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
gospel
The Transformation of a Scoundrel
If you are a person with a past and you feel hopeless today and think you are beyond God's help and grace, click on this link to hear the story of Judah in first person from Genesis 38. It is a sinister tale, yet God uses the sinful actions of a scoundrel to transform him … Continue reading The Transformation of a Scoundrel
Dare to Tell His Gospel Amidst Much Conflict
The Apostle Paul on Mars Hill in Athens long ago shows us how to proclaim the gospel in a secular, hostile age. Vesper Outline - Acts 17 - Dare to Tell His Gospel Amidst Much Conflict
What inspired Luther to recover the biblical gospel?
In the little town of Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517, a priest nailed a challenge to debate on the church door. No one may have noticed then, but within the week, copies of his theses would be discussed throughout the surrounding regions; and within a decade, Europe itself was shaken by his simple act. … Continue reading What inspired Luther to recover the biblical gospel?
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)
When Discouragement and Despair Knock at Your Door
“All progress in the Christian life depends upon a recapitulation (an act or instance of summarizing and restating the main points of something) of the original terms of one’s acceptance with God” (John Stott, The Cross of Christ, p. 27). This delightful quote points us to an enduring remedy for all our ills, even that … Continue reading When Discouragement and Despair Knock at Your Door
Healthy Church Leaders
Not long ago I had a young elder ask me to mentor him. This coincided with a devotional given to our staff by our pastor at Second Presbyterian Church, Sandy Willson. Thus, below are portions of a letter I wrote using Sandy's outline for healthy church leaders.First of all, thank you for wanting input, friendship, … Continue reading Healthy Church Leaders
Demands and Delights of Advancing the Gospel (Romans 16:1-16)
Demands of Advancing the Gospel 1. It demands sacrifice and hard work (vv. 1-2, 6, 12 - Tryphaena and Tryphosa, v.12 - Persis - "who has worked hard in the Lord") 2. It demands taking risk (v.4) 3. It demands a willingness to suffer (v.7 - fellow prisoners) Delights of Advancing the Gospel 1. With … Continue reading Demands and Delights of Advancing the Gospel (Romans 16:1-16)
Even in death the righteous have a refuge
Proverbs 14:32 reads: "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge." "The wise man of Proverbs saw beyond this dying world; and caught the sunbeams of glory brought to light by the Gospel!’ — Charles Bridges 2 Timothy 1:10b - "Our Savior, Christ Jesus, has destroyed … Continue reading Even in death the righteous have a refuge
Praying for Our Church Family from Acts 19
Vespers Guide for Acts 19 (Click here for PDF) - When the Word of the Lord Prevails During our Vesper service, we sing a hymn together, pray a Psalm, read a chapter of the book of Acts, share a devotional on the chapter, pray kingdom prayers using the chapter from Acts as our basis, and … Continue reading Praying for Our Church Family from Acts 19
2Cherish2Commend 