Monthly Archives: September 2019

John 10:10 and Political Contention

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

Americans tend to think of themselves as independent, being free thinkers who choose to exercise their own political decisions. When we side with one political view over the other we generally find ourselves accused of not being independent and not thinking for ourselves. It’s an argument that is not easily confronted because political views are often emotionally held. Unless, one applies the test of Scripture… The test of Scripture that I’m referring to is John … Continue reading →

Genesis 6:1-4 and Sons of God?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

Are the Sons of God spoken of in Genesis 6:1-4 really fallen angels who had sexual relations with human beings? The passage in question says, “when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose…when the sons of God came in unto the daughters … Continue reading →

2 Peter 2:8 and Angels in Darkness?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

Let’s look at the verse in question, “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (2 Peter 2:8). The word used here for “hell” is “tartaroo” which is a unique word and the only times it’s used in the Bible. I know that some have tried to work it up to mean some type of special location, but it … Continue reading →

Marriage License Requirement & Information?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

You will need a marriage license from the state in which you plan to get married in, before I can officiate your wedding. The marriage license gives me the legal authority to officiate and make your union legal. NEW IN 2018: Some states like Texas, and some counties in Tennessee and Arkansas have begun issuing marriage licenses to their citizens that are valid for solemnizing (legal term for ceremony officiating) within any state in the … Continue reading →

Romans 11:26 and Spiritual Israel?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

In Romans 11:26, Paul says “And so all Israel shall be saved” but doesn’t he mean spiritual Israel and not literal Israel? This is a key verse for those who believe all Jews will be saved by virtue of their being born into a Jewish family or literal Israel, because they also further believe that the Jews will be saved separate from accepting Jesus as personal Savior. About a year ago we had a popular … Continue reading →

Organic Pastor in Simple Church

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

In 2006 I was working at a local hospital as a chaplain and taken back by a high number of patients who could express and articulate their personal belief in Jesus Christ and convictions in biblical doctrines, yet who also had no involvement and fellowship in any church congregation. Many of these same individuals also shared stories with me of their experiences with area churches that told of similar accounts of not being able to … Continue reading →

Asked to Officiate a Friend’s Ceremony?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

Over the years I have officiated weddings along side a family member of friend whom the couple wanted involved in the ceremony, but who couldn’t officiate because of not being church ordained. Most of these individuals have been a godly family member or a friend who was active in their Christian church or was in the process of going to seminary. In all these weddings they were someone who the bride and groom recognized as … Continue reading →

What Changed for Getting Married in Alabama?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

Getting married in the state of Alabama is now a little different than it use to be. The traditional marriage license has been replaced in Alabama by an affidavit document system, which means a couple will need to receive paperwork from any Alabama county courthouse, then get a Notary of Public to verify signatures, and then return that paperwork to the courthouse records division to register themselves as legally married. The proper paperwork is available … Continue reading →

Luke 23:43 and Today in Paradise?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

The question is about Luke 23:43 and the thief going to Heaven that day, but we know that Jesus didn’t ascend into Heaven until 40 days later, so how do we understand this contradiction? Well, let’s begin with the actual verse of Luke 23:43 says, “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” It does appear to be a contradiction when you do consider that … Continue reading →

10 Effects of Sin in Genesis 3

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

This morning at CrossHope Chapel as we looked at Genesis 3, I had mentioned that I didn’t cover something that I had noted to bring out in our study discussion, and that was 10 effects of sin on humanity specifically mentioned in this chapter. So, here are 10 Effects of Sin in Genesis 3: Sin caused separation between Christ and Man. (Genesis 3:8) Sin brought fear into our lives. (Genesis 3:10) Sin brought shame into … Continue reading →

Want to Write Your Wedding Vows?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

On this page, I’ve posted a portion from my book “Simple Wedding Ceremony Planning Guide” on 3 ways to do your vows. You can use these to adapt, customize, or to get you thinking about creating your own. Also, as you scroll down you’ll find a list of verbs you can use to help you in your vow writing exercise. If you have any questions in your process I will be happy to help! Just contact … Continue reading →

Louis S. Durkac

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

My Dad, Louis S. Durkac, died this morning, September 4, 2019. He was 91 years old and the adopted father of 5 adopted children, and he himself was adopted. He died just 2 days shy of his 67th wedding anniversary with my Mom, Irene, whom he leaves behind in a fight against dementia. I am the middle child of the 5 Durkac’s and often accused of being the odd guy out or the black sheep … Continue reading →

Order of Vows and Wedding Ceremony?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

As far as the general order of the ceremony, there are 6 parts: Presentation of the Bride, Introduction to the Ceremony, Exchange of Marriage Vows, Exchange of Wedding Rings, Special Feature (sand ceremony, unity candle, etc.), Pronouncement of Married Couple. You can read more about these in detail in my book “Simple Wedding Ceremony Planning Guide” or just ask me!   Traditional Vows… You have some options with your vows, which you can simply respond, … Continue reading →