All of us have things we want in our lives and those we want out - this is especially true when it comes to character traits and habits. Most of the advice we get leads us to find just the right secret method or level of self-discipline so we might change. However, when it comes […]
Visiting pastor, Chris Garriot, brings us encouragement from Genesis 12.
Every healthy relationship requires honesty. Our relationship with God is no different: if it’s real, if it’s to be healthy, it’ll require transparency and hard conversations. This is why confession is a vital part of getting to know God as real person - restoring our relationship with Him. In this section of the Lord’s Prayer, […]
The second half of the Lord’s Prayer concerns “petitions” or requests, that is, the bringing of our needs to God. The fact that Jesus invites us to bring our needs before God teaches us much about who we understand God to be, but also who we understand ourselves to be. It
also raises questions: Should a […]
All of us have a vision of the world. So, does the Bible: it’s called the Kingdom of God. A Kingdom for which Jesus instructed his followers to pray. But, understanding how to pray for this, means we must know something of what it looked liked in Jesus life and ministry.
Note: Due to unforeseen circumstances […]
As Jesus teaches his followers how to pray to God he tells them to “hallow” God’s name. This may be the least understood part of the Lord’s Prayer, yet the most natural to us. Meaning, we all “hallow” things all the time; that is, lift things up as all-important and great. The question is, in […]
The more we are confronted with real life, the more apt we are to pray, yet, at this very point we feel at a loss. Either not knowing how to pray, or sensing the weakness of our prayers. Jesus meets His disciples at this very point. When the admit they don’t know how to pray, […]
Embedded deep within our hearts is a desire to have a great leader- also to be one. God has made us after His image, therefore, leadership is part of our nature. However, we often have to de-learn the model of leadership which we’re accustomed to, and re-learn the one Jesus modeled. By understanding who Jesus […]
The prospect of death raises three questions for us: 1) What about the way I’ve lived (or not lived)? 2) What about a life after death? 3) What about the people and things I’m leaving behind? As we look at
the death of Moses we find God addressing all three. And how, like Moses, we might […]
The choices we make really matter. They end up prospering or destroying us. And the Bible teaches that they effect our eternal destinies. And, yet we’re also reminded daily of our inability to choose what is good, right and true. Moses holds out hope for the Israelites and us. He speaks of God’s Word coming […]
Everyone sees life through a lens. And, that lens, in many ways, is our view of God. Who we understand God to be has everything to do with how we see the landscape of our lives; especially our fears. As Israel draws near to the land there are two distinct responses and two distinct view […]
Deep in our hearts, we long for honesty community and authentic relationships—until we’re wronged and deeply hurt by others. Forgiveness is a fairly universal ethic (people generally agree it’s a good thing); yet the lingering question for all of us is, Where do you draw the line? Sure it’s good to forgive—but as long as […]
Scott Seaton, pastor of Emmanuel Church in Arlington, speaks with us about Christian identity, and how even Jesus (John 2:12-22) found a “gap” between how followers of God are supposed to be, and how we actually are. Scott encourages us to hope for how things can be, and to look beyond our human, imperfect selves […]
Guest speaker Rev. Walt Nilsson speaks to us about faith and doubts, and how much “belief” is necessary to be a Christian.
We are called to two simultaneous, but difficult things with respect to the burdens of others. One, is helping others bear burdens, the other learning where that responsibility begins and ends. How do we know when we’re over-burdening ourselves? Moses helps us see. He is
showing signs of being over-burdened. And, God lifts his burden […]
Envy is probably one of the most pervasive but least dealt with “sicknesses” in our hearts. Why don’t we deal with it? We don’t think envy’s that bad; we don’t really know how to fix it anyway; and honestly dealing with the true envy of our hearts is sometimes too threatening—we might discover stuff we […]
When we understand there is a purpose to pain, we’re willing to endure it. Athletic training is an example - enduring the pain for the sake of victory. Or, the way our bodies communicate to us via pain, letting us know that healing is needed. God is seeking to teach Israel that lesson. We often […]
A pattern emerges in the life of the people of Israel: they find themselves thirsty, and then instead of crying to God they complain, instead of reflecting on his faithfulness, they accuse. And, we find ourselves doing the same. In the areas where we feel thirst of soul, our temptation is follow the path of […]
Many of us are aware of our need for human mediation, that is, someone to stand between ourselves and another to reach agreement; perhaps it is a friend standing between ourselves and another friend, a boss standing between ourselves and a co-worker, or a counselor standing between ourselves and a spouse. But, we don’t often […]
What do you turn to when you’re afraid, especially when it feels like God has abandoned you or is slow to show up? When the Israelites faced these fears, they turned to a calf made of gold to give them security and stability. We do the same thing: there’s a Golden Calf Maker in all […]
As we read through the Ten Commandments, we see some start with actions (do not kill, steal), some with attitude (honor your parents), but only one starts with the hidden heart - “You shall not covet”. This is often the sin that upstanding, religions folks are most prone toward - because it’s the only one […]
As we look for help while battling the vices in our lives - anger, controlling others, running to alcohol or pills, constantly fearing others opinions - we often don’t think about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. How could that event have relevance for my ongoing, dark
struggles? But, this is exactly where the Bible goes. In […]
“Language is a community’s lifeblood”. The Bible teaches that God has endowed humans with an elevated gift of words - and those words are powerful. The way our words go is the way our relationships go. And, so the ninth commandment - “You shall not bear false witness” (pertaining to all lying), means a lot […]
