‘We must pay the greatest attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away (Hebrews 2:1).’ Drifting is the besetting sin of our day. And as the metaphor suggests, it is not so much intentional as from unconcern. Christians neglect their anchor — Christ — and begin to quietly drift away. … Continue reading Reflections on Spiritual Drifting
Worship Reflections
The Psalter Lesson for Reformation Sunday – A Responsive Reading
Our Psalter Lesson highlights God’s protection of us, God’s presence with us, and God’s power for us that instills the courage to face and conquer fear. Let us read responsively Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though … Continue reading The Psalter Lesson for Reformation Sunday – A Responsive Reading
Martin Luther & The Courage to Face Your Fears
On Sunday, October 29th, we will celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. We remember on this day that Martin Luther began a process that resulted in the recovery of the biblical gospel. Many congregations will recall the efforts of Martin Luther and will sing his famous hymn based on Psalm 46 entitled "A Mighty … Continue reading Martin Luther & The Courage to Face Your Fears
Martin Luther’s Reflection on Music
God’s Fair and Glorious Gift “Music is a fair and glorious gift of God. I would not for the world forego my humble share of music. Singers are never sorrowful, but are merry, and smile through their troubles in song. Music makes people kinder, gentler, more staid and reasonable. I am strongly persuaded that after … Continue reading Martin Luther’s Reflection on Music
Two Alternate Paths to Take in Life
Henry David Thoreau, in his classic Walden, sets forth two alternate paths that lie before each of us: One is broad, common and natural. The other is narrow, uncommon and supernatural: " The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them. What is … Continue reading Two Alternate Paths to Take in Life
God’s Vision for His Church
God’s vision for His new community - the church. It is His family which He loves, His kingdom which He rules and His temple in which He dwells. As this reality dawns in our hearts, we “shall constantly be seeking to make our church’s worship more authentic, its fellowship more caring, and its outreach more compassionate. … Continue reading God’s Vision for His Church
Word-Saturated Worship
Scripture suffuses every part of our worship services. We call one another to our awesome task of worshipping God with Scripture. We sing God’s praise with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in order to make God’s Word memorable and vivid. The Spirit uses God’s Word to convict us of sin and to show us our … Continue reading Word-Saturated Worship
Our Relentless Quest: Happiness
Many have shot wide of the mark in seeking blessedness. It cannot be found in worldly things, but how ready is man to place happiness in them. The tree of blessedness does not grow in an earthly paradise. God cursed the ground for sin, yet many are digging for happiness there and seeking a blessing out … Continue reading Our Relentless Quest: Happiness
The Majesty of a Forgiving Father
Psalm 130:4 sets forth one of the greatest discoveries that we can ever make: “With you (the LORD) there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” According to John Stott, this verse “contains a beautiful balance because its first part brings assurance to the despairing, while its second part sounds a warning to the presumptuous.” How … Continue reading The Majesty of a Forgiving Father
Worship Reflections for Resurrection Sunday
To a Christian, Easter Sunday means everything, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. — Bernhard Langer The enemies of our joy are banished by our Savior’s resurrection: The finality of death, the fatality of sin, and the seeming futility of life. “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised … Continue reading Worship Reflections for Resurrection Sunday
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