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…
Christ
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
J.C. Ryle on Christ in the Psalms
A Greater than David is here! We have probably little idea how much deep truth is contained in the book of Psalms. No part of the Bible perhaps is better known in the letter, and none so little understood in the spirit. We err greatly if we suppose that it is nothing but a record … Continue reading J.C. Ryle on Christ in the Psalms
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
Five Keys to Authentic Community (Romans 16:1-16)
We all desperately need community. This hit me again with great force recently as I was watching the movie "The Count of Monte Cristo" starting James Caviezel as Edmond Dantes. Abbe Faria, aka the Priest, becomes a lifeline to the weary Dantes during his stay at the prison, Chateau d'if. Abbe is a great scholar … Continue reading Five Keys to Authentic Community (Romans 16:1-16)
Facing the Temptation to Live Out of a False Center
How often we base our identity in what we possess, what we do, and how others perceive us. Now if Jesus was tempted to live out of these false centers and gain his sense of identity from possessions, actions, and esteem of others, how much more we who are the adopted sons are called to … Continue reading Facing the Temptation to Live Out of a False Center
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