Acts 15:36 – Acts 16:5 Walking by Grace and Not Works
The biggest tragedy for the believer is that he is robbed of the spiritual wealth that is his by abiding in Christ. Legalists rob the Christian of his liberty. Legalists do not live by the Spirit, but by rules and regulations. He is bound to laws and traditions instead of walking by faith in […]
Luke 2:25-38 The Saints Anticipate Salvation in Christ
Let me then take your thoughts along the history of our Savior for a few moments. Far back into the ages, when as yet this world and sun and moon were not created — when God dwelt alone — then, in the foreknowledge of God, it was apparent that man would sin — that […]
Micah 5:2-5 The Birth of the Deliverer
Micah of Morasheth was burdened with a prophetic gift of discernment from God. Almost in spite of himself, Micah saw God at work behind the dramatic changes on the national scene as well as the international scene, all of which affected his people deeply. Micah saw judgment coming. Micah tried to call his people, the […]
Laugh!
Read Genesis 21:1-7 It happens just at the time God knew it would and should. You hear it in the middle of Advent, a whole string of notes that just come along and untie you: “Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.” Notes like an echo of laughter. Like children throwing back their heads and letting laughter, this oxygenated grace, cascade […]
Advent 2013 – Christ’s Coming Brings Victory Over Satan
Jesus became man because what was needed was the death of a man who was more than man. The incarnation was God’s locking himself into death row. Christ did not risk death. He embraced it. That is precisely why he came: not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom […]
Philippians 2:1-11 The Incarnation of Christ Brings Hope for the Nations
In stark contrast to men, who are striving to gain power and prestige, we find the Second Person of the Godhead, who was willing to lay aside self-interest in order to save men. We can hardly imagine what a concession it would have been for our Lord to have left Heaven, where myriads of […]
Revelation 5:9-10 Why Unreached People Groups?
God’s great goal in all of history is to uphold and display the glory of his name for the enjoyment of his people from all the nations. The question now is: Why does God pursue the goal of displaying his glory by focusing the missionary task on all the peoples of the world? How does this […]
Battle Discontentment with Community
If you struggle with contentment, I would encourage you to watch this short 2 minute video (Community Costs). Being a part of a church plant is not easy. Some of us have moved away from family to be here. Some of us have moved away from friends that we have history with to see the […]
Isaiah 6:1-8 Why the Nations?
Now who’s the object of Christianity? God is. And everything is made to center around Him. God doesn’t bless us to center on us; He blesses us for His sake. He pours out grace and salvation on us for His sake. Who of us would be so arrogant as to think that we are […]
Acts 15 – The Purity of the Gospel in Salvation by Grace Alone
The Apostles did not believe in self-righteousness. The creed of the world is, “Do your best and it will be all right with you.” To question this is treason against the pride of human nature, which evermore clings to salvation by its own merits. Every man is born a Pharisee. Self-confidence is bred in […]
