Kenneth Latourette in his seven-volume work on the history of the expansion of Christianity summaries the influence of Jesus Christ: No life ever lived on this planet has been so influential in the affairs of men like the life of Jesus Christ. From that brief life and its apparent frustration has flowed a more powerful … Continue reading The Influence of Jesus Christ
Devotional Thoughts
A Most Arresting Advertisement to the Gospel’s Power
"Joy is at the heart of satisfied living. It is also at the heart of real and credible Christianity, the Christianity that glorifies God and shakes the world. Joy is not only ‘the serious business of heaven,’ it is also central to serious godliness on earth. 'The kingdom of God is not a matter of … Continue reading A Most Arresting Advertisement to the Gospel’s Power
Transformed by Our Heavenly Defense Attorney
Focusing on Jesus Christ as our heavenly advocate changes us in three fundamental ways: We can take bold risks to communicate Jesus Christ to others. How do you think Stephen was enabled to take such bold risks? What do you think he was most burdened to communicate? We can extend mercy and forgiveness to those … Continue reading Transformed by Our Heavenly Defense Attorney
That’s My King! A Great Way to Prepare for Worship Today
That's My King by Dr. S. M. Lockridge
Enduring Earthly Frowns with Heaven’s Smile – Acts 7
Attached is the link for our Vespers service that focuses on Acts 7 and the sermon and sufferings of Stephen. Enduring Earthly Frowns with Heaven's Smile
Living and Dying Well – Encouragement from Christopher and Mary Love
On August 22, 1651, the authorities beheaded Christopher Love for his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at Tower Hill, London, England. His biography entitled “A Spectacle Unto God” chronicles his life and especially the love that his and his wife Mary shared. This couple had three children...she was pregnant with another child. They had … Continue reading Living and Dying Well – Encouragement from Christopher and Mary Love
“Serve the Lord with gladness.” — Psalm 100:2
I was recently examining the minutes of our elders' meetings during this past year and came across this devotional thought I had shared with our leaders a year ago from the esteemed preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, on Psalm 100:2. It challenged me anew to pray that cheerfulness and joy would mark my service and ministry … Continue reading “Serve the Lord with gladness.” — Psalm 100:2
Hope for Aging Saints When the Storms of Life Come
I am starting to read a book that was authored by a friend, Dr. Michael Parker. It is entitled A Vision for An Aging Church: Renewing Ministry by and for Seniors. Here's an encouraging nugget in the prologue. The majority of older Christians, by virtue of living so long, have experienced the hopelessness of soul … Continue reading Hope for Aging Saints When the Storms of Life Come
Threats to a Growing Church – Part 2 (Acts 6)
Our Wednesday Vespers provides us a time at mid-week to worship, pray, study, and celebrate communion. If you can't make Wednesday evenings, here's a guide through Acts 6 for you to use in praying for our church. We would covet your prayers! Threats to a Growing Church - Part Two
Happy Are Those Who Are Poor in Spirit – A Few Reflections and A Prayer
The Sermon on the Mount describes what human life and human community looks like when they come under the gracious rule of King Jesus… Still today the indispensable condition of receiving the kingdom of God is to acknowledge our spiritual poverty… Thus, to be ‘poor in spirit’ is to acknowledge our spiritual poverty, indeed our … Continue reading Happy Are Those Who Are Poor in Spirit – A Few Reflections and A Prayer
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