I AM The True Vine

  I.      Introduction Diane is a wonderful gardener.  Our backyard is an oasis – flowers grow everywhere.  She tends the roses and the hibiscus, which she calls her “biscuits,” and she prunes them faithfully.  And sometimes, she’ll cut an especially beautiful flower and put it in a vase in the kitchen.  And here’s the thing … Continue reading I AM The True Vine

A Response to “The Protestant Reformation Was a Total Failure. Period.”

I don't usually delve into discussions of apostasy or church authority. My own personal feeling is to pursue unity where possible — Paul puts it well in Ephesians 4:3: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." But I recently read an article on Catholic Share by Godwin … Continue reading A Response to “The Protestant Reformation Was a Total Failure. Period.”

I AM The Door

I.      Introduction Think about all the doors you passed through today. You probably didn't think about a single one of them. You just walked through. That's what doors do when they're working correctly — they're invisible. You don't think about a door until it's locked and you don't have the key, or someone slams it … Continue reading I AM The Door

The Temple

  I.      Introduction – The Temple In our class last week, Tommy taught us that we should be prepared for the coming of the Lord.  Well, He’s here.  And here in Luke 2, we get our only inspired snapshot of Jesus between infancy and adulthood.  And we’ll see in just a few short verses something … Continue reading The Temple

Finding Wisdom

I.             Introduction An old friend once told me a story that every married man understands. His wife tried on a new dress and asked, “Does this dress make me look fat?” He answered with complete honesty. It was true - and it was also unwise. Later he said something I have never forgotten: truth and … Continue reading Finding Wisdom

Confession, Reconciliation, Celebration

I.             Icebreaker — Stories of Reconciliation Before we turn to Nehemiah, let me connect us to where we’ve been the past couple of weeks. Two weeks ago, Tommy used home renovation shows—things like Property Brothers—to help us think about rebuilding. That fit Nehemiah well, because Nehemiah quite literally asks the king for permission to rebuild … Continue reading Confession, Reconciliation, Celebration

God Protects Us

             I.      Introduction We all arrived safely at the office today. Raise your hand if you’re not here. We don’t always stop to think about it, but even something as ordinary as getting to work safely is evidence of God’s care. Scripture reminds us that our steps are ordered by the Lord, and His protection … Continue reading God Protects Us

Esther: Queen of the Darkest Night

I.             Introduction Israel had long been warned that disobedience would lead to captivity. Jerusalem fell, many were exiled, and empires changed hands. Daniel not only foretold the rise of Persia—he also lived through the transfer of power as God’s people remained in exile. Esther takes place in the Persian Empire after Babylon fell, when many … Continue reading Esther: Queen of the Darkest Night

Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving

  I.      Introduction The air is filled with the warm aromas of a hearty feast, families gather around tables laden with dishes like roast turkey, sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole. Expressions of gratitude echo through the air during this festive season, as traditions like cranberry sauce and dressing bring family and friends together.  Beyond … Continue reading Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving

Blessings for Those Who Fear the Lord

The content reflects on Psalm 128, emphasizing that true success is found in reverence for the Lord, rather than societal measures like wealth or titles. It illustrates how blessings extend from individual faith to family and community, advocating for a life focused on God's guidance. Happiness arises through obedience and faithful living.

Forgiveness

The content discusses the profound nature of forgiveness as exemplified in Psalm 32, highlighting the contrast between God’s unconditional forgiveness and human reluctance to forgive. It shares tragic stories, notably the Amish community's response to a shooting, emphasizing how true forgiveness is a choice that leads to healing and joy.

Our Creator

             I.      In the Beginning In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.  And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  And God saw the light was good.  God separated the light from the darkness, and there was evening, and there was morning, and there was the first day. And … Continue reading Our Creator

Does God Exist?

             I.      Introduction "God is Dead."  -Nietzsche, 1882. "Nietzsche is Dead."  -God, eternal. We're working through various Psalms for a few weeks, and this week we'll explore how God reveals Himself to us.  In other words, How do I know God exists, and how does that affect me?  Does God Exist? In 2009, journalist John … Continue reading Does God Exist?