It’s not often that we see our view of God’s goodness and generosity effecting whether we steal or not, but it does. It’s also not often that we understand lack of generosity to be a breaking of the eighth commandment, but it is. You Shall Not Steal, brings us straight to our understanding of who […]
The wisdom the Bible offers on the topics of sex and marriage is extremely unpopular these days, sometimes even for those within the Church. Some may even consider the Seventh Commandment against adultery to be immoral—that it’s perverse and unhealthy to restrict our “natural” sexual impulses in any way. But the Bible tells us that […]
The Sixth Commandment is the one to which most folks respond: “Well, at least I haven’t done that”. But, when we grasp the long reach of these commandments we understand that isn’t true. In fact, according to Jesus, it’s likely we transgress this commandment everyday. Early on in the history of men, murder was introduced […]
“Honor your Father and Mother”–is there any commandment that pushes our buttons more? Why, of all relationships, does God highlight one so complex and with such history? There is no relationship like that of parent and child, and, as we read the Bible we see that it’s not only central to our lives, but actually […]
On the one hand the idea of a “Sabbath” (holy day to God) seems like a leftover from ancient culture or even a killjoy (the command to sit around all day in a church). On the other hand, the signs of our failure to rest are seen everywhere - physical and emotional burnout, anxiety; our […]
Often the third commandment - You shall not take the Lord’s name in vain - is understood to mean you should not curse with God’s name. Now of course, that’s part of it but it really goes much deeper than that because names are more than names. We know this from our own culture and […]
Most modern people hear the Second Commandment, which forbids making images of God for worship, and reason that we’re in the clear. Not many folks have gold or silver statues for worship around the home. However, that’s really a surface understanding of what God is talking about, it is rather any man-made representation of God […]
Laws always tell you something about the lawmaker–something of their character–this is true for the 10 Commandments. So, what does the First Commandment (’have no other gods’) teach us about God? Is it that He’s insecure and controlling? No. What we find is a God more personal than we’ve ever imagined. A God whose jealousy […]
What does the “law of God” mean to you? An ancient set of standards that once ruled a small nation? The representation of a strict deity who micromanages our lives? What about a story? This is how God understands it. He says to Israel–when your children ask: What does […]
Todays views of God leave little room for a Mt. Sinai God - the thunder, rumbling, fear, trembling, commandments to stay back–are seen as primitive and beneath us. Yet, at the same time the gods of our design seem no greater than us, and not very involved. The God of Mt Sinai shows himself to […]
Heading into the new year, it’s the season of much planning. Aided by technology, we plan more than ever and more efficiently than ever—and, perhaps, more mindlessly than ever. All our New Year’s resolutions and detailed plans are harmless, right? Maybe not, James tells us. There is a way of approaching our plans for tomorrow […]
For many generations, Israel longed for the day when God would come again to the wilderness and not leave his people to be “like sheep without a shepherd.” Then Jesus performs a great miraculous sign to announce that the long-awaited, Moses-like shepherd–the true Shepherd–is finally here! To those who are worn out and exhausted, he […]
If you’ve returned to your childhood home or neighborhood, perhaps you found yourself thinking or saying to another: “And, over there where those houses stand, was a great sled riding hill. And, on that block was the best pizza joint. And, do you see this stump–it was once a great apple tree”. […]
Israel goes from 400 years of bondage, to supernatural deliverance and defeat of her enemies, to now 40 years in the desert. Is this a cruel joke of God or an act of love? God leads Israel into the wilderness so he might further deliver His people–and the wilderness
is perfect setting for that work. The […]
Throughout history there are what we might call Decisive Days. Days that determine destinies, such as Bastille Day, D-Day, Independence Day. Days of deliverance for some, defeat for others. Days of judgment and salvation. The Bibles usage of the phrase “Day of the Lord” functions in a similar way. In its full and final meaning […]
American culture is rooted in the idea that “freedom comes at a high cost”. We often refer to the many men and women in the military who have made sacrifices, especially those who have payed the highest cost in shedding their blood. And, while the idea that someone would shed their blood to protect me […]
John Calvin brought forth the idea that our knowledge of God and knowledge of ourselves is closely tied, actually inextricably bound. And, the question which Pharaoh of Egypt poses to Moses– “Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice?” is very relevant in this respect. God answers that question by demonstrating and stating […]
Have you ever done everything within your power to avoid doing something? Although you know it’s the right thing to do, still you seek to avoid it at all costs. If so, you know how Moses feels. The way that Moses seeks to counter and avoid God’s call teaches us much
about ourselves, […]
In the life of Moses we learn that the Call of God often doesn’t play out like we think. We might imagine “If God called me everyone would know, things would be easier…”–but Moses’ call looks much like ours–it comes on the heels of failure, it involves training which is less than glorious, and […]
As Moses tells us of his birth story, he makes one point clear: He needed saving–and so did Israel. We don’t always live in light of the reality that we need saved, so sometimes God has to send reminders (maybe even severe ones). But, in those moments we have the possibility of coming to know […]
Visiting pastor Rev. Jim Tonkowich takes us through Matthew 6.5-13, where the disciples ask Jesus “Teach us how to pray”.
Jesus’ final word to his followers and the community called the “Church” involves witness. This word causes various responses from those within and without the church–fear, guilt, enthusiasm, expectation–to name a few. In this beginning chapter of the book of Acts we learn much about the concept of witness–what it consists of, how it’s empowered, […]
“It’s impossible to be truly religious and socially indifferent”. Would you agree with this quote? More importantly does God agree with it? The prophet Isaiah would lead us to believe so. And, taking it seriously means the church must as well. Our core values of Service and City remind us of this.
