How Shall Man Be Right With God?
The Bible declares that all believers are Christ’s ambassadors, called to share the good news about Jesus with the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). Since Christ ascended back to His Father some 2,000 years ago about 66 generations of believers have assumed this responsibility to keep the flame of faith alive. For this post I thought we might be encouraged by peering into the life of one such ambassador from the mid 1800’s, Horatius Bonar, who was a Scottish pastor and hymnwriter.
Grace upon Grace
On Christmas morning my wife and I visited my father who lives in an assisted living facility. We watched several Christmas carols on Youtube and then listened to a recording of a meaningful sermon preached by Sam Lindamood on Christmas Day 1977. Sam was the pastor at Piedmont Community Church, a non-denominational church where my parents were members. In this sermon, Sam reflects on the profound words from John 1:16, “And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” . . .
The Tender Mercy of God
In preparation for Advent, we turn to the first chapter of Luke’s gospel account and encounter the wonderful story of the priest, Zechariah. and his wife Elizabeth, both who were well along in years and had no children for Elizabeth was barren. One day while serving in the temple Zechariah encountered the angel, Gabriel, who promises his wife will bear him a son . . .
Too Good To Be True? A Paradox!
Have you ever received news that seemed too good to be true? If so, did it turn out to be true? This was the situation with the disciples the first evening after hearing reports of the resurrection of Jesus. When He suddenly appeared to them they struggled to believe He was alive. Scripture indicates “they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement” . . .
Where Is God When It Hurts?
We learn very early in this life that pain and suffering are part and parcel of our experience here on earth. We can all name friends and family who are currently struggling through ill health, grief, addiction, depression, or death of a loved one. Perhaps some of us are struggling as well. What does God think about our suffering? Where is God when life hurts? . . .
The Meaning of the Sunset
What is it about the sunset that evokes in us a sense of awe and wonder? Is it the sheer beauty and tranquility of this moment? Is it a means of divine grace, washing away the troubles of the day, and blessing us with a sense of peace that transcends our understanding? . . .
Our Brilliant Moments
Consider times in your life where you were blessed with a clearer vision of the Lord, moments that British pastor John Henry Jowett (1865-1923) calls "Our Brilliant Moments". . .
He That Planted the Ear, Shall He Not Hear?
Human beings are incomprehensibly complex creatures, composed of 30-40 trillion cells of 200 different types; each cell performing a unique function that collectively keep the human body running efficiently. Included in our bodies are a number of organs, one of which is the amazing ear . . .
How To Deal With Dark Times
A few weeks ago my friend, John, sent to several friends a link to a sermon on Psalm 88 preached by Tim Keller titled “How to Deal with Dark Times” . . .