From Isaiah 61:1-3... To those who think that their lives are so broken that they have no more heart to try… To those who are bound up in various addictions and besetting sins so that real liberty seems like a cruel mirage… To those who think they will never experience again the favor of the … Continue reading Hope for the Hopeless
Jesus
The Irresistible Magnetism of a Loving Church
Where true love flourishes, its magnetism is all but irresistible. As the late Bishop Stephen C. Neill has written, “Within the fellowship of those who are bound together by personal loyalty to Jesus Christ, the relationship of love reaches an intimacy and intensity unknown elsewhere. Friendship between the friends of Jesus of Nazareth is unlike … Continue reading The Irresistible Magnetism of a Loving Church
Lord, grant to me and those I love…
a greater sense of the assurance of our salvation,a growing willingness to obey Jesus' word,a growing burden to see Jesus exalted and enthroned in the hearts and lives of others,a growing ability to smile at the future.a growing desire to worship the Lord joyfullya growing willingness to surrender all to Jesus. Prayers from a devotional … Continue reading Lord, grant to me and those I love…
The Ultimate Hindrance to Our Church’s Mission
I came across this challenging quote in my study of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John's Gospel. What do you think of John Milne’s comment on John 17:21 and 23? “The biggest barriers to effective evangelism according to the prayer of Jesus are not so much outdated methods, or inadequate presentations of the gospel, as … Continue reading The Ultimate Hindrance to Our Church’s Mission
For Preachers and Their Listeners
In Mark 1:38, Jesus states succinctly the reason why He came from the Father: "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so I may preach there also; that is why I came.” J.C. Ryle comments in the late 1800s on this verse from Mark's Gospel: Let us never be moved by those who cry … Continue reading For Preachers and Their Listeners
When You Take the Name of Jesus on Your Lips…
Are you depressed by reason of your sin? Let not this discourage you, for his name is purposefully Jesus, because he, and he alone, “shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Listen to the old Puritan, Robert Hawker (1753-1827 AD): "My soul,what do you know practically and personally of this most blessed name … Continue reading When You Take the Name of Jesus on Your Lips…
With Jesus in the Boat
The early church viewed Jesus’ miracle of calming the troubled sea (Mark 4:35-41) as a sign of His saving presence amidst persecution that threatened to overwhelm the church. In early Christian art, the Church was portrayed as a boat being driven about on a perilous sea and, with Jesus in the midst, there was nothing … Continue reading With Jesus in the Boat
A Good Word If You Are Burdened Today
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. We serve a God who sustains and gives rest to His burdened children. He helps his children endure times of difficulty. The word “burden” can mean lot in life… that which is given … Continue reading A Good Word If You Are Burdened Today
A Worship Service – Celebrating the Ascension of our Lord
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Today is Ascension Day, and that means that it is a day of great joy for all who believe that Christ rules the world and our lives. —Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison Christ’s ascension means that in heaven there is one who, knowing firsthand the experience of suffering and temptation, … Continue reading A Worship Service – Celebrating the Ascension of our Lord
Reflections on Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
Matt. 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness” (Psalm 17:15). To behold God’s face and to be changed by that vision into his image, so as to partake in his … Continue reading Reflections on Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
