To be thankful only for our comforts is to make an idol of this life. “God-sent afflictions,” says Maurice Roberts, “have a health-giving effect upon the soul” because they are the medicine used to purge the soul of self-centeredness and this world’s vanities. Pain, in other words, sharpens us, matures us, and gives us clear … Continue reading The Purpose of God-Sent Afflictions
Devotional Thoughts
What is life about? Reflecting on the Death of an Icon of American Industry
I am indebted to Steve Jobs, the founder and CEO of Apple Computers, for making my day to day work as a pastor more productive and more enjoyable, but it is important that we reflect upon our own lives and mortality at times like these. Moses prays in Psalm 90:12 - "Teach us to number our days, … Continue reading What is life about? Reflecting on the Death of an Icon of American Industry
Dad: The Family Shepherd from Psalm 78
Psalm 78 offers a simple guideline for all of us moms and dads in nurturing in our children a love for the Lord. I. Model the truths of God's Word (Believe and model the gospel.) An Old Testament Model for Contemporary Moms and Dads David shepherded and guided the people of God (Psalm 78:72) HOW? … Continue reading Dad: The Family Shepherd from Psalm 78
Threats to a Growing Church – Wednesday Vespers
Click below for a worship guide for our vesper service that focuses on Acts 5 and two main threats to a growing church: compromise within and force without. Threats to a Growing Church - Acts 5:1-42
The Hazards of Life and the Help of the Lord
A Brief Study Guide: The Hazards of Life and the Help of the Lord Sinclair Ferguson, a Scottish man, who serves as Senior Minister for First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina tells this fascinating account of a powerful use of this particular Psalm. The year was 1582 AD. The Scottish minister John Drury had been … Continue reading The Hazards of Life and the Help of the Lord
The Hidden Teacher & The Logic of Grace – Isaiah 30
Click on the link for our personal/family worship guide through Isaiah 30. The Hidden Teacher & The Logic of Grace
Personal Worship Guide: The Transforming Power of God’s Book
Teach: The Transforming Power of God’s Book (click on the link here for guide) I. God’s Book grants us discernment into how He works (Isaiah 29:1-8) The Holy Spirit uses His Word to show us how God has worked in the past. The first eight verses of this passage show us two things: God humbles … Continue reading Personal Worship Guide: The Transforming Power of God’s Book
Life and Health and Peace
The first to link these precious words together was Charles Wesley, in a classic celebration of the impact of Jesus Christ. This coming Lord’s Day we begin our worship service with his great hymn: O for a thousand tongues to singMy great Redeemer's praise,The glories of my God and King,The triumphs of His grace! Jesus — … Continue reading Life and Health and Peace
A Guide for Wednesday Vespers – When Times of Refreshing Come from the Lord
When Times of Refreshing Come from the Lord - A Devotional Guide through Acts 3.
Nine Marks of a Devoted Follower of Jesus
It is the mission of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ to develop devoted followers of our Savior, but what are the distinguishing marks of this type of person? A devoted follower of Jesus... 1. Enjoys God in worship – EVERY MEMBER A MODELParticipates regularly in worshipping the Lord with the Lord’s people on … Continue reading Nine Marks of a Devoted Follower of Jesus
2Cherish2Commend 