A Man for Others in Bold Risk Taking (Philippians 2:25-30) Becoming a Man for Others liberates us from the enchantment of security and safety and galvanizes us to take risks in expanding Christ’s kingdom. I. The Hindrances to Becoming a Man for Others – The beguiling enchantment of safety and security can keep us from … Continue reading A Man for Others in Bold Risk Taking
Author: 2cherish2commend
Three Avenues of Spiritual Attack and What To Do About Them
Our church is under spiritual attack. In fact, all churches are under attack. Every single believer in Christ is engaged in a constant, inescapable battle against spiritual degeneracy in three forms: Our unbelief of God’s word, our lack of forgiveness of others, and our unhumbled pride in what we are and have done. So, I … Continue reading Three Avenues of Spiritual Attack and What To Do About Them
Growing in Humility
In one of his ordination charges given while Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Ramsey offered some wise and practical advice on how to grow in humility: First, thank God, often and always... Thank God, carefully and wonderingly, for your continuing privileges and for every experience of his goodness. Thankfulness is a soil in which pride does … Continue reading Growing in Humility
A Man for Others in Radical Humility
J.I. .Packer highlights the spiritual battle we all face: "We are all engaged in a constant, inescapable battle against spiritual degeneracy in four forms: Our unhumbled pride, our unbelief of God’s word, our lack of forgiveness of others, and our aversion to taking risks. All these forms of spiritual degeneration banish true spiritual joy..." … Continue reading A Man for Others in Radical Humility
How Are We Right with God – By Merit or By Mercy? A Devotional Guide through Luke 18:9-14
9 And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I … Continue reading How Are We Right with God – By Merit or By Mercy? A Devotional Guide through Luke 18:9-14
Thankful for the Trinity
Recently we celebrated Trinity Sunday. The music, prayers, and Scripture readings in this worship service focus explicitly on the beauty, power, and work of the triune God. The amazing work of the Trinity is magnified in your own salvation. The Father purposed your salvation before the worlds were made. The Son secured your salvation by … Continue reading Thankful for the Trinity
Thankful for the Holy Spirit
On Pentecost, we celebrate an important event in redemptive history: The time when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to His followers who would live within them and empower them for service. Prayer of Thanksgiving Almighty Father, we praise You for sending Your Holy Spirit upon Your disciples at Pentecost in the upper room. We ask … Continue reading Thankful for the Holy Spirit
Physical Beauty – Reflections, Confession, and Forgiveness
Reflections How do we celebrate beauty without lapsing into either pantheism or cynicism? This will take serious imagination, imagination fueled by reflection and prayer at the foot of the cross and before the empty tomb, imagination that will discern the mysteries of God’s judgment on evil and God’s reaffirmation through resurrection of his beautiful creation. … Continue reading Physical Beauty – Reflections, Confession, and Forgiveness
A Worship Service – Celebrating the Ascension of our Lord
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Today is Ascension Day, and that means that it is a day of great joy for all who believe that Christ rules the world and our lives. —Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison Christ’s ascension means that in heaven there is one who, knowing firsthand the experience of suffering and temptation, … Continue reading A Worship Service – Celebrating the Ascension of our Lord
Prayer of Supplication and Confession – Easter Sunday
O Mighty Father, the tomb calls forth my adoring wonder, for it is empty and Christ is risen! Grant me to be crucified with Christ that I may live a new life, for I wish to be dead and buried to sin, to selfishness, to the world; that I might not hear the voice of … Continue reading Prayer of Supplication and Confession – Easter Sunday
2Cherish2Commend 