This past Sunday's sermon from Romans 6:1-15 ("Grace to Change") emphasized the fact that we have all the grace we need to change because of our union with Christ. Our union with the death of Christ has produced a permanent change to us: we are free from the power and domination of sin. Our union …
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Waste Nothing on the Meanness of Life
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV) In his excellent biography of Winston Churchill, Paul Johnson notes one of the lessons to be learned from …
Higher Thoughts & Higher Ways
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV) John Wesley once said, “Bring me a worm that can comprehend man, and then I …
Resolutions
In light of the approaching new year, here are some resolutions you may consider adopting. The following is a sampling from Jonathan Edwards, the great theologian/pastor of the 18th century. (The complete list of seventy can be found here.) 6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live. 7. Resolved, never to …
God With Us
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:23 ESV) God with us. In all that is said during the Christmas season is there anything more remarkable than this statement? Jesus is Immanuel. Jesus is God with us. Adam and Eve had experienced …
Christmas is the Beginning of the End for Satan
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15 ESV) The Christmas season is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and the defeat of the Devil. The incarnation of God the Son hastened the …
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The Prince of Peace
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 ESV) The prophecy of Jesus the Messiah names Him the "Prince of Peace." How is Christ the Prince …
The Lamb and the Lion
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 ESV) “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered.” (Revelation 5:5 ESV) At His first coming Jesus came as a Lamb. He was born as a helpless babe in a lowly manger. He grew up in obscurity …
Let the Redeemed Give Thanks to the Lord
Why should we give thanksgiving to the Lord? “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.” (Psalm 107:1-2 ESV) Give thanks to the Lord for who He is. The attributes expressed here are God's goodness and love. God is always …
Faith and Frustration
We are called to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1). But we know that our faith-running is often frustrated by people and circumstances outside our control. Plans are thwarted; expectations are unrealized. Goals are changed; hopes are dashed. How do we persevere by faith in the face of personal …
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