Homo Unius Libri – A Man of One Book

The rich man in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus was not condemned because he was rich, any more than the poor man was justified for being poor. The issue was not whether these men were rich or poor, but whether or not these men believed the Scriptures and trusted in the Redeemer … Continue reading Homo Unius Libri – A Man of One Book

When You or Your Teenager Deal with Doubt

This morning I came across this helpful blog post from Christianity Today that helped me in my parental calling. I thought I would pass it along to you. Steve Jobs, Back to School, and Why Doubt Belongs in Your Youth Group Curriculum

Learning to love like Jesus – Who?

John 13:34a says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." Who we are to love? One another. The love of Christians for one another should be the distinguishing mark by which the world recognizes us as followers of Jesus Christ. Love is one of the key terms in Jesus' Upper … Continue reading Learning to love like Jesus – Who?

Learning to love like Jesus – How?

John 13:34 traces two great movements of grace -- 'just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.' Jesus calls this his "new commandment." What makes this commandment new? In a nutshell, "Just as  I have loved you" “New” (kainen) implies freshness rather than simply “recent.” The word in the original Koine … Continue reading Learning to love like Jesus – How?

Learning to love like Jesus – Why?

Jesus says in John 13:35: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Why is it important that we learn to love like Jesus? The obvious reason is that the Lord commands it. But this text offers us two vital reasons why… Fulfill our mission. Learning to … Continue reading Learning to love like Jesus – Why?

Confessing Our Sins Together – based upon Luke 16:19-31

AFFIRMING JUSTICE AND MERCY “Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”  - Amos 5:23-24 He has show you O man; What is good and what does the Lord require … Continue reading Confessing Our Sins Together – based upon Luke 16:19-31

Reflections on Treasuring One Master – Luke 16:1-15

  We so badly want to believe that mammon has no power over us, no authority of its own. But by giving the descriptive unrighteous to mammon, Jesus forbids us from ever taking so naive a view of wealth. We must be more tough minded, more realistic. - Richard Foster Our hearts have room only … Continue reading Reflections on Treasuring One Master – Luke 16:1-15

How can children be included in missional living?

I read this blog entry from the Verge Network this morning and highly recommend this short interview with Paul Tripp. There is also a written synopsis of the interview. http://www.vergenetwork.org/2012/09/19/how-can-children-be-included-in-missional-living-paul-tripp/

Jesus’ Ultimate Desire for You – Part 2

  Jesus prays in John 17:24: "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world." Jesus gives us his reason for why he wants you to be … Continue reading Jesus’ Ultimate Desire for You – Part 2

God’s Providence and Jesus’ Bride

I've recently been rereading the Westminster Confession of Faith and came across this nugget that encouraged me as I prepare to leave a congregation I have served for ten years. It is chapter 5, point 7: "Just as the providence of God in general extends to every creature, so, in a very special way it … Continue reading God’s Providence and Jesus’ Bride