Enduring Trials

Enduring Trials for the Glory of Christ How Suffering Purifies, Strengthens, and Prepares Us for Eternal Glory I. Introduction In 1 Peter 4:12–19, Peter speaks tenderly but urgently to Christians facing trials. Last week in 1 Peter 4:7-11, Peter had called believers to stay focused on prayer, love, hospitality, and service. Now, he turns directly … Continue reading Enduring Trials

Pray, Love, Serve

In 1 Peter 4:7-11, Peter emphasizes living purposefully as believers, urging spiritual alertness, deep love, and faithful service in light of Christ's imminent return. He encourages prayerful living, selfless love, and the responsible use of spiritual gifts to glorify God, highlighting the importance of community and unity amidst challenges.

Submission and Suffering

In 1 Peter 2:18-25, Peter instructs believers to submit to their masters, emphasizing respectful conduct even in harsh situations. He advocates for enduring unjust suffering as a commendable act of faith, mirroring Christ’s example. Ultimately, such trials lead to spiritual strength and divine recognition, reaffirming God's purpose in believers' lives.

In the World, Not Of the World

Christians are temporary residents in this world, called to live righteously and submit to authorities as a reflection of their faith. It encourages believers to appreciate life’s beauty while remembering their eternal destination, acting as ambassadors of Christ through loving behavior, and adhering to God’s will above all.

Love and Obedience

We explore Peter's teaching in 1 Peter 1:22-25 about the significance of obedience, purification, and sincere love among believers. It highlights that true love, stemming from a transformed heart, is rooted in the eternal Word of God, contrasting the fleeting nature of human life with the permanence of God's promises and the transformative power of the gospel.

Be Holy

1 Peter 1:13-16 emphasizes the call to holiness for believers, highlighting the importance of mental preparedness, sobriety, and hope in Christ’s grace. Peter encourages followers to shed past ignorance, embrace moral purity, and embody God's holiness in all aspects of life, ensuring that their conduct reflects their identity as God's children.

Imitate God: Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom

Ephesians 5:1-21 emphasizes living in reflection of God’s character through love, light, and wisdom. Paul encourages believers to embody Christ-like love, reject immoral behaviors, and make intentional, Spirit-led choices. This transformation fosters community unity and a distinctive witness in a morally ambiguous culture, underscoring the significance of intentional Christian living.

Unity and Maturity

In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul emphasizes believers' unity and spiritual maturity. He calls for humility, gentleness, patience, and love to maintain this unity, which is the Holy Spirit's work. Each believer has unique gifts for church edification, aiming for Christlikeness and stability in truth, fostering a healthy church community.

God’s Unfolding Plan for the Gentiles

Introduction: God’s Unfolding Plan for the Gentiles In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul reflects on his role in revealing the "mystery" that had been hidden for ages—that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel in God’s redemptive plan. God’s eternal purpose, beginning with Adam and continuing through Abraham and Israel, culminates in Christ. From the very beginning, God’s … Continue reading God’s Unfolding Plan for the Gentiles

Ephesians 2:1-10 From Death to Life

In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul emphasizes the transformative journey of believers, highlighting humanity's past spiritual death and need for salvation. God's rich mercy and grace lead to renewed life through faith in Christ, free from boasting. Believers are created for good works as evidence of their faith and God's purposeful design.

Ephesians 1:1-14: Understanding Our Identity and Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Paul's letter to the Ephesians unveils spiritual wisdom and blessings in Christ. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and the believers' identity as saints, apart from worldly achievements. Paul discusses grace, predestination, redemption, and the Holy Spirit's seal, contrasting with secular views. This comprehensive understanding directs believers towards eternal and spiritual realities.