In the life of Zacchaeus we see how the grace of God finds people and then finds its way into every area of their lives. When this lost man’s soul was saved, not just his soul was saved–he stepped into a new Calling and Kingdom. The gospel of Jesus means to do no less for […]
Visiting pastor Scott Seaton preaches from Luke 24:44-47, and how we bring nothing to God, but gain everything anyway. When we get overwhelmed we often feel the urge to pretend, perform, or paralyze. But in God’s salvation we have nothing to hide, prove or lose. Scott is involved in a church plant in Arlington, for […]
The good news (gospel) of the Christian faith is all about God–through stunning sacrifice–bringing us into relationship with Him, but that’s not all. He also brings us into relationship with a community. When someone is reconciled to God they are then reconciled to others. The church is a reconciled community. Gospel […]
Does Faith in Jesus make any difference? In this passage we find people like ourselves–people facing sickness, shame, fear, death–and yet hopeful. The common factor they share is their trust in Jesus and his unique ability to meet their needs.
Description coming soon.
The ending of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians contains final remarks on various matters–his travel, a collection to be taken, a last charge, etc.
The advantage of having this is it gives us a ‘behind the scenes’ view of what ministry looked like day to day, and so we learn for ourselves what it should look […]
Even the most remarkable spiritual gifts–such as prophecy and tongues–are subject to love. This is the Apostle Paul’s message to a church endowed with many supernatural abilities. And, the sign of their gifts being used in love will be evidenced by how they build up others and make room for others. This is a rare and radical thing in our day.
The supremacy of love is seen in that it is the final victor–”Love never ends”. And, love never ends because God never ends, and God is love. Our hope that we might become more loving, and that love will endure, are both founded in God.
If someone offered you a wish: To be greatly gifted and have those gifts recognized by the world, or to be known as a quiet and loving person—which would you choose? While we all affirm the importance of love, in our culture we tend to believe that being talented is a more beautiful or […]
It is so easy for us to judge ultimate value and worth through the lens of gifts and abilities. Rather than celebrating and honoring all gifts and those who have them, we tend to venerate a few, and ignore the others–this is occurring in the 1st century church of Corinth and the Apostle Paul understands the threat. So, God provides the Corinthians, and us, with a different vision of how gifts and people might operate in community.
It is ‘hardwired’ into us to want to make a contribution. This is why identifying and using our gifts/abilities is so important to us. And once we do discover and exercise our abilities it will result in one of two attitudes—pride or humility. We will either stand up—chests puffed out with pride—or fall on our knees in humility. The former is happening in the church in Corinth. As they begin to use their spiritual gifts the results is comparing, competition and pride. And, so Paul draws their attention to a different place—not the gift and the self, but the Giver and the purpose for the gift.
The themes of food, meals, and hunger are found throughout the Bible, often used as metaphors to communicate spiritual reality. This shouldn’t be surprising to us—we know from experience that eating is sometimes a near-spiritual experience: the intimacy that’s shared with a friend over a meal; the way we turn to “comfort food” to feed […]
This particular passage is notorious for raising questions and controversy. Does it reveal the trivial nature of Christianity—concerned with haircuts and hairstyles? Does it reveal the narrow-mindedness of the Bible? Does the Bible teach women are inferior to men? Was Paul a chauvinist? None of these gets to the heart […]
Everything, no matter how mundane or seemingly insignificant, should be done to show forth the beauty, character, and worth of God (his “glory”). Even in activities like eating (or not eating) a meal—or walking in a park, or filing papers, or changing diapers, or mending bodies. Paul shows the Corinthians why this is so and […]
When someone you know falls morally, how do you assure yourself it won’t happen to you? “I’m smarter than that…I don’t do ‘that’ sort of thing…I come from a strong Christian heritage…I have good theology…I’m a leader”? None of these can really help us in the face of temptation—Paul points this out to […]
Our society sees self-control as either extremely negative—repressing authentic desires; or, as something for personal benefit only—e.g. “Be self-controlled in eating so you can live longer, or attract the person of your dreams”. The Apostle Paul introduces two different motives: 1) Self- control for the benefit of others—to extend to them the grace of God. […]
Is the body and sex something pleasing to God? Do married people owe each other sex? Are there appropriate reasons for divorce? Is being a single person superior or inferior? The Apostle Paul addresses all of these questions in this section of his letter to the Christian community in Corinth and […]
Sexuality today is viewed only as a “body” experience and mostly an expression of our appetite. Our thinking goes: “What I do with my body in sex doesn’t effect my soul”; and just as when we’re hungry we eat, when we’re are aroused we have sex. The only problem is we’re not made […]
When confronted with food sacrificed to idols—or a job promotion you deserve, a “thank you” you’re owed, or a certain standard of living you maintain—how can you let go of things you feel entitled to out of love for someone else, even at great cost to yourselves? Paul answers this question for the Corinthians. He […]
Every one of us tends to tie our circumstances too closely to our standing before God and others. The result? A preoccupation with upgrading our lives—hankering after better jobs, new relationships, etc. The cure? Paul reminds the Corinthians that they were bought with a price and now belong to Jesus. This gives us power to […]
In 2005 it was reported that there were 20 million lawsuits filed in state courts—an estimated 4 to 8 million by professing Christians. This demonstrates that the church is not immune from the American obsession with personal rights. In light of this, the Apostle Paul brings some challenging and hopeful words and a challenging question: […]
When Jesus appeared to his followers—risen from dead—they were reeling. It was on no ones radar in the ancient world that a bodily resurrection would occur. And this then became the core of the Christian witness. But it was not just a witness of a resurrected man, but […]
…the spiritual discipline which the Bible envisions offers a remedy in an age enslaved to personal freedom and individualism, and deliverance from the destruction which occurs as a result.
In Ephesians 1.15-23, Paul offers three prayer-wishes for the church at Ephesus—to know hope, spiritual riches, and power.
We experience confrontation all the time—but rarely in a healthy way.
The message of Christianity—Jesus and the cross—appears foolish to the culture; however, in the end, those who understand it will be seen as wise.
The standards of acceptance which we embrace and live by, are the very ones we will use to judge others. However, this becomes a problem when the standards are false standards and they promote a judgmental attitude—this is the case in the Corinthian church. Paul seeks to give them a rightful understanding of both the position and privileges which Jesus has afforded them with respect to God, and how this might change their judgmental attitude.
