Reflections for Palm Sunday Worship

No word in my vocabulary expressed deeper hatred than the word interference. And the Bible placed at the center what seemed to me a Transcendental Interferer. —  C.S. Lewis Glorious as Jesus is in Himself, as a conqueror over death, and hell, and the grave, the Son of God is still ‘meek and lowly of … Continue reading Reflections for Palm Sunday Worship

Do You Know Jesus Christ Personally?

“I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” —Philippians 3:8 Spiritual knowledge of Christ will be personal knowledge. I cannot know Jesus through another person’s acquaintance with him. No, I must know him myself; I must know him on my own account. It will be an … Continue reading Do You Know Jesus Christ Personally?

Because You Love Jesus…

Jack Miller served for years as a writer, pastor, seminary professor, and missionary. He constantly and uncomfortably asked probing questions of those who read his books. Here’s one that fits well with this Sunday's sermon text (John 21:1-23) from his book Outgrowing the Ingrown Church: Have you done a single good deed recently simply because … Continue reading Because You Love Jesus…

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

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

The Blessed Hope of Eternal Life in Christ

Put in story form that a child can understand: Then Aslan turned to them and said: “You do not yet look as happy as I mean you to be.” Lucy said, “we’re so afraid of being sent away, Aslan.” "No fear of that,” said Aslan. “Have you not guessed?” Their hearts leaped and a wild … Continue reading The Blessed Hope of Eternal Life in Christ

A Few Great Quotes from Augustine on Worship

Augustine: “You made us for yourself, and our hearts find no peace till they rest in you.” “He loves Thee too little who loves anything together with Thee, which he loves not for Thy sake.” “If the things of this world delight you, praise God for them but turn your love away from them and … Continue reading A Few Great Quotes from Augustine on Worship

The Power of the Cross of Jesus Christ

“The cross of Christ is the door to heaven, the key to paradise, the downfall of the devil, the uplifting of mankind, the consolation of our imprisonment, the prize for our freedom. The cross of Christ is… the safeguard of our faith, the assurance of our hope, and the throne of love. It is also … Continue reading The Power of the Cross of Jesus Christ

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted for the Sake of Righteousness

Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. - Acts 14:22 No other faith of mankind, religious or political, has quite so extensive a record of violent bitter opposition to its growth than the Christian church. - Kenneth Scott Latourette It may seem strange that Jesus should pass from peacemaking to persecution, from … Continue reading Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted for the Sake of Righteousness