These are the collected "Focus on Faith" articles that Pastor Kirk Knudsen has written for the Kanabec County Times with a few other posts from Kirk mixed in.
At first glance, Easter seemed like failure, but in the end, it was about victory....
On Easter Sunday 2020, most churches didn't or couldn't meet as gathered Christians. Most of us were hunkered down in our rooms, actually or proverbially, waiting to see what happens. Before they knew of his resurrection, Jesus’ followers were afraid, hunkered down in a room (John 20:19-23). Uncertainty reigned until Jesus unexpectedly appeared. Today and in the coming days, through Covid-19 and beyond, Jesus will show up in our “locked rooms” bringing peace, commissioning us, and promising help....
This is a creative take on what might have really happened in the beginning of Luke's gospel based on research, study, and translation work....
Keep ReadingAt first glance, Easter seemed like failure, but in the end, it was about victory....
Keep ReadingIn the struggle of Covid-19, what is God doing? What is he doing in me and in the world? Why are so many of us experiencing uncertainty, anxiousness, and suffering in such unprecedented ways? Here are a few thoughts about that....
Keep ReadingChristmas is a fantastic reminder that Jesus, Immanuel, comes to us, embracing us in our pain by accepting our sin, forgiving us and freeing us. Jesus Christ, Immanuel, is with us if we receive his forgiveness and follow him. His presence, power and grace are sufficient for everything we face....
Keep ReadingIn our day, people loath others who are different. Different religions, ethnicities, histories, ages, sexual identities, political leanings, mental capacities and beliefs. As we encounter different or difficult people, we can be present with them as Jesus modeled. Jesus is then present with them through us. We should seek ways to eat with people, to go to their turf and to...
Keep ReadingThe God who controls earth, wind and fire is for us. The God who raises the dead is in control of our lives. Therefore, we can take big risks without fear. We can release what is important to us to God’s control. There are many voices that vie for our attention, but only God’s voice matters. Only God can provide food and protection. Only God can provide forgiveness of ...
Keep ReadingForgiveness is a great gift we can give away. Forgiveness is the best tool we have to show people the love of Jesus every day....
Keep ReadingJesus' presence with us can overcome anxiousness, weakness, and sadness....
Keep ReadingWhen we doubt our lovability, our worthiness or life’s meaning, God loudly sings about us. He invites the world to hear him. The one who exacts his will just as he desires sings about you. ...
Keep ReadingJesus wants us to seek him to stop the rain, to calm the storms and to clean-up the water that is ruining our lives...
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