ve Always Missed

The Easter story is a familiar one to both Christians and non-Christians alike. In fact, it is the world’s most famous story. Almost everyone has encountered the good news of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

Each of the gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) provide various perspectives of this historical phenomenon. They all assert that Jesus was crucified on a cross, died, was buried in a tomb, and rose from the dead three days later. These events have been depicted in churches and ...