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
Devotional Thoughts
The Biggest Barrier to Reaching People with the Gospel
John Milne, in his commentary on John's Gospel, writes: “The biggest barrier to effective evangelism according to the prayer of Jesus is not so much outdated methods, or inadequate presentations of the gospel, as realities like gossip, insensitivity, negative criticism, jealousy, backbiting, an unforgiving spirit, a root of bitterness, failure to appreciate others, self-preoccupation, greed, … Continue reading The Biggest Barrier to Reaching People with the Gospel
Pray What Jesus Prays for Your Church
In His high priestly prayer, Jesus prays that His church would be a community where love rules all relationships. A community that would guard its unity by loving others well (17:21,23, 26). The church is to be a unified community where love is lived out purposefully in relationships. The church should be made up of people … Continue reading Pray What Jesus Prays for Your Church
What does Jesus Christ want of you today?
Revival begins when all eyes are on Jesus, revival ends when all attention is cast on the gifts, blessings, and manifestations of revival. When we ask, “What does Jesus Christ want of me today?” Revival begins in our hearts for that moment, for that hour, for that day. “What does Jesus want of me … Continue reading What does Jesus Christ want of you today?
Reflections on Jesus’ Ultimate Desire for You from John 17:24
Can anything equal the breath-taking tenderness of Jesus’ final request - “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” (John 17:24). - Adapted from William … Continue reading Reflections on Jesus’ Ultimate Desire for You from John 17:24
The Purpose of Jesus’ Prayer in John 17
Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17 serves as a pattern of His intercession that He carries on for us in heaven now. It also serves as an example for our own prayer life. In a nutshell, what Christ asks for us, we should ask for ourselves. “Jesus here shows teachers an example, that they … Continue reading The Purpose of Jesus’ Prayer in John 17
An Inspiring Definition of Evangelism
Yesterday, our pastors led us through what is the gospel and discussed ways that we can practically share the gospel with others. We enjoyed hearing a testimony of one of our own who recounted how he recently led a person to faith in Jesus. It caused me to remember this great definition of evangelism that … Continue reading An Inspiring Definition of Evangelism
A Crucial Duty of a Pastor – Preach to Your Own Heart First
A friend of mine and I share a love for the puritan John Owen and enjoy reading and reflecting on his writings. Here's an excerpt from his treatise on "The Duties of a Pastor" that I found helpful and challenging last week. "I think, truly, that no man preaches that sermon well to others that … Continue reading A Crucial Duty of a Pastor – Preach to Your Own Heart First
Trusting God When Life Hurts – Andrew Murray
“He brought me here. It’s by His will I am in this very place. In that fact I will rest. He will keep me here in His love and give me grace to live as His child. Then He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends for me to learn … Continue reading Trusting God When Life Hurts – Andrew Murray
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