The Word of God cuts through the fog of Satan's lies and shows me where true and lasting happiness is to be found. And so the Word helps me stop trusting in the potential of sin to make me happy, and instead leads me to trust in God's promise of infinite, lasting joy. Psalm 16:11 … Continue reading True and Lasting Happiness
Hope for the Hopeless
From Isaiah 61:1-3... To those who think that their lives are so broken that they have no more heart to try… To those who are bound up in various addictions and besetting sins so that real liberty seems like a cruel mirage… To those who think they will never experience again the favor of the … Continue reading Hope for the Hopeless
The Power of Gospel Freedom
Let me encourage you to go see the movie "Harriet" that chronicles the life of Harriet Tubman. I was moved by her undaunted courage, her strong faith, and her perseverance through overwhelming circumstances. Her first act as a free woman was profoundly simple. After crossing the Pennsylvania state boundary line in September 1849, she says, … Continue reading The Power of Gospel Freedom
Taking Time to Examine Yourself
Why do followers of Jesus take time to regularly confess their sins to God? The regular discipline of confession enables us to grasp more fully the beauty and wonder of grace as we are made continually aware of the depth of our need of God’s unmerited favor. Christopher Ash explains: We desire “to encourage self-examination … Continue reading Taking Time to Examine Yourself
One Way to Pray for Yourself Before Sunday
Have you or someone you know ever said, "Well, I didn't get much out of that sermon." Certainly most pastors are pretty self-critical of their attempts at preaching God's Word and can do a poor job at setting forth the wonderful truths and treasures of God's Word. Yet, you have a responsibility to prepare yourself … Continue reading One Way to Pray for Yourself Before Sunday
One Reason to Pray for Your Church & Pastor Today
There are many reasons to pray for your church and her ministries. Westminster Larger Catechism Question 159 sets forth not only the way pastors are to preach, but also how they are to lead in ministry. To do the following well, your pastor and church desperately needs your prayers! How is the Word of God … Continue reading One Reason to Pray for Your Church & Pastor Today
The Remedy for Perplexity and a Dulled Conscience
Both for perplexity and for dulled conscience the remedy is the same; sincere and spiritual worship. For worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness; the nourishment of mind with His truth; the purifying of imagination by His beauty; the opening of the heart … Continue reading The Remedy for Perplexity and a Dulled Conscience
The Creed for How Best to Live Your Life
The Apostles' Creed - A Short Video I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third … Continue reading The Creed for How Best to Live Your Life
The Power of the Preached Word
Have you ever wondered why the church devotes so much time to the reading and preaching of God’s Word? Like doubting Thomas, we all struggle with unbelief. The Apostle Paul reminds us of the antidote: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). In our natural condition, all of us … Continue reading The Power of the Preached Word
A Prayer of Preparation for Worship
Gracious Father, may all who come within the walls of your house of worship today experience a fresh encounter with You, the living God, so that deep gladness and profound joy overtake them and sorrow and sighing flee away. May all who come dwell in your presence beholding your beauty. For Your presence ultimately transforms … Continue reading A Prayer of Preparation for Worship