The Last Hours: Part 3

Under pressure, Christians often struggle to openly demonstrate their faith. The denial of Jesus by Peter, driven by fear and pride, exemplifies this. However, Peter's restoration by Jesus reflects God's forgiveness and the transformative power of grace. This serves as a reminder of our need for humility and dependence on God in our journey of faith.

The Last Hours, Part 2

This week's passage in Matthew 26:26-56 showcases significant events in Jesus' life. It includes the institution of the Lord's Supper, Peter's denial prediction, Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, and His subsequent arrest. These events emphasize fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus' obedience to God's will, and the symbolism of the Lord's Supper elements.

The Last Hours, Part 1

I.             Introduction Over the next three weeks, we will study Matthew 26, focusing on the last hours of Jesus, His arrest, and the trial events. Today, we begin with Matthew 26:1-25. This passage covers the events leading up to Jesus' arrest, marking the beginning of the Passion narrative. It includes Jesus predicting His crucifixion, the … Continue reading The Last Hours, Part 1

The Signs of the Times

The Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 explores the signs preceding Christ's return and stresses the importance of understanding biblical prophecy. It begins with Jesus predicting the temple's destruction, symbolizing the end of an era. The passage discusses signs like deceptions, wars, famines, and earthquakes as indications of the approaching end times, emphasizing the need for endurance. It also highlights the significance of the "abomination of desolation" and the great tribulation, culminating in cosmic disturbances heralding the Second Coming.

The Rich Young Ruler

The passage from Matthew 19:16-26 delves into the interaction between Jesus and the rich young ruler, offering insights into wealth, discipleship, and reliance on the Lord. It explores the challenges of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material abundance, emphasizing the role of divine grace in achieving true discipleship and entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Muse

Muse. I need a good muse. I spent so much traveling time at the end of last year, I just couldn't really take the time to post anything. On the road it's hard enough since internet access and free time is limited. When I got back, I sort of decompressed and didn't write anything. Just … Continue reading Muse

Tower of Babel

Even though lunch today is at Fajita Flats, I brought along a suggestion from a restaurant I was recently visiting called La Place in Hengelo, The Netherlands. Here’s also a list of today’s specials; I can highly recommend the voorgerecht. (Other handouts go here: the complete menu, shopping flyers, German newspaper, Dutch newspaper, French airport … Continue reading Tower of Babel

Jesus and Money

Jesus and Money Recently in a comment, I was challenged regarding posting my stock selections; the concern from Chris was that such financial considerations were incongruous with the teachings of Jesus. Chris Says: September 18th, 2007 at 11:03 am I find it somewhat ironic and mildly amusing that your blog contains articles of spirituality along … Continue reading Jesus and Money

Dependence

I’m going to be honest about my struggles this week to study for Zechariah books 4-6. Zechariah is full of symbolism and things difficult to explain and interpret. When I started studying it, I was lost. It was like trying to understand the book of Revelation using only a Julia Childs cookbook for interpretation. Things … Continue reading Dependence

Silence!

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know I haven't posted much. Been really, really busy. I still owe Jennifer my answers to The Eight. I'll get to it, soon, I hope. I wanted to blog about how the Democrats are findng religion. Apparently it's ok with The Media if the Democrats talk about their faith, but if … Continue reading Silence!

Christian Carnival CLXXV

Christian Carnival #175 is up with this week's best Christian blogging. Some highlights - The personally customizable, downright accommodating and tolerant Jesus Every as[ect of our lives is touched by faith The emptiness of atheism

Christian Carnival CLXXIII

The 173rd Christian Carnival is up at Pseudo-Polymath and contain this week's best Christian blogging. Some highlihts - Are you treating the bible like Cinderella? Love covers a multitude of sins. God can do what He says He can do.

Bits and Pieces

The news isn't interesting yet again today. Republicans admire the Democrat's desire to surrender. I don't disagree that the Iraq war must end eventually, I just don't think Congress should be dictating it. But I'm alone on that point, I think. Tammy Faye Bakker is preparing to die, but aren't we all. I don't spend … Continue reading Bits and Pieces