Between The Lines

Forgiven people forgive people. If we've received the mercy of God, why don't we readily give it to others in our lives? Here's the final 2 of 5 reasons we tend to be reluctant to show mercy. Log on to peterlaruffa.com for more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Forgiven people forgive people. If we've received the mercy of God, why don't we readily give it to others in our lives? Here's 2 of 5 reasons we tend to be reluctant to show mercy. Log on to peterlaruffa.com for more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Forgiven people forgive people. If we've received the mercy of God, why don't we readily give it to others in our lives? Here's 1 of 5 reasons we tend to be reluctant to show mercy. Log on to peterlaruffa.com for more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

In this episode, I explain the consistent expectation throughout the Scriptures for those who have received mercy to be givers of mercy themselves.  It's very concerning when we don't see that in our own lives.  There's no such thing as a "mercy-hoarder."  Forgiven people forgive people. Log on to peterlaruffa.com for more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Hear why the "dual audience" to whom Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount is more radical than you might think, and how that is another example of "Upside Down Living" being demonstrated by King Jesus. Log on to peterlaruffa.com for more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

I preached my first message in the "Upside Down Living" sermon series today from Matt. 5:7. The sermon should be uploaded within 24-48 hours to graceky.org/sermons. Additionally, I was grateful to receive an encouraging email from a member of our church after preaching today, which greatly blessed me. Hope you'll encourage your pastor soon, too! Log on to peterlaruffa.com for more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Most people don't think they can change what they crave.  They think they might be able to change what they do, but that doesn't necessarily change their desires.  That might not be the case, though.  In this episode, I draw application from a personal experience of mine that might be a helpful step in growing an appetite for the things of God. For more information, check out peterlaruffa.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

As I promised while teaching at our Counseling & Discipleship Training Conference, here's an opportunity to listen in on Sarah & me discussing some of our favorite parenting resources. Log on to peterlaruffa.com for a list of these resources and more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Right after we recorded our last episode re: the Full Focus Planner, we sat down to set it up. It actually got a little emotional. {:-\ But, it all worked out. Here are some thoughts looking back on a week of using the FFP together. If the planner sounds like something you want to try, log on to Full Focus Planner at fullfocusplanner.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

We heard Pastor Brad on the big screen preach from Matt. 5:6, and had a GREAT turnout at "Connect," which is one of my favorite things we do as a church. Log on to peterlaruffa.com for more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

As a person, I'm a planner. However, I've never wanted to actually use a paper planner. Sometimes they look big & bulky. Other times I just saw it as one more thing for me to leave behind accidentally. Lastly, I could never wrap my mind around better using my time by using a tool that requires time to maintain. I just didn't get it. But about a month ago, I gave the Full Focus Planner a shot, and - I - love it. Serious game-changer. I suggested Sarah give it a shot, and she said "no" (sigh). {:-( But then she said "yes"! (Woo-hoo!) {:-D Tonight I'm helping her set it up. Listen to us talk about some initial feelings about it, and expect an update as to how it's going at some point in the future. If interested, check out the Full Focus Planner at fullfocusplanner.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Pastor Aaron Barnett blessed us with an excellent sermon from Matt. 5:5, which he preached to another record-breaking crowd at Grace Fellowship Fort Thomas (that is, if the numbers are right).  It was a great day. Log on to peterlaruffa.com for more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Part 4 in a series of episodes re: baptism. This series covers the 8 points from my sermon at Grace Fellowship Church on May 6, 2018. In this episode, we wrap things up by looking at points 7 & 8: Baptism makes us more like Jesus. Baptism grows us in our obedience to Christ. (This post first appeared at peterlaruffa.com.) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Part 3 in a series of episodes re: baptism. This series will cover the 8 points from my sermon at Grace Fellowship Church on May 6, 2018. In this episode, we look at points 5 & 6: Baptism is not for babies. Baptism is for believers. (This post first appeared at peterlaruffa.com.) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Part 2 in a series of episodes re: baptism. This series will cover the 8 points from my sermon at Grace Fellowship Church on May 6, 2018. In this episode, we look at points 3 & 4: Baptism is not necessary for salvation. Baptism is normative for the New Testament believer. (This post first appeared at peterlaruffa.com.) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Part 1 in a series of episodes re: baptism. In this episode, I briefly discuss what you can expect in the series, and then hone in on two main points: Baptism does not save us from our sins. Baptism does symbolize our salvation. Yes, that's a lawnmower you hear in the background, but it goes away after a few minutes. #HomeOfficeProbs (This post first appeared at peterlaruffa.com.) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Thankful for Jesús Cantú's sensitivity to God's seemingly impromptu leading among us at church today. Also, looking forward to publishing some episodes this week re: Baptism, breaking down my sermon from back in May. That sermon and today's sermon by Pastor Brad can be heard at graceky.org/sermons. This post first appeared at peterlaruffa.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Sometimes in my cynicism, I tend to withhold talking about the good that God is doing to "see if it's real," or "see if it sticks" or other such nonsense. It's ridiculous, and sinful. This is my attempt to brag on Him, right here, right now, because He's doing great things among us - right here, right now. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

Counseling Homework Cards Cards are available at peterlaruffa.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message

It's always best to study Scripture with Scripture. Cross-referencing Prov. 31:10 with Ruth 3:11 reveals a significant and often overlooked truth about true, biblical womanhood. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ask-anything/message