This Sunday as we close out our missions festival by focusing on Acts 8:27-40, which recounts Philip sharing the gospel with an Ethiopian. This post simply contains the Scripture with a few devotional questions and thoughts for you to prepare to hear God's Word preached. Scripture: 26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, … Continue reading A Devotional Guide for Acts 8:26-40 – The Gathering at Gaza
devotional
Why Read Your Bible? Eight Reasons from J.C. Ryle
One of my favorite authors and pastors from a previous generation is John Charles Ryle. He was a pastor in Liverpool, England back in the 1800s. Here are a few excerpts from a book entitled Practical Religion that I am presently reading. This chapter is simply entitled "Bible Reading." There is hardly any discipline more … Continue reading Why Read Your Bible? Eight Reasons from J.C. Ryle
A Resource for Praying the Psalms
In recent days, several wonderful devotional books have been written on the Psalms. One notable example that I am presenting using is Tim and Kathy Keller's, The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms. I cannot too highly recommend this resource. Below is a link of my own thesis I wrote a … Continue reading A Resource for Praying the Psalms
Owning Our Share in the Guilt and Grace of the Cross of Jesus Christ
The cross of Jesus Christ was not something that frustrated God’s plan but served as the ultimate fulfillment of His plan. For who was it that ultimately delivered Jesus to die? Not Judas for money, not Pilate for fear, not the Jews for envy, but the Father for love. The Apostle Peter preaching at Pentecost … Continue reading Owning Our Share in the Guilt and Grace of the Cross of Jesus Christ
Prayer of Supplication and Confession – Easter Sunday
O Mighty Father, the tomb calls forth my adoring wonder, for it is empty and Christ is risen! Grant me to be crucified with Christ that I may live a new life, for I wish to be dead and buried to sin, to selfishness, to the world; that I might not hear the voice of … Continue reading Prayer of Supplication and Confession – Easter Sunday
Good Friday – Finding Hope in Suffering
Psalm 129 sets forth one notable feature of our journey of faith that we’d rather not talk about - suffering. In fact, many religions say that it’s an illusion. For some who profess faith in Christ, it causes them to abandon their journey of faith entirely. Where do we find hope when we suffer? Hear … Continue reading Good Friday – Finding Hope in Suffering
Advent Devotional 2: Relinquishing Riches to Make Us Rich
We all have difficulty relinquishing things that we cherish. I still remember my first ten-speed bicycle. It was a fully-equipped, Schwinn beauty that I received as a Christmas present. Not long after I received it, I allowed a friend to borrow it for a quick ride. She then proceeded to get hit by a car, … Continue reading Advent Devotional 2: Relinquishing Riches to Make Us Rich
Here’s the Best, Heart-Warming, Joy-Filled, Rest-Inducing Summary of TULIP
Recently my 18 year-old daughter ask me for a summary of what we call the doctrines of grace. I love the summary below because it is pastoral, practical, God exalting, man humbling, and, most of all, true to Scripture. Total Depravity: “We all struggle with our total depravity that reminds us that we are not … Continue reading Here’s the Best, Heart-Warming, Joy-Filled, Rest-Inducing Summary of TULIP
The Only Power that The Powerless Possess – Acts 12
The Only Power that The Powerless Possess - Vespers Guide I. A CRISIS: A fledgling church faces a crisis (12:1-4) Herod arrests, persecutes and kills church leaders. A crisis rocks the fledgling church: James is beheaded. Peter is imprisoned. Why? In order to appease and curry favor of a group of powerful religious leaders. II. … Continue reading The Only Power that The Powerless Possess – Acts 12
In the Hands of a Loving Father – A Devotional for Good Friday
Today is called Good Friday. What a strange designation! On this day, we remember the execution of a supposed criminal who threatened the power brokers of his society. Thus, he needed to be eliminated. Notice the other hands that were involved in the cruel events of Good Friday. A perfectly innocent was delivered into the … Continue reading In the Hands of a Loving Father – A Devotional for Good Friday
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