This past Sunday I preached from Revelation 2:1-7 where our exalted Lord challenges the church at Ephesus for abandoning their first love. The sermon focused on the five things that our heavenly Bridegroom does to woo back his loveless bride - the church. Preaching on this text has led to some serious soul searching for … Continue reading The Danger of Losing Your First Love
The Design of the Book of Revelation
The Book of Revelation is meant to humble us by a vision of the absolute sovereignty of God over history: past, present, future. There is nothing outside of God’s control. Every power, every evil-power is subject to His rule. ‘There is not a single inch of the whole terrain of our human existence,’ wrote Abraham Kuyper, … Continue reading The Design of the Book of Revelation
The Promise of His Presence – What difference should it make in our lives?
I was reading in my devotional time yesterday morning the last chapter of the Gospel of Matthew along with commentary from J.C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels and came across these gems I felt compelled to share with you. "Finally, let us observe in these verses, the gracious promise with which Jesus closes His … Continue reading The Promise of His Presence – What difference should it make in our lives?
The Book of Revelation: A Manual of Comfort
The book of Revelation is a manual of comfort to the Church
in her pilgrimage through this world
to the Heavenly Canaan of her rest.
What the death of Christ accomplished – J.C. Ryle
That death discharged in full the mighty debt which sinners owe to God and threw open the door of life to every believer. That death satisfied the righteous claims of God's holy law, and enabled God to be just, and yet the justifier of the ungodly. That death was no mere example of self-sacrifice, but … Continue reading What the death of Christ accomplished – J.C. Ryle
MEN: How is God calling you to lead your family?
When a man senses a primary God-given responsibility for… the spiritual life of the family gathering the family for devotions, taking them to church, calling for prayer at meals, for the discipline and education of the children, the stewardship of money, the provision of food, the safety of the home, the healing of discord, he … Continue reading MEN: How is God calling you to lead your family?
The Silent Sufferings of the Judge of the Whole World
"What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!" He who will one day judge the world allowed himself to be judged and condemned, though "he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth." (Isaiah 53:9.) He from whose lips Pilate … Continue reading The Silent Sufferings of the Judge of the Whole World
When You Come Together
The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11 teaches us what not to do and what to do "when we come together" (1 Corinthians 11:18,20). We are not to sow the seeds of division in the body of Christ. We are to celebrate regularly Communion... the Lord's Supper... the Eucharist in our local assembly of believers. … Continue reading When You Come Together
A Mercies Diary (aka a Thankful List)
In my studies this morning I came across a tool from which all of us could benefit. Not long ago, I was on a stroll in the neighborhood with one of my daughters and her baby. For some reason, I went on a tirade of complaining and negativity throughout the walk. Towards the end, she … Continue reading A Mercies Diary (aka a Thankful List)
For Those Experiencing Great Grief and Loss
How do followers of Jesus respond when we or those whom we love experience great grief and loss? We grieve and lament. It is important that we allow ourselves to grieve. Jesus wept before the tomb of his friend Lazarus. Isaiah called him the suffering servant of the Lord who was well-acquainted with grief. Our … Continue reading For Those Experiencing Great Grief and Loss