Imagine stepping into a community were people view their accomplishments honestly and accurately; where no one cares about who gets the credit; where people see their work as one.
Getting to know the cross of Jesus is never love at first sight.
Our words say a lot-more than we know. They not only express our thoughts, they reveal our hearts.
We dread few things more than being exposed as weak and foolish. When someone does question our competency or expertise we often lash out, lie, worry, weep—we also try and look good. Every culture has its version of ‘looking good’, and the Roman city of Corinth had a standard that looks much like ours—seek status and avoid weakness. The Apostle Paul says that those who seek to live and look good according to the culture standard risk missing the wonderful experience of God’s grace.
Scandals are commonplace these days. By scandal we refer to something immoral and shocking which offends us—it is the word which Paul uses to refer to Jesus’ death. In the west, where for thousand of years the cross has served as an accepted and even revered symbol, it’s hard to imagine it being an offense, but its offense is not confined to one age or culture. The cross shouts out loud than we can’t save ourselves—either through our power or wisdom. This is what Paul begins to develop in this section of his letter to the Corinthians.
Many times when groups experiences division and splits it is passed off as a breaking over the truth. Sometimes this is true, but more times than we’re willing to admit the division is more personality-driven, than theology (truth)-driven. If we really want to maintain unity, we need to address this issue—it is where Paul begins in his letter to the Corinthian community, and must be our beginning point.
In the general sense, our “call” is our mission, purpose, reason for being. Usually it is formed more by our family tradition and culture, than by the God who made us. But, it stands to reason that we’ll never really understand our call apart from God. This is what’s occurring with the church at Corinthian—they are becoming more Corinthian than Christ-like. Paul begins his remarks by reminding them and us: From where our call comes, What it involves, and What God gives us to live it.
For people who experience the grace of God in their lives, fresh starts begin not with what we resolve to do but what God has already done for us in Christ. New beginnings in the Christian life begin at the finish line-the place where Jesus accomplished all that was necessary to give us life and make us right with God once for all. Hearing Jesus’ bold declaration afresh is how we should start the new year: “It is finished!”
There’s a longing in every one of us for nearness to God, intimacy with God, access to God, contact with God. Our hearts wonder together with Joan Osborne: What if God was one of us? If God had a name, what would it be? If God had a face what would it look like? Matthew 1 gives us answers those questions: God did become one of us as a Jewish baby. His name was Jesus, and he would be the King, Mediator, and Savior of sinners.
Last words are always significant. King David, instead of leaving his people with words looking back, he gives them words for the future. A glimpse into a Kingdom of righteousness and life; justice and prosperity—a Kingdom that David’s greater descendant -Jesus Christ -would bring about. And, so he leaves them with more than last words– he leaves them with hope.
We are very prone to love in theory only, instead of like Jesus in Word and Deed. The Bible teaches that holding together both the Word (proclamation of Jesus), and the Deed (demonstration), are critical—words without deeds are powerless, and deeds without words are meaningless. The permanent office of the Diaconate in the church reminds us that we must love in deed.
Is it possible to love someone too much? In a sense, yes. But, in the end when our love for someone compromises our love for God, we really have ceased to love them. David is facing this. His love for his son is challenging his ability to live well for God: to love boldly, live gratefully and long righteously.
The idea of repentance brings to mind for many words like: regret, admitting mistakes, making atonement. But, these fall short of the Bible’s understanding. One of the reasons they fall short is that they fail to lead to renewal—a new start, freedom from guilt, joy. In the Old Testament books of 1 & 2 Samuel, two kings fall, but only one experiences renewal—because only one understands repentance.
How can a man who wrote inspired songs to God, resisted vengeance when his very life was threatened, achieved great successes for God, fall into the worst immorality in matter of seconds? In the Life of David we’re confronted with this question and the reality that every one of our hearts is more vulnerable than we care to admit. In the fall of David we’re reminded of what the Bible has taught all along, there is only One Savior which can deliver us.
Is there anything for which you feel so strongly, that its’ threat would lead you to fight to the death? Paul feels this way about the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is so unique and counterintuitive to human nature that it is always under threat. But, if we lose the gospel we lose our only hope for desperate people.
David was a warrior, king and artist—musician and songwriter. We sing about what captivates us. David is captivated with the character and deeds of God—a God worth singing to. Can you say the same about your God?
Ironically, in an age of instant messaging and cell phones, we long more than ever for the company of the people who matter most, including the One we were made to in friendship with – God Himself.
Meekness is often equated with being a ‘pushover’ or ’soft’. The strength
not to overly assert ourselves, or manipulate circumstance for our advantage
reveal a rare strength. It is one that David shows to Saul.
As more of us are mobile, and away from our families, we look to our friendships to get what we need. Friendships have become more necessary and important. The Bible places a high value on friendship and the story of David and Jonathan is a great example of such. But, their friendship is more than two people with things “in common”, it is a friendship shaped by God, and so an Uncommon Friendship. These are the kind of friendships which we need and God makes possible.
Our lives are riddled with fear. Fear of the world around us. Fear in daily conversations over being misunderstood or uninformed. Fear motivating our career, schedule and relationship decisions. We’re often given methods for managing fear, but how about getting free from it? In the classic story of David and Goliath we find a different approach to dealing with fear.
When we go looking for a leader, charisma and a resume outweigh content of the heart. We are so taken with outward beauty and abilities—surface qualities—we’re swept off our feet and out to sea. We spend our days trying to attain what is fleeting. Watching God choose His leader in 1 Samuel 16 gives a new view and a new hope.
Recently I was with one of my former seminary professors. This man possesses such genuine humility, that my own self-R was apparent to me on more than one occasion. Self-Righteousness is rampant in our lives and culture.
