The early church viewed Jesus’ miracle of calming the troubled sea (Mark 4:35-41) as a sign of His saving presence amidst persecution that threatened to overwhelm the church. In early Christian art, the Church was portrayed as a boat being driven about on a perilous sea and, with Jesus in the midst, there was nothing … Continue reading With Jesus in the Boat
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
Do you feel yourself spiritually and physically weak today?
The prophet Isaiah describes people like us: Bruised reeds and smoldering wicks. Listen to how our Savior deals with people like us: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory..." (Matthew 12:20) What are we to understand by the bruised reed and … Continue reading Do you feel yourself spiritually and physically weak today?
Success & The Dictatorial Demands of Incessant Expansion
Success exposes a man to the pressure of people and thus tempts him to hold on to his gains by means of “fleshly” methods and practices, and to let himself be ruled wholly by the dictatorial demands of incessant expansion. Success can go to my head, and will unless I remember that it is … Continue reading Success & The Dictatorial Demands of Incessant Expansion
One Neglected Implication of Jesus’ Incarnation
Donald Macleod, Scottish theologian and professor, writes: “How often is the incarnation brought before God’s people as their chief incentive and motivation to service. Paul urges us to think the way Jesus thought. He humbled himself. He made himself nothing (Philippians 2:3-8). He said, ‘I don’t matter!’ There is scarcely a month that a church … Continue reading One Neglected Implication of Jesus’ Incarnation
Augustine: Why the Incarnation?
During Advent we marvel at the purpose of Christ’s incarnation. He became poor to make us rich. Here is an excerpt from a sermon by Augustine, a North African pastor from the 4th century: “The Word of the Father, by whom all time was created, was made flesh and was born in time for us. … Continue reading Augustine: Why the Incarnation?
Why did the incarnation of Jesus Christ take place?
During the Advent season, we remember that it was real flesh that Christ took; not the image of a body, but a true body. In the creation, man was made in God’s image; in the incarnation God was made in man’s image. Was there no other way for the restoring of fallen man but … Continue reading Why did the incarnation of Jesus Christ take place?
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
Eternally and Completely Satisfied
Psalm 17:15 describes what theologians call the beatific vision... that moment in your future when you shall see God. It reads: “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.” Think about what you will be in eternity. When you see the King in … Continue reading Eternally and Completely Satisfied
A Psalm Prayer for an Election Year
Psalm 2 teaches believers how to counter the bullying world that intimidates them to retreat and hide. We learn that the LORD's Anointed One (Messiah) is personally and powerfully involved in this world, rescuing and ruling it for His glory and His people’s good. How is Jesus Christ the LORD’s King? He is the Son … Continue reading A Psalm Prayer for an Election Year
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