Posts from 2024 (Page 3)
Confessing Our Sin
When we’ve sinned, whether against God or man, asking forgiveness is one of the most difficult things we must do. Godly sorrow, which works repentance (2 Cor 7:10), is difficult to come by when our reputation and our pride are at stake. Admitting we’re wrong is just plain hard! Pride is a gigantic boulder on the road to reconciliation. When relationships need to be mended, whether with God or men, we need to take heed how we try to mend.…
Our Righteous God
Our righteous God is terrible; His strength none can endure. He makes the haughty low with time; And elevates the pure. Were not the Lord upon our side, The flood would overwhelm. Were not the righteous God with us, A pilot at the helm. Our righteous God is terrible; His strength none can endure. He chastens those he loves with care, To make their faith secure. Were not the Lord upon our side, The flood would overwhelm. Were not the…
Faith When We’re Hurting
Stress. Pain. Anguish. Grief. The Christian experiences all of these emotions from time to time. How should our faith respond? Psalm 119:73-80 deals with our attitude toward affliction in light of the richness of God’s word. Notice the following: God gives life meaning (v.73) “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments.” Not only has God created us, but His word enlightens us to our true purpose. Truly, that which honors…
A Reflection on God’s Shepherds
He arrives on Sunday before it is time, Bible in one hand, faithful wife beside. He walks in and smiles for he’s glad to be Among God’s people and their faces to see, For he cares deeply for them and does love them so In Jesus’s Own likeness he watches them grow. Yet think of all that we may never see, Head bowed in prayer and hard callused knees, Many the tears: some of pain, some of joy, They all…
The Gift of God’s Word
For the last 2 years, Graeber Road has had an active presence on the campus of George Jr. High School. Consider the following efforts the Graeber Road congregation has been involved in: pare lunch for all the teachers and staff at the building. 2. In October we attend their “Trunk or Treat” and pass out candy along with Bible bookmarks, information sheets, and evangelism material. 3. In December we give a little something to the teachers before the year ends.…
How Great a Forest a Little Fire Kindles
Fire is an amazing thing. As our kids sing, “it only takes a spark to get a fire going,” it doesn’t take much to turn that spark into a raging blaze. James 3 has much to say about the tongue in a very practical, down-to-earth way. In doing so, James 3:5-6 focuses on the destructive power of words in seeing the tongue in an out-of-control manner. Notice a few thoughts of the “tongues of fire”: Tinder for a fire is…
“ASLSP”
Let me start off by saying that 20th century classical music is, by and large, “weird.” John Cage, a late 20th century composer, wrote an 8-page organ piece called Organ2/ASLSP. The “ASLSP” means “play it as slow as possible.” Usually this organ piece takes more than an hour to complete (Are you asleep yet?). Yet, in 2009, an organist played the piece for 14 hours and 56 minutes. In 2022, the piece was played for over 16 hours. Not to…
Greetings
Some 21 times in Romans 16, Paul uses the word “greet” in sending kind regards to many brethren that he knows in Rome. Consider some of the people he greets: Those who risked their lives for Paul – Prisca & Aquila (Rom. 16:3). Various workers in the Lord – Mary (Rom. 16:6), Urbanus (Rom. 16:9), Tryphanaena and Tryphosa, and Persis (Rom. 16:12). Those who suffered with Paul – Andronicus, Junia (Rom. 16:7). Those who are well loved, but mostly unknown…
Jesus’s Most Challenging Questions
One of Jesus’ favorite teaching tools was to ask pointed questions of His listeners. Some of His greatest lessons are still “brought home” simply because He asks us to think deeply about truth. The Lord’s questions can cut quickly to the heart of a matter, and they are surely worthy of our study. Think upon these things: “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk?’”…
God’s People and Respect of Persons
James 2 is a chapter well-known and respected by Christians because of its discussion of faith and works (cf. 2:14-26). In that section of Scripture, faith that doesn’t express itself in outward action is “no good” and “can’t save” (vs. 14), “dead” (vs. 17), “useless” (vs. 20) and “as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so is faith without works” (vs. 26). There can be no living of a life well pleasing in the sight of God…
Philippines Mission Letter: January 2024
Click to download the letter. Dear Brethren, May this newsletter find you in good health and high spirits as we share the latest developments and blessings in our service to the Lord and our community. Our young members recently participated in a two-day workshop and seminar titled ‘Speaking and Writing for the Master,’ where they had the opportunity to hone their communication skills and effectively convey the message of God’s love through spoken and written word. Furthermore, our ongoing involvement…
A Spiritual Investment Invitation
Consider the great investments you can be a part of in January 28-31! Soul-Investment How is your soul doing so far this year? A great way to feed your hunger for righteousness (Mt. 5:6) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18) is to spend time in God’s word together, glorifying Him in study and song. As we learn God’s word together, we are filled to speak God’s word to each other! Does your soul thirst to be before God…