The gospel is a new way of relating to God: surprising mercy towards sinners and an unexpected experience of joy. Jesus tells us that his grace is so radically different that it will burst your old religious categories and practices. He offers us this “new wine.
We do everything we can to “scrub” ourselves clean–trying hard to rid ourselves of the nagging sense that we’re “blemished” and “unpresentable”–but it never seems to work. Jesus tells us this is because our problem runs deeper than we often believe: we all have a terrible “heart condition. Mark shows us how Jesus alone can make us truly clean.
“What is Life about?”—a huge question. Who wants to get it wrong? Jesus says the best way to understand what life is about, is to contemplate death….
Every culture has a way it does hospitality and meals. And those customs link up with other values which a society cherishes. The same is true dining with God…
Its often said the greater the cost or sacrifice, the greater the reward. However, we often look for spirituality or religion that costs very little.
Jesus method of teaching us how to love always begins with convincing us of our failure to love. He also gives us a model and motivation for deeds of compassion and mercy through a story of a Samaritan who cares for a stranger in need with radical generosity.
When we think about learning we focus upon our minds�developing, expanding, and filling them. This is appropriate�but what about the heart and soul?
How does the church articulate the gospel of grace and, at the same time, love its neighbor well? Such was the daunting challenge for the prophet Jeremiah in his day and it�s no less daunting for Christians today.
If someone asked us: Is it possible to love God and not love other people? Most would say No! (of course not) But, the questions was posed: Is it possible to love God without loving a place? Many of us would hesitate. The Bible says that Place matters.
You reap what you sow. This is a familiar saying and yet were so prone to thinking otherwiseto having one foot in reality and the other in deception.
Our love for others tells the true story of our heartswhether or not we know personally the love of God offered to us.
When we understand and embrace who Jesus is and what he has done, our self-opinion changes and our relationships follow…
How do you replace a vice with a virtue? This is an age old question that has occupied mankind from the beginning.
In this day and nation freedom is discussed and debated on various levels: political, civil, personal. However, the discussion grows thin when we come to the topic of spiritual freedom.
The Bible makes the case that there are really just two spiritual approaches and experiences. One approach seeks to achieve blessing and acceptance according some standard or law, and the experience is being enslaved to our fear and failure.
Jesus came and dwelt among us. He left glory and intimacy with His Father to walk with us, and we are called to do the same. Maybe we should read a few less books and love a few more people.
From the Bible’s standpoint, idols are never merely wooden statues that pagans worshipped. Rather it is anything which is elevated to god-like status in our livesso it may be a career or person; an inordinate desire to appear competent or creative. Paul argues that the gospel liberates us personally and relationally from these things.
A child who is secure in their status–accepted and loved–does much better in life than one who is not. The principle applies to our relationship with God as well. The Apostle Paul teaches that Jesus’ unique status as God’s Son is the doorway to ours. And, in the end, is the only basis upon which you and I can be assured of our place in God’s family as dearly loved children.
There is probably no question more relevant to us personally thanHow do you change? Most people believe it’s a combination of smarts and sheer effort. Christian’s have their own versionlearn God’s laws and just do it’! However, the Bible doesn’t teach this. The law of God is beautiful, but has its limits. Paul addresses this question in Galatians 3.15-26
Christianity is first a declaration of what God has done, before it is a direction of what we must do. This statement is quite different than the spiritual/religious approaches of our world, which usually begins with ourselves as the starting pointdoing rather than trusting.
Galatians 2:11-21
Christianity is an historical religion. In some faiths it’s not so important that the events happened or people existedthey are parables or illustrations to teach spiritual lessons. But, Christianity is tied to geography and genealogies, and, the entire hinges on an historical eventthe death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The good news that through Jesus, God has done everything necessary to make us acceptable to Him, wields great power. Because it is the opinion of God it transcends all other opinions, and as we begin to understand that, it transforms us. This is the story of the Apostle Paul and can be our story as well.
We are a world beset with disunityglobally, locally, personally. The issues over which people divide our endlessimmigration, school choice, politicsjust to mention a few. Does the message that God, through Jesus, has done everything to make us acceptable before him, have an relevance to this? In chapter 2 of Galatians we observe how the gospel brings unity.
Wilson and Pam Benton have been in pastoral ministry for over 30 years, and have trained and equipped hundreds of pastors, their wives, and lay people. As parents of three grown children and a brood of grand-children, they have invaluable wisdom for parenting. Their mostly anecdotal training draws from their own experiences and is helpful and entertaining.
Wilson and Pam Benton have been in pastoral ministry for over 30 years, and have trained and equipped hundreds of pastors, their wives, and lay people. As parents of three grown children and a brood of grand-children, they have invaluable wisdom for parenting. Their mostly anecdotal training draws from their own experiences and is helpful and entertaining.
Wilson and Pam Benton have been in pastoral ministry for over 30 years, and have trained and equipped hundreds of pastors, their wives, and lay people. As parents of three grown children and a brood of grand-children, they have invaluable wisdom for parenting. Their mostly anecdotal training draws from their own experiences and is helpful and entertaining.
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the churches in the Asia Minor region of Galatia is one of his boldest. Why? Because the good news of Christianitythrough Jesus, God has done everything to make us acceptableis under threat. And, if the Christian gospel is destroyed so is the hope of grace.
Wisdom is the rarest and grandest of all possible acquisitions. Not only is God the personification of all wisdom in Jesus Christ, but He delights in lavishing that wisdom upon us, if we ask.
When we hear a certain person is coming to visit, immediately, unconsciously we experience and emotional reaction depending on our relationship to them. What do you experience at the thought of God’s return? The final words God leaves us with concern the second coming of Jesus Christ. And, these are the words we are to cherish until that time. Can you say them with confidence?
