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)
Christ
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
A Pastoral Charge to Young Men Everywhere
Not long ago, a friend of mine had a son who was turning 14 years of age. He asked me to give him a brief charge. Below is the letter I wrote to this young man. You may not remember me, but I know your dad and he asked me to share with you what … Continue reading A Pastoral Charge to Young Men Everywhere
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
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?
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
Treasuring the Risen Christ Who Draws Near
Click below for a devotional guide for Luke 24:13-35 Treasuring the Risen Christ Who Draws Near God’s Word details thirteen post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to His followers. This devotional guide examines one of the more famous ones and my personal favorite. It is found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 24:13-35. Rembrandt painted it four … Continue reading Treasuring the Risen Christ Who Draws Near
Putting on the Kindness of Christ in Marriage
I think the ultimate act of kindness from Christ in the gospel narrative is when he prays for those who are his executioners. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." In marriage, kindness not only involves a willingness to forgive but also an overall readiness to enhance the life of your spouse because … Continue reading Putting on the Kindness of Christ in Marriage
How Christianity Changed the World
“Many today who disparage Christianity may not know or believe that, were it not for Christianity, they would not have the freedom that they presently enjoy The very freedom of speech and expression that ironically permits them to castigate Christian values is largely a by-product of Christianity’s influences that have been incorporated into the social … Continue reading How Christianity Changed the World
A Divine Appointment
Recently, I was studying Acts 8 and Philip's divine appointment with the Ethiopian eunuch and I came across this captivating story of a divine appointment. In 1985 Clarence Duncan arrived in Africa as missionary to the solidly Muslim people called the Yao who live mainly in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi. When he settled in his … Continue reading A Divine Appointment
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