Why do followers of Jesus take time to regularly confess their sins to God? The regular discipline of confession enables us to grasp more fully the beauty and wonder of grace as we are made continually aware of the depth of our need of God’s unmerited favor. Christopher Ash explains: We desire “to encourage self-examination … Continue reading Taking Time to Examine Yourself
worship
The Remedy for Perplexity and a Dulled Conscience
Both for perplexity and for dulled conscience the remedy is the same; sincere and spiritual worship. For worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness; the nourishment of mind with His truth; the purifying of imagination by His beauty; the opening of the heart … Continue reading The Remedy for Perplexity and a Dulled Conscience
The Creed for How Best to Live Your Life
The Apostles' Creed - A Short Video I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third … Continue reading The Creed for How Best to Live Your Life
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…
Proclaiming the Gospel to Ourselves in Corporate Worship
One of our main purposes of gathering corporately for worship is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. We aspire to do this throughout our whole worship service by cultivating in all who gather three things: A dawning realization of the greatness of your God, A growing awareness of your own sinfulness But also a … Continue reading Proclaiming the Gospel to Ourselves in Corporate Worship
The Marks of a Redeemed Community – Worship Reflections
The below reflections come from studying Isaiah 56:1-8. God wants his gathered people to seek him for Himself, not merely for His blessings, great though they are. He wants us “to minister to Him, and to love His name, and to be His servants” (Isaiah 56:6). Then, he promises to “make us joyful” in his … Continue reading The Marks of a Redeemed Community – Worship Reflections
Why worship at Christmas time?
“Gaze on that helpless object of endless adoration! Those infant hands shall burst our bands and work out our salvation; Strangle the crooked serpent; destroy his works forever, And open set the heavenly gate to every true believer.” – Charles Wesley
A Few Great Quotes from Augustine on Worship
Augustine: “You made us for yourself, and our hearts find no peace till they rest in you.” “He loves Thee too little who loves anything together with Thee, which he loves not for Thy sake.” “If the things of this world delight you, praise God for them but turn your love away from them and … Continue reading A Few Great Quotes from Augustine on Worship
Prayer of Confession by Martin Luther
Behold, Lord, I am an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in faith; Strengthen me. I am cold in love; Warm me and make me fervent that my love may go out to my neighbor. I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I … Continue reading Prayer of Confession by Martin Luther
Wise Counsel from a Young Pastor
Learn much of your own heart; And when you have learned all you can, Remember you have seen but a few yards into a pit that is unfathomable. “The heart if deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Learn much of the Lord Jesus. For every look at yourself, … Continue reading Wise Counsel from a Young Pastor
