Recently I led a group of men through a study of Psalm 71 on "What do you hope for and what do you live for?" The Psalmist prays: "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those … Continue reading Do Not Forsake Me Until I…
discipleship
A Challenging Quote from Hudson Taylor
Recently I was rereading Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret and came across this quote that has always served as an inspirational challenge and I commend it to you! For us in the West today, Christianity is easy going on steroids. However, it will not always be this way. Better to begin paying the price now to … Continue reading A Challenging Quote from Hudson Taylor
Remaining Loyal to Jesus Until the End
The gospel of Jesus Christ demands my utmost devotion. Listen to the words of a young preacher from Zimbabwe: “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit’s power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made; I’m a disciple of His! I … Continue reading Remaining Loyal to Jesus Until the End
What Old Disciples Owe the Young Ones
“…Until I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:18). “It is a debt which the old disciples of Christ owe to the succeeding generations to leave behind them a solemn testimony to the power, pleasure, and advantage of knowing Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s … Continue reading What Old Disciples Owe the Young Ones
The Essence of Discipleship
John 12:26 - Whoever serves me must follow me... J.C. Ryle offers a challenging word especially to us all: "As the soldier follows his general, as the servant follows his master, as the scholar follows his teacher; as the sheep follows its shepherd, just so ought the professing Christian to follow Christ. Faith and obedience … Continue reading The Essence of Discipleship
Reflections on “Those Who Mourn”
“Blessed are those who mourn” is, paradoxically, a more necessary message than “Rejoice in the Lord always,” because there can be no true rejoicing until we have stopped running away from mourning. - Simon Tugwell, The Beatitudes The disciples bear the suffering laid on them only by the power of Him who bears all suffering … Continue reading Reflections on “Those Who Mourn”
Three Family Faith Busters
Every Christian parent desires to see their children embracing a vibrant faith in Jesus and serving well His kingdom purpose throughout their lives (3 John 4; Acts 13:36). To this end, our children’s ministry recently hosted a number of parents from both inside and outside our church to hear noted speaker and best-selling author, Vicki … Continue reading Three Family Faith Busters
Spiritual Friendship and Spiritual Direction
I led a group of men in our church through a study on Spiritual Friendship this summer. We used as a companion guide to the Scriptures David Benner's book entitled Sacred Companions. He basically contends that every follower of Jesus needs two types of companions in their spiritual journey: Spiritual friends and a spiritual director. … Continue reading Spiritual Friendship and Spiritual Direction
A Few Distinguishing Features of Christ-likeness
Below are a few thoughts gleaned from James I. Packer in CRUX, the periodical of Regent College in Vancouver, Canada. “With God’s blessing of our efforts, what kind of Christians will be formed by the kind of adult catechesis that we have in mind in our church community? Catechesis is a word that summaries the … Continue reading A Few Distinguishing Features of Christ-likeness
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