Here are some suggestions for those who’ve never read the Bible before or who haven’t read it regularly for quite awhile. This topic comes up from time to time as I talk with people at church or at school. “Can you give me some tips” they’ll ask. Well, here is the first of several more [...]
Archive for July, 2009
Tips for Reading the Bible
Posted in Bible, practical stuff, reading on July 31, 2009 | 1 Comment »
Jesus and a Well-Balanced Emotional Life
Posted in Bible, Christian life, my life on July 26, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Mark, in his Gospel, gives more attention to the human emotions of the Lord Jesus Christ than the other three Gospel writers.
“But Jesus rebuked him (a demon), saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!” (Mark 1:25)
“Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” [...]
Turn the Page
Posted in Baseball, Christian life, Quotes on July 23, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Here’s some good advice from Buster Olney, baseball reporter and analyst with ESPN. He was responding to a question about what he’s learned from his years of reporting on baseball.
Most baseball players have a remarkable ability to put a bad day behind them, and I saw that and tried to draw on that. If you [...]
Knowledge of God and of myself
Posted in Christian life, Quotes on July 22, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists in two parts; the knowledge of God and of ourselves.
In the first place, no one can look upon himself without immediately turning his thoughts to the contemplation of God, in whom he ‘lives and moves’ (Acts 17:28).
Again, it is certain [...]
“Jesus On Divorce”
Posted in Bible, Sermons on July 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
My sermon this morning was an exposition of Mark 10:1-12 (we’re making our way through Mark’s Gospel and have been since I was called to pastor Immanuel). I titled it “Jesus On Divorce,” but a better title would have been “Jesus On Marriage.” The Lord’s answer to the question of the Pharisees focused on marriage, [...]
Just a Crutch?
Posted in Gospel, Quick Takes, Tactics on July 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
If you’ve discussed your commitment to Jesus Christ or the gospel with people, you’ve undoubtedly heard this one: Christianity is just a crutch.
How do we respond to it?
Christianity is far more than a crutch, it’s a resurrection. Man doesn’t need a crutch, a cane, a walker, a wheelchair, a shot, or a pill – he [...]
Next!
Posted in Quick Takes on July 13, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Pyromaniacs has a now-and-then feature called “Next!” They’re short, to-the-point answers to often-asked questions.
Since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I’ll make an attempt at my own “Next!”
Question: As a Christian, how much can I sin can I get away with?
Answer: How much water can you put in your gas tank and get away with [...]
“Whatever Happened to Hell?”
Posted in Sermons, preaching on July 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
I preached a sermon on Hell this morning. No, not because I was mad at anybody or anything, but because it’s part of the text. I’ve been preaching through the Gospel of Mark and finished chapter nine last Sunday. In 9:43-48, as Jesus is explaining the high cost of discipleship, He mentions Hell three times [...]
A Word from our Sponsor
Posted in Gospel, Jesus Christ, atonement, church, evangelism, faith, proclaiming the gospel on July 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Every now and then, we need to be reminded of what’s really important. What’s really important is the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.
As the church of Jesus Christ, we know our purpose – to glorify God, our mission – to make disciples of all the nations, and our objectives – evangelism, worship, fellowship, [...]
“The majesty of God’s forgiveness is lost”
Posted in Books, Quotes on July 9, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
The majesty of God’s forgiveness is lost entirely when we lose what has to be forgiven. What has to be forgiven is not just what we do but who we are, not just our sinning but our sinfulness, not just our choices but what we have chosen in place of God. This belief in our [...]