The work of missions, the global extension of God’s grace, begins with a local experience of God’s grace in Christ. Psalm 67 reminds us of this, and shows us how grace changes our navel-gazing into nations-gazing.
We all carry in ideal world within our breast. And, from time to time we get a taste of ita moment when everything feels right. And, those moments often come as we’re engaged enjoying the glory of culture or work or relationshipsHeaven works in a similar way. It is a place of unfettered glory and eternal newness. And, rather than floating on clouds to musak, we will be engaged in every imaginable waywith our whole person, using our gifts, working in community, exploring, enjoying new glory which is forever dawning.
Puritan Pastor, Richard Baxter, concluded that we ought to mediate on heaven for thirty minutes everyday. Some people would say that’s not only impractical, but harmful. Isn’t that the problem with Christians–withdrawing from the world and its problems to contemplate a translucent world with gold streets? But, this sort of withdrawal is alien to the Bible. The Apostle John wrote the book did so from a Roman prison colony, and the original readers were undergoing terrible hardship. It was the vision of heaven that enabled them to press on.
The dread of death and judgment isn’t something only the ancient world struggled with, we do as well. It lies behind our obsession with staying young, staying busy, staying up on the new. It troubles us in the quiet moments. Revelation 20 tells us why and how God releases us.
The Bible is often viewed as an ancient religious text, history of Israel and the Church, moral guide, etc., but perhaps Love Story is a more apt description. Early on God makes a declaration of love, I will be your God and you will be my people’, throughout its pages the declaration unfolds, culminating in Rev. 19. Do you know God as a Divine Groom?
Do you ever dream of a day when evil, oppression and abuse will be done away with? Do you realize that justice and judgment are necessary for that to happen? Is God’s judgment vindictive like the gods of mythology, or is it the result of a burning heart for justice? Through the songs of heaven and earth we find that answer as well as strength to sing of a day to come.
Eight days after the Christ-child was born, his parents acting as the Law commanded, had him circumcised and named him Jesus. This event tells us something about Jesus’ humanity, his place in history, and his humility. It also goes to the heart of our own humanity, place in history, and what it means to faithfully follow Christ today.
As one surveys history and reflects upon current culture a pattern emerges: When people turn from God Institutions and Ideologies become their god�the way to realize heaven on earth and to be saved. Revelation 13 suggests that this isn’t a fluke, but rather a spiritual tactic of Satan.
To understand a story it’s necessary to know who the main characters are and how they relate to the plot. The same is true for the story of history. In Revelation 12 Christ, Satan, and the People of God serve as the main characters. And, the plot is what God has done to silence our accuser.
The witness of the Church is the mystery of grace revealed through Jesus. And, because the witness is about grace it is opposedbecause grace is the hardest thing in the world to face. But, for those who receive grace, they find it to be unstoppable in their lives and the renewal of all things.
How can God permit evil and suffering? How can he use it as judgment? Why does he do it? These are questions that continue to surface age after age. Revelation 8-9 addresses these important questions and depicts God’s judgment upon a world which ignores and opposes him, but with the aim of driving them to his breast.
The Bible has a realistic view of evil and suffering: it is inevitable and God alone can sustain us through it. If we are nave about these two things we will crumble underneath the weight of suffering. Revelation 6-7 teaches how God sustains us and leads us to a vision that has inspired the martyrs.
The idea of worship comes from a middle English word worth-ship’. Worship is ascribing worth to some person or some thing. So, in that sense we all do itconstantly sussing out and summing up worth: the worthiness of an athletic or musical performance, a presidency, a friendship, etc. In Revelation 4-5 we come to see why we do this and where our pursuit of worth finds its fulfillment.
Psalm 131 challenges us to cultivate a quiet trust in God in the midst of a restless world. But what does it really mean to trust God? Is it simply a call to try harder to believe? Or could it be an invitation to know the only One who grants true rest? As the English preacher Charles Spurgeon, observed, Psalm 131 is a short psalm to read but a long one to learn.
Sometimes our commitment to a particular quality of life [ideal job, relationship, standard of living, etc], threatens to kill our relationship with God and othersthis was the case at the church in Laodicea. It was a church that thought a high quality of life could be heaven enough and the god of self-sufficency to get that heaven. Doesnt this sound like America?
Outward appearances can be deceiving: the church in Philadelphia was small and insignificant but strong in its loyalty to Jesus. Jesus comforts the church with a vision of his power and intimate presence.
Sometimes being oblivious or clueless is endearingcaused by our innocence or a weak spot. Other times it is uglydue to our own pride. It is this kind of spiritual cluelessness that plagues the church at Sardis. This hits home for many of us.
Perfect body. Perfect clothes. Perfect family. Perfect house. Perfect job. We strive for excellence in all areas of our life. And theres nothing wrong with a healthy, mature pursuit of excellence. But what is healthy and normal often becomes neurotic and abnormal, leading to debilitating thoughts and behaviors. Dr. Winter explores the positive and negative effects of perfectionism on our lives.
Perfect body. Perfect clothes. Perfect family. Perfect house. Perfect job. We strive for excellence in all areas of our life. And theres nothing wrong with a healthy, mature pursuit of excellence. But what is healthy and normal often becomes neurotic and abnormal, leading to debilitating thoughts and behaviors. Dr. Winter explores the positive and negative effects of perfectionism on our lives.
Perfect body. Perfect clothes. Perfect family. Perfect house. Perfect job. We strive for excellence in all areas of our life. And theres nothing wrong with a healthy, mature pursuit of excellence. But what is healthy and normal often becomes neurotic and abnormal, leading to debilitating thoughts and behaviors. Dr. Winter explores the positive and negative effects of perfectionism on our lives.
Beyond the Work Place is a Biblical means of examining what we believe about our work and its environment. That which will consume much of our lives will either bring glory to ourselves or to our Lord.
