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The Rural Think Tank

…It's Different Out Here.

Category: Sermons and Bible Studies

Jesus Is the Resurrection and the Life: Rural Hope When Grief Feels Final

June 8, 2026 by Tracy Kiger

Jesus did not merely promise future resurrection. In John 11 he declared, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Rural churches need that hope when grief and discouragement feel final.

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An infographic titled The King We Did Not Expect: Understanding Jesus’ Triumphal Entry. The graphic is divided into sections comparing human expectations with spiritual reality. On the left, titled The Crowd’s Desire: A Political Conqueror, a warrior is shown on a white horse with a crown and sword. Bullet points include Worldly Power, Military Victory, and Personal Agendas. On the right, titled Jesus’ Reality: A Humble Servant, Jesus is shown riding a donkey while people lay down cloaks. Bullet points include Spiritual Restoration, Sacrifice and Peace, and Servanthood. A center arrow notes that praise turns to silence and encourages moving beyond surface level enthusiasm. The bottom displays three numbered steps: 1. Lay down personal agendas. 2. Embrace the gospel’s peace. 3. Witness both hosannas and the cross. An icon of palm branches transitions into three crosses representing the resurrection.

The King We Did Not Expect

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

A Palm Sunday Bible study from Matthew 21:1-11 on the difference between the king people wanted and the King Jesus actually is.

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 50: Which entry are you paying attention to?

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This message is from 3/28/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ near Westville, Illinois. It takes a look at the Triumphal Entry of Jesus on Palm Sunday, plcing it in hisorical context of other things occurring at the same time. What are you paying attention to?

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Rural Thinktank Episode 49: What’s Your Story?

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This message is from 3/21/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ near Westville, Illinois.     

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 48: Who are you, really?

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This message was given at Morey Chapel Church of Christ on 3/14/21, based out of Ezekiel 37. It encourages you to consider your identity. 

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 47: Does it look like the Neighborhood?

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This message was given 2/21/2021 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ in Westville, IL. 

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 30: The Bible is Bizarre

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This is a message given 1/19/2020 at Bloomingdale Christian Church in Bloomingdale, Indiana.  This covers some of the odd passages that we find in the Bible and how we can see how God cares for us through them, and what theses passages tell us about ourselves

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Rural Thinktank Episode 25: The Corvette in the Barn

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This is a message given at Bainbridge Christian Church in Bainbridge, Indiana on 12/29/2019.  Focal Passage: I John 1:1-10 The Word of Life 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of …

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Rural Thanktank Podcast Episode 20: Epic Fails: Bible Edition – Part II

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This is a message given 11/24/2019 at Bloomingdale Friends Church, in Bloomingdale, Indiana. EPIC fails: Bible Edition. Part II We will be looking at how God used people in spite of their personalities, backgrounds and failures. Week 2 – Fear, Doubt and Past Shame  – We will be looking at Moses, Thomas, Gideon, Peter (Again!), Paul, …

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Rural Thanktank Podcast Episode 19: Epic Fails: Bible Edition – Part I

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This is a message given 11/17/2019 at Bloomingdale Friends Church, in Bloomingdale, Indiana.  EPIC fails: Bible Edition. Part I We will be looking at how God used people in spite of their personalities, backgrounds and failures. Week 1 – Lust, Pride and, Lies – We will be looking at King David, Baalam, Samson, Peter, Jacob and …

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