Jesus Christ reveals himself in John 10 as "the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep." A helpful way to read the Bible devotionally is to use the discipline of Scripture praying. Here is O Good Shepherd, We praise You for knowing each of us by name. You are perfectly acquainted with … Continue reading Adoring Our Good Shepherd
Devotional Thoughts
Why Do We Gather to Worship God
Have you ever wondered why Christians gather to worship God? Here is one answer: To re-present and respond to the great story of what God has done in Jesus Christ to save sinners like us.The one word that summarizes this story is “gospel” which means good news. There is a distinct gospel structure to every … Continue reading Why Do We Gather to Worship God
A Three-fold Cycle of Worship
There is a notable pattern to many of the worship encounters that we find in the Bible. For example, the prophet Isaiah’s encounter with the great God of heaven in Isaiah 6 offers us a three fold cycle for corporate and personal worship: Praise-Pardon-Petition. This pattern serves as a broad structure to our church's worship … Continue reading A Three-fold Cycle of Worship
A Family for Others from Philippians 2
What does it look like to live as a family for others? As THE MAN for others, Jesus saved us rather than Himself at the cross and, “every time we reflect on the cross, Christ seems to be saying to us, ‘I am here for you. It is your sin I am bearing, your curse … Continue reading A Family for Others from Philippians 2
Our Journey to God in Some Poky Little Church
In chapter two of his book The Four Loves, C. S. Lewis points out that nature, for all its staggering beauty, is limited for the seeker of God; natural beauty can't communicate God's truths about salvation and about the contemplative life of following Christ. "Nature cannot satisfy the desires she arouses nor answer theological questions … Continue reading Our Journey to God in Some Poky Little Church
The Secret to Serving Others Well
Jesus said: “I am among you as one that serves” and “I did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many.” The Apostle Paul reiterated Jesus’ philosophy of leadership: “Ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” So long as there is a human being who does … Continue reading The Secret to Serving Others Well
A Man for Others in Bold Risk Taking
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
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
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