The Sermon on the Mount over and over addresses the issue of self-righteousness. There is a constant refrain of us getting out of our own way in order to see, think, react and live lives towards God in such a way that we embody the image in which we are created, the image of God. Adam…
Taking a stand can come at a cost. Yet, not taking a stand always comes with a greater cost. I mentioned the three young men in Babylon in this morning’s sermon. They knew it could cost them their very lives, yet this was not too high a price to them for honoring and worshipping God. …
There are no unimportant parts in the human body. Every single one has a purpose and role to play.
When traveling to an unknown or unfamiliar location, directions are essential. Thomas, in John 14, told Jesus they didn’t know the way to where He was going. Jesus assured him that He, Himself was the way the truth and the life. To be called “Christian” is to be a signpost to the way of grace found only…
What is your approach to preparing your heart and mind for prayer, for conversation with God? How is it that you still your mind, focus your thoughts, order your mind to approach the throne of grace? Sometimes there isn’t time! Sometimes we find ourselves in desperation and our approach is a simple “Oh Lord, help!” …
Yesterday we looked at the Model Prayer, commonly called the Lord’s Prayer. There is nothing wrong in praying these very words. I would, however, caution anyone from allowing the repetition of words to make us so familiar with them that the words roll off our tongues but fail to impact our hearts and minds. There are many…
“Seek you first the kingdom of God . . .” is found at Matthew 6:33. This is the antidote to the worry that disturbs our sleep, causes blood pressure to rise, ruins relationships and makes life miserable in so many ways. We must remember that we are pilgrims and sojourners (1 Peter 2:11) living, loving…
I wanted to update you on the opportunity of preaching at Ohio Changers last week. (And to thank the church for the time given to go and serve in this manner.) There were eight work site where work was completed during the week. From replacing siding on the back of a story house (it had…
As we have explored the Sermon in the Mount, Jesus continually challenges the religious (self-righteous) status quo led by the Pharisees. The Pharisees taught and practiced “doing” to make themselves feel right with God. And today we can easily fall into the same patterns of “doing” in order to accomplish the same. Yet Matthew 5-7…
