These wonderful reflections below come from reading and reflecting upon Romans 8. Christians are not guaranteed immunity to temptation, tribulation or tragedy, but we are promised victory over them. God’s pledge is not that suffering will never afflict us, but that it will never separate us from His love...Our confidence is not in our love … Continue reading A Few Reflections for Reformation Sunday
The Reformation: A Time When Men Went Blind, Staggering Drunk…
This coming Sunday we celebrate Reformation Sunday. We give thanks to God for men like Martin Luther who helped the church recover the biblical gospel of grace. Here's two of my favorite quotes by writers who capture with force exactly what happened during this time in history (1517-1689 AD). Robert Capon graphically shares: “The Reformation … Continue reading The Reformation: A Time When Men Went Blind, Staggering Drunk…
Owning Our Share in the Guilt and Grace of the Cross of Jesus Christ
The cross of Jesus Christ was not something that frustrated God’s plan but served as the ultimate fulfillment of His plan. For who was it that ultimately delivered Jesus to die? Not Judas for money, not Pilate for fear, not the Jews for envy, but the Father for love. The Apostle Peter preaching at Pentecost … Continue reading Owning Our Share in the Guilt and Grace of the Cross of Jesus Christ
Have You Any Sickness in Your Family?
Have you any sickness in the house this morning? You will find Jesus by far the best physician, go to him at once and tell him all about the matter. Immediately lay the case before him. It concerns one of his people, and therefore will not be trivial to him. Observe, that at once the … Continue reading Have You Any Sickness in Your Family?
How to Profit from Preaching
The church of Jesus Christ throughout history has given concerted energy and time to the preaching of God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:2). What can you do personally to make sure that you profit from hearing God's Word preached? Before worship, we can prepare in advance by praying for a receptive heart and teachable spirit. During … Continue reading How to Profit from Preaching
The Value of Hearing God’s Word Preached
In our increasing visual culture, some are calling for the church to minimize the role of preaching and the spoken Word. Amid debates like this, we anchor our hearts and ministries to simple passages like 1 Corinthians 1:21 that speak of the power of preaching God's Word.The Apostle Paul writes: "it pleased God through the … Continue reading The Value of Hearing God’s Word Preached
Adoring Our Good Shepherd
Jesus Christ reveals himself in John 10 as "the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep." A helpful way to read the Bible devotionally is to use the discipline of Scripture praying. Here is O Good Shepherd, We praise You for knowing each of us by name. You are perfectly acquainted with … Continue reading Adoring Our Good Shepherd
Why Do We Gather to Worship God
Have you ever wondered why Christians gather to worship God? Here is one answer: To re-present and respond to the great story of what God has done in Jesus Christ to save sinners like us.The one word that summarizes this story is “gospel” which means good news. There is a distinct gospel structure to every … Continue reading Why Do We Gather to Worship God
A Three-fold Cycle of Worship
There is a notable pattern to many of the worship encounters that we find in the Bible. For example, the prophet Isaiah’s encounter with the great God of heaven in Isaiah 6 offers us a three fold cycle for corporate and personal worship: Praise-Pardon-Petition. This pattern serves as a broad structure to our church's worship … Continue reading A Three-fold Cycle of Worship
A Family for Others from Philippians 2
What does it look like to live as a family for others? As THE MAN for others, Jesus saved us rather than Himself at the cross and, “every time we reflect on the cross, Christ seems to be saying to us, ‘I am here for you. It is your sin I am bearing, your curse … Continue reading A Family for Others from Philippians 2
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