When were under pressure and weary we long to let down our guard with the people who know us best. But, what if during that downtime those close friends encourage us to compromise the truth? We hardly want to fight another battleespecially in our place of refuge, however sometimes we are called to do that very thing.
Our lives can be spent (really for years) simply reacting to the next thing. So, our choices and actions don�t really have a long-term goal in mind, or if we have long-term goals they�re not long enough, that is reaching beyond this life. The goal of the Christian faith is not so much a place, but a person. And, the reason for finishing well is the prospect of being with God our Creator, Sustai
When those of Jesus earthly ministry caught even a glimpse of his glory they had the good sense to believe: if I can just get near him he could help. That hope hasnt changed–if anything its gotten better. However, we need to get to Jesus as he really is.
Can you envision a city that represents every nation on earth, is full of joy and dancing, where there is no shame, nor thirst? A city full of former enemies of God, yet built upon the Son of God�s death for those enemies? God can. We find it in Psalm 87.
Whenever we give money toward a cure for AIDS, care about education reform, weed a garden�we seek renewal. But, seeking the renewal or welfare of your enemy�the people that oppress and enslave�that is different. Yet, it�s the very thing to which God calls Israel in Jeremiah 29.
Through David�s kindness to his arch enemy�s grandson we�re reminded of the mercy of God–mercy which is surprising and counterintuitive. David�s mercy is seen in the way he offers protection, provision and position to Saul�s grandson, and we are given a model for showing it to others.
Worship is the act of valuing something as having supreme worth. The Christian worship of God includes treasuring his grace through thanksgiving and prayer, and treasuring his image in our neighbor through deeds of love and justice.
Message for the Occasion of Duke Kwons Ordination as minister.
Faith, hope and love. That was the foundation for a church-plant in Thessalonica 2,000 years ago, and it is the foundation for Grace DC today. Dr. Hutchinson, who helped start Grace DC, recounts our story and exhorts the congregation to continue to build on our foundation.
Those who follow Jesus are not called out of the world, that is to hide from it, or ignore it. Nor, are they called to simply conform and be just like everybody else. Jesus prays for something much more challengingto be in the world, and learn the art of loving it.
God relishes being the advocate of His people. He purposely puts us in situations where He can show off this way. And in this way he teaches us that our faith has much to do with how we view him, rather than ourselves. Jesus presents a view of God in Luke 18 that draws out our faith.
If someone asked you what you fed yourself today, chances are you could tell them. But what does your life feed upon? That is, how would you answer the question: Life is about_________. Is it your family being healthy? Career? A relationship? Jesus gives us his perspective in John 6.
How can so many different denominations around the world be one Church? How can Gods one big dysfunctional family be holy? Jim explains what the Church is and what it means for us to become an independently-governed church in July.
Facing pain and hardship apart from God�s grace often leads to one of two extreme coping responses: triumphalism and despair. But the promises of God enable us to endure with honesty and hope�with the assurance that hardship is a loving Father�s way of nurturing his children.
Jesus didnt say, Together we can do all things, but Apart from Me you can do nothing. When the grace of God is your life force, it results in a rare power that reverses the course of leadership: it glorifies God and lifts up other people.
Jesus demonstrated a leadership of downward mobility. His death being the ultimate act of a leadership. Anybody that aspires to leadership, or the task of elder is called to the same.
Failures of leadership in the church have become so common place people view them as status quo. Jesus offered something different. And, understanding that produced different kinds of leaders.
Human beings have an incredible capacity toward self-deception. One level we can say we believe or agree with something, yet show little evidence of it in our lives. James says that if a person has really heard God’s Word, they’ll be able to see God’s Word in their life.
One of the rallying cries of the 60’s was: Love is the answer. The Beatles wrote a song called “The Word” saying that the Word was Love. Moses would have agreed. However, the definition of love and how it is fulfilled would have differed.
The recipients of the letter of Hebrews were struggling with the apparent silence of God amidst their suffering, and so their pastor wrote them a letter and began by reminding them–God spoke. The Way God speaks and Why He speaks carried them through, as it will us.
Hope is not a nebulous feel-good sentiment, but the certainty that God is at work in the world and the readiness to see that happen! Such was the hope of Paul and of all who understand our calling to serve and suffer for the world.
Sometimes forgiveness is easy. At other times, absorbing the cost of someones debt to us is emotionally and spiritually impossibleapart from a radical experience of Gods debt-absorbing love for us in Jesus.
All of us approach life from a particular viewpoint, and that viewpoint is formed by the words that we have come to believe. The words we believe have everything to do with how we hand the temptations and trials of our lives.
Many times people begin with the question: Why should I trust the Bible? And, yet never get the question: How should I trust.
What happens when Monday morning diffuses into the rest of our lives? In the midst of this Jesus cries: Behold, I make all things new. And, Paul can hardly contain himself as he contemplates Jesus resurrection. Herein, lies our hope for newness.
John Calvin called God’s providence his ‘watchful, ceaseless, total, personal, holy governing’ the world and all his creatures. Joseph believed this and so he was able live a certain way amidst relational disappointment. He was able to live with honesty and grace.
When you face significant disappointment you can never stay the same. It will either weaken and wear you down to nothing, or refine and make you more brilliant.
How could someone who had everythingyouth, wealth, power, and religionstill feel that he was missing something? Not only did his question for Jesus reveal his internal struggles, but Jesus question to him intensified that struggle and calls out to us in our own day.
The Bible reveals that God not only fights for His people, but sometimes against them. Jacob experiences this personally and it changes him forever.
When you have a relationship with God you have to learn a different way of relating (or communing).
What theologians call the doctrine of Divine Election [God’s Prerogative of Grace] is often handled like a doctrine of controversy rather than comfort. But, it is God’s sovereign choice that makes sure that grace is both unmerited and successful–an immense source of comfort.
