Jesus expresses his longing for us in what is called His high priestly prayer. He prays: “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world." Here's how Peter … Continue reading Longing for Glory
Jesus
9/11 and the Imprecatory Psalms: Two Opinions
Here's a list of the Lament Psalms known as Imprecatory (Psalm 7, 35, 52, 54, 55, 58, 59, 79, 83, 94, 129, 137, and 140). Claus Westermann claims that these imprecatory Psalms “have once and for all been taken away from Christ’s congregation.”[1] Some of them[2] appear rather bloodthirsty, pre-Christian and inappropriate for believers to … Continue reading 9/11 and the Imprecatory Psalms: Two Opinions
Praying an Imprecatory Psalm as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 Approaches
Psalm 137 is a notable imprecatory psalm. It reads like this: 1 By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept When we remembered Zion. 2 We hung our harps Upon the willows in the midst of it. 3 For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, … Continue reading Praying an Imprecatory Psalm as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 Approaches
If your right eye causes you to sin…
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you … Continue reading If your right eye causes you to sin…
When it is in your power to do it!
Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” Leaders in Christ’s church are usually working to apply the gospel of grace in all manner of conflicts. It could be a struggling marriage. Or, it could be a conflict due to … Continue reading When it is in your power to do it!
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing our children to faith?
This week Chris Ammen, our Children's Ministries Director, ask me a number of questions. Here's the first installment.
Evangelism Defined Simply
Here's one of the better definitions of evangelism that I have seen: "To evangelize is to so present Christ Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit, that men shall come to put their trust in God through Him, to accept Him as their Savior, and serve Him as their King in the fellowship of … Continue reading Evangelism Defined Simply
Is there any significance to Jesus praying in a garden?
Have you ever thought about why Jesus prays in a garden before His arrest? Obviously, we know that it was his custom to retreat to this grove of Olive trees to pray regularly to his Father. Otherwise, how would Judas have known where Jesus was that evening. But, beyond his regular custom for evening prayer, … Continue reading Is there any significance to Jesus praying in a garden?
One Unfailing Friend – J.C. Ryle
Mark 14:50 - "And they all left him and fled." Let us notice how much the faith of true believers may give way. We are told that when Judas and his company laid hands on our Lord, and He quietly submitted to be taken prisoner, the eleven disciples "all forsook Him and fled." Perhaps up … Continue reading One Unfailing Friend – J.C. Ryle
The Difference Between King Ozymandias and King Jesus
Percy Shelley wrote one of his famous sonnets in the early 1800s entitled: "Ozymandias." It concludes like this: "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away. In … Continue reading The Difference Between King Ozymandias and King Jesus