The last two Sundays we have looked at the false gospels from Lucifer and Judas Iscariot. I say false, because while on the surface some may think this is good news, the reality is that living life according to either leads to facing the wrath and judgment of God. Paul, in writing to Timothy in… Continue Reading When the gospel is not good news
As we looked at the gospel of Lucifer yesterday, we read the text of the temptation of Jesus by the devil in Matthew 4. Satan accuses us in the temptations we face, causing feelings of guilt and shame. Yet remember all men are tempted: “No temptation has overtaken you except as is common to man; but… Continue Reading Don’t shop in Satan’s aisle
One of the most profound sermons preached in America was “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Jonathan Edwards clearly sets forth the reason why sinners, those lost and apart from God, should repent and turn from themselves and their sin, and embrace by faith the holy and just God. The reason is that… Continue Reading Do you have a fear of Hell?
I have had some moments of great joy in my life. What about you? As a sports fan (I have rooted for the Buckeyes, Vikings, Redskins, and Reds for most my life), I have known lots of “the thrill” or joy of winning. But even when the teams I root for win, there is always… Continue Reading Unending joy
The story of Christmas is also the story of two kings — one who is born in 70ish BC and the other who has always been King. In Luke 1:5 we read, “in the days of Herod.” This would be the man the historian Josephus calls Herod the Great. Herod was born into a family… Continue Reading Two kings, one kingdom
Peace is a fragile thing. It took only a single thought with a simple action to exile Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and God’s presence. So even when we have some [WORD MISSING?] to trust Christ for our salvation, peace remains only in the presence of our obedience and submission. How easy it… Continue Reading Grace, mercy, forgiveness – and peace — are just a moment away
Tonight I watched the Little Drummer Boy again. I am always humbled that a small destitute boy brings the only thing he has to the newborn Savior, the playing of his drum. I remember years ago at the end of a Christmas program an elderly lady gushing about the message that night. Her only disappointment was that… Continue Reading Remembering the greatest gift at Christmas
I have heard it said, “Man can live about 40 days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air — but only one second without hope.” I am not sure if all the time frames are absolutes, but I do know that I need hope more than I need food, water… Continue Reading Finding hope
It has been said, “If there is anything you have that you cannot give away in a moment’s notice, you don’t own it; it owns you.” I first heard this in a sermon while in college, which means I didn’t have much. But I had two things that caused me pause, a high school class… Continue Reading No one can serve two masters
