Today is the anniversary of John Newton's conversion. His story demonstrates the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For, at the helm of that storm-tossed boat on March 21, 1748 was a day Newton remembered for the rest of his life, because: "On that day the Lord sent from on high and delivered me out … Continue reading Awed by God’s Work in Your Life – John Newton
Author: 2cherish2commend
What is a Christian?
Here is a sound definition from James I. Packer in his classic book Knowing God in the chapter "Thy Word is Truth:" "A person who acknowledges and lives under the Word of God. He submits without reserve to the Word of God written in 'the Scripture of truth' (Daniel 10:21), believing the teaching, trusting the promises, … Continue reading What is a Christian?
When Politics Get You Down
Take a moment to grasp again how great is our God. The Bible tells us how unlimited are His wisdom, His presence and His power. No where does the Bible set this forth more beautifully than in Psalm 139. J.I. Packer, in his classic book entitled Knowing God, writes: Look at the world's great men - the … Continue reading When Politics Get You Down
The Power of the Word of God in a Young Pastor’s Life
J.I. Packer, as a young pastor, found himself “marginalized, isolated and required to work on unfulfilling and flawed agendas, in a manner that made him think of the Israelites having to make bricks for Pharaoh.” He claims to have lived “like Moses in Midian, with frustration in [his] heart, wondering what God could possibly be … Continue reading The Power of the Word of God in a Young Pastor’s Life
The Portrait of Prodigal Love – Luke 15
Who is the Real Prodigal in this Parable? Tradition assigned the title “prodigal” to the son, but it more rightly describes the Father. The definition of prodigal: Extravagant, exceedingly lavish, and unrestrained. A Portrait of the Father’s Prodigal Love: Our Prodigal Father joyfully restores returning prodigals. Our prodigal Father is generous (v.11,12). Why would the son want … Continue reading The Portrait of Prodigal Love – Luke 15
Psalm 32
Psalm 32 instructs us that the only people who are truly happy are those who experience God’s forgiveness. Therefore, the refusal to openly confess our sins leads only to spiritual and physical misery. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, … Continue reading Psalm 32
Compelled by the Love of God – 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
How easy it is to let fear dominate our lives… What am I going to do if I do not find a spouse? What am I going to do if I don’t get into grad school? What am I going to do if they fire me? What am I going to do if the economy … Continue reading Compelled by the Love of God – 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Idolatry: Causes, Consequences and Cures (1 Corinthians 10)
Why do I lie? Why do I fail to love as I should? Why do I not keep my promises? Why am I selfish? There is something besides Jesus Christ that I feel I must have to be happy, something that is more important to me than God and enslaving me through inordinate desires. My heart is an "idol-making factory". … Continue reading Idolatry: Causes, Consequences and Cures (1 Corinthians 10)
When God’s Word Pours Down Like Rain
Teaching Outline: Rain is the difference between life and death. God’s Word is like the rain. How so? True life (both physical and spiritual) comes from beyond us. We can’t control it; we can only receive it. When God's word pours down like rain, we heed the invitation to our Lord's banquet of grace (Is. 55:1-5). Like rain, … Continue reading When God’s Word Pours Down Like Rain
Prayer of Confession – Romans 8
Holy and gracious Father, the highest court in the universe has declared us completely forgiven, totally accepted and forever loved!” Yet when we find ourselves in a cauldron of adversity and difficulty, we easily succumb to despair and our minds are seduced into believing the lie that you really don't care about us. Forgive us … Continue reading Prayer of Confession – Romans 8
2Cherish2Commend 