In 1891, Kynaston Studd was booked to speak at the YMCA at Cornell University. A rather indifferent Midwesterner student was invited that night to this gathering of college students and only at the last minute decided even to go. Entering late, he was riveted when he heard Studd quote three short sentences from the Bible: … Continue reading John R. Mott – Missionary Statesman
Abandonment Questioned – Why A God-forsaken Messiah?
The Passion Narrative: Matthew 27:45-49 - Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” 47 And some of those … Continue reading Abandonment Questioned – Why A God-forsaken Messiah?
Image is Nothing…Thirst is Everything…Obey Your Thirst
The basic outline below of John 4:7-30 comes from a sermon given by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City entitled: The Living Water. John 4:7-30 - When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into … Continue reading Image is Nothing…Thirst is Everything…Obey Your Thirst
A Wise Woman: A rare find, the fixed center, and focused commitments,
Most ancient and modern cultures demean and treat women as inferior to men…objects to be used, not people to genuinely love and cherish. Not so with Jesus and not so with the wisdom writer of Proverbs. Jesus treated women with courtesy and honor and allowed women into his most intimate group of followers. In fact, … Continue reading A Wise Woman: A rare find, the fixed center, and focused commitments,
Living Wisely by Loving the Right Woman Well
The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about “Loving the Right Woman Well.” Honestly, why should we listen to a man like Solomon who, in spite of his incredible wisdom, couldn’t seem to bring order to his own love life? Here's the best answer I can offer: All truth is God’s truth and … Continue reading Living Wisely by Loving the Right Woman Well
Consider and Avoid the Snares of Death this Easter
What’s it like to be caught in a death trap? To be tricked and ensnared by a supposed gift? Ammi Ortiz, the 16 year old son of a Messianic Jewish pastor, was seriously wounded by a basket delivered to his family’s doorsteps with a simple greeting “Happy Purim!” When he opened it, it blew up … Continue reading Consider and Avoid the Snares of Death this Easter
When The Gentle King of Glory Comes In
When the gentle King of Glory comes into the citadel of your heart, his gentleness begins to pervade your life. We often think of a gentle or meek person as weak-willed, quiet, and reserved. However, a succinct description of gentleness/meekness is: The readiness to suffer wrong by entrusting everything to God. The biblical symbol of … Continue reading When The Gentle King of Glory Comes In
What is your answer to the Tenebrae Question?
During our Good Friday service, we always conclude with what is called the Tenebrae hymn: "Were You There." Tenebrae is a Latin word that means 'shadows' or 'darkness.' It refers to a distinctive worship service that involves the gradual extinguishing of candles while reading the psalms and gospel narratives that explicitly set forth Jesus’ sufferings … Continue reading What is your answer to the Tenebrae Question?
Tools for Meditation During Holy Week
A Hymn for Holy Week Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart. Naught be all else to me, Save that Thou art. Thou my best thought, By day or by night. Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Be Thou my Wisdom, And Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee and Thou … Continue reading Tools for Meditation During Holy Week
A Prayer for Maundy Thursday
Great God, in Christ you call our name And then receive us as your own, Not through some merit, right, or claim, But by your gracious love alone. We strain to glimpse your mercy-seat And find you kneeling at our feet. Then take the towel, and break the bread, And humble us, and call us … Continue reading A Prayer for Maundy Thursday
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