Morning: The sermon, "Sheltered," focused on the Psalm 91:1-16. In this passage, the Psalmist calls us to find refuge in the Lord.
In this psalm, we are reminded that we need to trust the Lord. Those who trust the Lord are promised protection and security. The Lord is compared to a bird drawing its wings over its young. The psalm ends in a promise spoken by the Lord. It is a promise to care for those who trust him.
Evening: We were in Romans 8:28-39 tonight exploring the implications of the gospel. Paul presents the plan of the gospel in Roman 8:28-30 which includes predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. In Romans 8:31-34, he causes us to think through the implications of the gospel by asking a series of pointed questions. Paul's final conclusion is that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ (see Romans 8:35-39).
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Thursday Humor: "Cracker Barrel" by Tim Hawkins
In this clip, Tim Hawkins gives his take on the Cracker Barrel. I love the part about omelets--"Can you thank outside of the box for a minute?". Have a great one.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Revere the Lord
Do you ever think about reverence? What does it mean to revere something or someone? Some would say that reverence is showing the proper respect or honor to a worthy object. What objects are worthy of our reverence. Here are a few people and places worthy of respect:
We want to return to that state. However, we cannot. We live in a state that doesn't permit us to enter into the presence of the Lord without the aid of a Mediator. The promises Paul alludes to in 2 Corinthians 7:1, all point to the fulfillment of that hope. In Christ, we will experience a future with no death, no exile, no sin, and no separation from God. We'll no longer be east of Eden.
Instead, we will experience belonging, love, care, and protection. God will be with us. We will be able to behold his glory in Christ Jesus, and he will wipe away every tear from our eyes. We will be given new bodies that are not subject to death, disease, or decay.
Until that day, we must strive to show God our reverence. Paul gives us the shape of reverence. We must "purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit," and we need to perfect holiness.
To purify ourselves of all contaminates suggests removing the things in our lives that draw us away from wholehearted devotion to the Lord. The author of Hebrews says something similar in Hebrews 12:1-3, when he tells us to throw off the weights and sins that easily entangle us, and to focus on Christ.
Perfecting holiness is the continual practice of walking in obedience to the Lord. Peter helps us to develop a plan for holy living in 2 Peter 1:3-11. God gives us what we need to live godly lives. We just have to pursue it with faith.
As followers of Christ we must heed Peter's warning, "Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives in reverent fear." We labor for his glory, knowing that Christ has secured our way.
- God (Ex. 20:1-11; Deut. 5:6-15; Ps. 33:8-9; Heb. 12:28-29)
- God's sanctuary (Lev. 19:30; 1 Cor. 3:16-17)
- God's commandments (Ps. 119:48)
- Our fathers and mothers (Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16; Lev. 19:3; Heb. 12:9)
- Government leaders [by extension military and law enforcement] (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:17)
- Church leaders (1 Tim. 3:2, 8; 5:17; Heb. 13:17)
- Other believers (Rom. 12:10; 1 Pet. 2:17)
- He will live with us.
- He will walk with us.
- He will be our God.
- We will be his people.
- We will be his children.
We want to return to that state. However, we cannot. We live in a state that doesn't permit us to enter into the presence of the Lord without the aid of a Mediator. The promises Paul alludes to in 2 Corinthians 7:1, all point to the fulfillment of that hope. In Christ, we will experience a future with no death, no exile, no sin, and no separation from God. We'll no longer be east of Eden.
Instead, we will experience belonging, love, care, and protection. God will be with us. We will be able to behold his glory in Christ Jesus, and he will wipe away every tear from our eyes. We will be given new bodies that are not subject to death, disease, or decay.
Until that day, we must strive to show God our reverence. Paul gives us the shape of reverence. We must "purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit," and we need to perfect holiness.
To purify ourselves of all contaminates suggests removing the things in our lives that draw us away from wholehearted devotion to the Lord. The author of Hebrews says something similar in Hebrews 12:1-3, when he tells us to throw off the weights and sins that easily entangle us, and to focus on Christ.
Perfecting holiness is the continual practice of walking in obedience to the Lord. Peter helps us to develop a plan for holy living in 2 Peter 1:3-11. God gives us what we need to live godly lives. We just have to pursue it with faith.
As followers of Christ we must heed Peter's warning, "Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives in reverent fear." We labor for his glory, knowing that Christ has secured our way.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Hymns: "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
This hymn was originally written in German by Martin Luther. It speaks of God's sovereignty and might. It is a continually reminder that God's Word cannot fail. As such, it reminds us to cling to God's unerring Word with faith and conviction. Here is Chris Rice's version of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God".
Monday, September 5, 2011
FAQs Mondays
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Sunday Recap 9-4-11
Morning: This morning's message, "On Pastor's," focused on 1 Timothy 3:1-7. In this passage, Paul explains to Timothy what he should look for in an overseer (bishop/elder/pastor).
Paul started with a willing heart. It is a noble thing to desire leadership, if the heart is in the right place. The first step to leadership is willingness to serve.
Paul then goes on to explain right character. Pastors are to be men of integrity. They are to be humble, honest, sober men. They are to be men who can teach and who can manage their families well. They should be men who help strangers.
Paul then explains that they should be men of some experience and training. New believers should be placed into roles of leadership because it can cause them to become prideful.
The church should seek such men for their pulpits. It should also seek to train the men in the pew to exemplify these qualities.
Evening: Business meeting.
Paul started with a willing heart. It is a noble thing to desire leadership, if the heart is in the right place. The first step to leadership is willingness to serve.
Paul then goes on to explain right character. Pastors are to be men of integrity. They are to be humble, honest, sober men. They are to be men who can teach and who can manage their families well. They should be men who help strangers.
Paul then explains that they should be men of some experience and training. New believers should be placed into roles of leadership because it can cause them to become prideful.
The church should seek such men for their pulpits. It should also seek to train the men in the pew to exemplify these qualities.
Evening: Business meeting.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Thursday Humor: "Raising Kids" by Tim Hawkins
I know I link to the same guys over and over, but that's because they consistently make me laugh. Laughter is an amazing gift. I hope this clip brightens your day.
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