Let’s be honest. Our earthly pilgrimage often involves pain. Genesis 47:1-12 does not fit our notion of a good testimony. In this passage, Jacob tells Pharaoh that his life has been short and sour. That isn’t a very good case for Christianity is it? The thrust of much evangelism today is that trusting Christ and … Continue reading Pain that Prompts Worship – Part Two
suffering
The Pain that Prompts Our Worship – The Life of Jacob
Steven Curtis Chapman has released more than 20 records. He’s won five grammys and seven “Artist of the Year” dove awards. He is certainly recognized as one of the finest artists in the Christian music industry. However, none of that mattered a couple of years ago when his five year old daughter, Maria, died after … Continue reading The Pain that Prompts Our Worship – The Life of Jacob
The Only Power that The Powerless Possess – Acts 12
The Only Power that The Powerless Possess - Vespers Guide I. A CRISIS: A fledgling church faces a crisis (12:1-4) Herod arrests, persecutes and kills church leaders. A crisis rocks the fledgling church: James is beheaded. Peter is imprisoned. Why? In order to appease and curry favor of a group of powerful religious leaders. II. … Continue reading The Only Power that The Powerless Possess – Acts 12
Enduring Earthly Frowns with Heaven’s Smile – Acts 7
Attached is the link for our Vespers service that focuses on Acts 7 and the sermon and sufferings of Stephen. Enduring Earthly Frowns with Heaven's Smile
Threats to a Growing Church – Wednesday Vespers
Click below for a worship guide for our vesper service that focuses on Acts 5 and two main threats to a growing church: compromise within and force without. Threats to a Growing Church - Acts 5:1-42
An Interview Worth Watching
If you missed this interview done by Rick Karle of Fox 6 Sports that was shown this past Saturday, let me urge you to take a few minutes and watch it. I would especially commend to you the words of Ashley Harrison's mom at the end of the interview. It's powerful, comforting, and tearful! http://www.myfoxal.com/story/15384923/carson-tinker-and-ashley-harrison#.TmTKhVDXnF4.facebook … Continue reading An Interview Worth Watching
Resisting the Urge to Complain
Mark 15:4-5 - So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed." Let us learn a practical lesson from our Savior's example. Let us learn to suffer patiently, and not to complain, whatever God may … Continue reading Resisting the Urge to Complain
The Healing of All Suffering – Fyodor Dostoyevsky
"I believe like a child that suffering will be healed and made up for, that all the humiliating absurdity of human contradictions will vanish like a pitiful mirage... that in the world's finale, at the moment of eternal harmony, something so precious will come to pass that it will suffice for all hearts, for the … Continue reading The Healing of All Suffering – Fyodor Dostoyevsky
What if God eliminated suffering? – A Reflection for Good Friday
One question that skeptics and believers both ask frequently is: "if God is so loving, why does He allow suffering and evil?" The Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134) are written to facilitate the worship of God's pilgrim people on their journey up to Jerusalem. One notable feature of the journey of faith is oppression and … Continue reading What if God eliminated suffering? – A Reflection for Good Friday
2Cherish2Commend 