In the struggle between “the flesh and the spirit” we are confronted with the question: Do I know how to be weak?
Mountain Top Experiences [MTE’s] are often experienced as “Aha!” moments, or spiritual highs. Abraham has a MTE, however it revolves around a test.
True intimacy is not only rare in our time, many people consider such to be only a romantic illusion. Gods Word teaches us that in Christ we begin to experience true and appropriate intimacy, nakedness without shame.
In the film Amadeus, F. Murray Abraham plays a composer who all his life is tortured by the greatness of his contemporary Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
We all are trying to find our way into ‘inner rings’, or dream of being invited into the closed door meeting.
Only when we embrace the heavenly verdict of acceptance and justice pronounced through Jesus are we freed to extend radically other-centered love and forgiveness even to those who harm us.
Sometimes the day after Christmas you find one gift left over–pushed back behind the tree.
When babies are born a birth announcement usually follows in the mail. It gives us the name, arrival time, and other specs.
Laughter can be a signal of redemption (or of grace), but we are also aware another kind of laughter–that which is full of scorn and derision.
If you asked God what His relationship is like to His people, He responds without hesitation: We’re married. And, then gives a sign of His promise. Abraham learns this.
Learning to trust in God’s gracious promise enables us to deal justly in our relationships and bear injustice.
The growing sentiment in our culture is that there cannot be one, true religion. With Abram we find another approach. One where God takes center stage.
Plan “A” is our ideal plan, our first choice. Yet, because our wisdom is finite and we are subject to circumstances beyond our control all good planners have a Plan “B” for contingencies. However, God is different.
We are faced with open doors all the time. Sometimes its hard for us to ‘read’ open doors-discern whether they are an invitation to blessing or demise. Open doors can be opportunity or temptation. Abram faces such a situation in Genesis 13 and 14 and his response is instructive.
The Call to follow God involves a call “from” and a call “to”. When Abram was called to follow God it meant losing a sense of place, community and identity. Many of us of have felt the same. But, Abram begins to discover that the call “to” a promising a God and a personal God, can’t keep him away.
Life is full of things that make us ask, “Why is this happening to me?” Can we bring our fear, anger, and questions to God?
One of the greatest differences between Christianity and every other religion is our understanding of God. He is, we believe, the Holy Trinity: one Being who exists eternally as three Persons. Because He is not simply a theological abstraction, that makes all the practical difference in the world.
We often fall in spiritual conflict because we stand in our armor instead of God’s armor. Being clothed like Jesus in spiritual conflict, as well as understanding the individual parts of God’s armor, help us to stand in new way.
Some of us under-spiritualize reality. We receive truth only if we can touch, see and quantify it. Some of us tend to super-spiritualize reality…
Michael Ramsden, the European Director of the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries Trust, presents us with an epic to live by, a passion to live with, and a reason to live for. This message is from Isaiah 1:4-6, 10-18.
Some of us see work as “punching the clock”–drudgery that finances the leisure of our lives. Others of us see work as self-fulfillment. Both are forms of using, not valuing work. The Bible says that God values work and that He values work that values Him. This is the message of Ephesians 6.5-9
The portrayal of family today usually depicts parents who are either out of touch and inept, or live by the creed: “Because I’m the parent, that’s why!”. On the other hand, kids are depicted as navigating their worlds without adults–really the competent ones to call the shots. Is this the best we can do? The Bible says a family is more glorious than that.
Is marriage more than two people merging their goals and agendas? A oneness that is deeper and more profound? One that is both a demonstration and experience of glory? This is the message of Ephesians 5.
In Ephesians 5 Paul gives us the way back to the glory which God intended in marriage. In their make up and roles men and woman offer a distinctive picture of God’s glory–given to compliment one another. However, that glory now comes with a rub.
When it comes to the discussion of gender and roles in society at large, and marriage specifically two tendencies dominate: One is oversimplification of gender and roles, the other obliteration. The Bible avoids both and presents the glory and mystery of men and women, husband and wife.
The glory of romance is most often depicted outside of marriage. Marriage itself as boredom and drudgery–the end of romance. Yet, Ephesians 5 teaches the opposite. It says apart from the commitment of marriage, the glory of romance is superficial and short-lived. And, the intimate and lasting love for which we long, can only be experienced in the commitment of marriage. No Guts, No Glory.
We live in a world of terror alerts, instant divorce, and corporate downsizing–in a world of total insecurity who or what can we count on?
Sunday. The great privilege of the Christian life is to call God Father. But learning what that means and getting comfortable with the idea takes some time and prayer.
Many religions call us to walk to the light (find our way to God). Christianity teaches us to walk in the light because the Light has already found us in our darkness. Wisdom is learning to walk in light of Jesus, the Light of God.
Having a new identity means new attitudes and actions in the areas of our words, rights, responsibilities, and sexuality. The new self which God recreates is never experienced in a vacuum, but in community.
To approach life with a live and let live attitude is a subtle form of determinism. To approach life with an attitude of I can reinvent myself is a subtle form of behaviorism. Christianity teaches that both are untrue and unhelpful. Rather it instructs us to be who we are.
Community is Common-Unity–easier said than done. Have you ever stood outside the Church and wondered how unity is possible? Have you ever stood within the Church and wondered the same thing? Ephesians 4.1-16 speaks to both a basis for unity and maturing in it.
There isn’t one person–dead or living–who hasn’t longed for more power. If you could pray for power concerning one thing–what would it be? Fix some circumstance? Change someone’s heart? Would grasping the long and wide love of God make the list? This passage offers and unlikely source for power.
We tend to have a “that’s far enough view” view of grace–the way we extend grace reveals this. God is quite different. His grace calls unlikely messengers, and reaches beyond “reasonable” borders.