Have you ever lived in a city where it was difficult to become an insider? No matter how hard you tried, you always felt excluded and on the fringe. Our experience in church can oftentimes be the same. Have you ever attended a church where you felt like you didn’t measure up and no matter … Continue reading A New-Born King: The Irony – Matthew 2:1-12
joy
The New Born King – The Agony – Matthew 2:1-12
The Agony – How do insiders respond to this news? The birth of this King troubles and agitates insiders… the power brokers of the establishment (both political and ecclesiastical). Rather than rejoicing at this news, they are troubled by it. Now, if we are honest, most of us find repulsive the idea of someone ruling … Continue reading The New Born King – The Agony – Matthew 2:1-12
The New Born King – The Ecstacy – Matthew 2:1-12
The Ecstasy – How do outsiders respond to finding the King? When they find the newborn King, what do they do? When I mention the word ecstasy, I am talking about a state of overwhelming, overpowering emotion. In this case… rapturous delight. See Matthew 2, verse 10. The most arresting verse of the entire passage. … Continue reading The New Born King – The Ecstacy – Matthew 2:1-12
Three Main Avenues of Spiritual Attack
Dr. J.I. Packer is one of my favorite theologians and writers. On many occasions he has brought clarity and insight to the Word of God for me. One article that has been particularly enriching is called "Self-Care for Pastors: Riches from the Anglican Devotional Tradition." In this article, he emphasizes that there are three main … Continue reading Three Main Avenues of Spiritual Attack
The Rescue Story
The Rescue Story - Isaiah 60
A Most Arresting Advertisement to the Gospel’s Power
"Joy is at the heart of satisfied living. It is also at the heart of real and credible Christianity, the Christianity that glorifies God and shakes the world. Joy is not only ‘the serious business of heaven,’ it is also central to serious godliness on earth. 'The kingdom of God is not a matter of … Continue reading A Most Arresting Advertisement to the Gospel’s Power
“Serve the Lord with gladness.” — Psalm 100:2
I was recently examining the minutes of our elders' meetings during this past year and came across this devotional thought I had shared with our leaders a year ago from the esteemed preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, on Psalm 100:2. It challenged me anew to pray that cheerfulness and joy would mark my service and ministry … Continue reading “Serve the Lord with gladness.” — Psalm 100:2
How to pray for those who lead your church
The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 1 sets forth a number of directives for pastors... Pastors are called 1. To work with God's people so that they find their joy in the Lord not in circumstances or any other thing. 2. To pray, counsel, disciple, and preach so that God's people "stand firm in their … Continue reading How to pray for those who lead your church
2Cherish2Commend 