Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17 serves as a pattern of His intercession that He carries on for us in heaven now. It also serves as an example for our own prayer life. In a nutshell, what Christ asks for us, we should ask for ourselves. “Jesus here shows teachers an example, that they … Continue reading The Purpose of Jesus’ Prayer in John 17
An Inspiring Definition of Evangelism
Yesterday, our pastors led us through what is the gospel and discussed ways that we can practically share the gospel with others. We enjoyed hearing a testimony of one of our own who recounted how he recently led a person to faith in Jesus. It caused me to remember this great definition of evangelism that … Continue reading An Inspiring Definition of Evangelism
A Crucial Duty of a Pastor – Preach to Your Own Heart First
A friend of mine and I share a love for the puritan John Owen and enjoy reading and reflecting on his writings. Here's an excerpt from his treatise on "The Duties of a Pastor" that I found helpful and challenging last week. "I think, truly, that no man preaches that sermon well to others that … Continue reading A Crucial Duty of a Pastor – Preach to Your Own Heart First
Trusting God When Life Hurts – Andrew Murray
“He brought me here. It’s by His will I am in this very place. In that fact I will rest. He will keep me here in His love and give me grace to live as His child. Then He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends for me to learn … Continue reading Trusting God When Life Hurts – Andrew Murray
Are you prepared to respectfully conduct yourself in the presence of the King?
It happened at Wheaton College about 50 years ago. Wheaton's president, V. Raymond Edman, a godly man, was speaking in chapel one Friday morning. He had just finished telling about the time he had carefully rehearsed for an audience with the then-emperor of Ethiopia. His application for the students, whom he felt had slipped into … Continue reading Are you prepared to respectfully conduct yourself in the presence of the King?
Church Leaders and Dispositional Sins
This morning our men's discipleship group was examining the theme of "Finding Forgiveness: The Moralist Meets Jesus Christ." We started by discussing David Mains and his article "My Greatest Ministry Mistakes." Two fatal omissions of his ministry at the Circle Church in Chicago were: He never once preached about human depravity and, secondly, the church … Continue reading Church Leaders and Dispositional Sins
With what would you be satisfied?
Here’s a question I have asked myself on occasion while raising my children in terms of my desires, hopes and dreams for them. It comes from Susan Hunt in her book Your Home: A Place of Grace: “Would you be satisfied with children who are well behaved, who avoid drugs, who graduate from college, marry … Continue reading With what would you be satisfied?
LORD vs. Lord
I recent received an email asking the following: I have a translation/word use question I was hoping you could explain to me. In Leviticus 19:18, my ESV says "You shall not take vengence or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your … Continue reading LORD vs. Lord
A Comforting Word for Calvinists and Arminians
When we see the mournful divisions which rend the church of Jesus Christ, let us rest our souls on this comfortable thought. Let us remember that a large portion of them arise from ignorance. We know in part and therefore misunderstand one another. A day comes when Lutherans shall no longer wrangle with Zwinglians, nor … Continue reading A Comforting Word for Calvinists and Arminians
A Challenging Word from Chuck Colson
Chuck Colson, though he is dead, still speaks. Chuck was the commencement speaker at Covenant College on May 7, 1988. Here's a challenging excerpt from his talk that has spurred me to do some reflection recently.Ask not what your age wants, but without which it cannot be saved. Without a restoration of character, this age cannot … Continue reading A Challenging Word from Chuck Colson
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