Holy Week — the week between Palm Sunday and Easter — is the heart of the Christian year. This is the time when we remember Jesus’ final days, his passion and death, and ultimately his glorious resurrection. We’re deliberate about walking through this story step by step, inviting God to draw us more deeply into […]
In the Old Testament the vine is a common symbol for Israel. Most remarkable is the fact that whenever historic Israel is referred to under this figure it is the vine’s failure to produce good fruit that is emphasized, along with the corresponding threat of God’s judgment on the nation. -Don Carson from his commentary […]
Happy New Year! This morning I was thinking and praying about my hopes and goals for 2015. I love a few minutes of stillness and quiet before everyone else is awake (i.e. chaos happens). The sunrise was beautiful. It did not take long for me to realize that my hopes for this coming year […]
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:10 It was Tim Keller who said, “It is really hard for us to see our greed. No one thinks they […]
On Sunday we talked about the goodness of the law. The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to tether himself to what is rooted, true, and not going anywhere. That when faced with the temptation for endless speculation and vain discussions, choose to anchor yourself to what is true and good and leads to life. We all […]
Wow, I had such a great time on Sunday. I loved singing as loud as I could. I loved seeing lots of new faces and lots of folks I hadn’t seen in a while. I loved kneeling for prayer and communion. I loved giving thanks for 5 incredible years as a church. I loved […]
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. Psalm 95:3 On the way home from church, I told Helen that I had introduced the congregation to Sock Puppy. “Why?” She asked. I explained that the ‘fluff’ represented God’s Words. She interrupted and said, “Oh! Was the sock our heart?” I […]
Hey folks, a few quick thoughts this week… GAFCON II On Saturday, I will leave the fall retreat early and fly to Nairobi, Kenya. A few years ago, in response to the growing crisis within the Anglican Communion, a new fellowship was created of provinces, bishops, and dioceses who hold fast to a common belief […]
On Sunday, we talked about rest and work. Because we are made in the image of God, both of these are gifts from our Maker to us. On the 7th day, God finished his work. God rested. God set the day a part as holy. Do you have a ‘finish plan’ for each day? What […]
We are now 2 weeks in to this 4 part story of how the universe works: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. We have seen that ‘before the beginning’ God was present and fully, relationally satisfied. He had no needs. He wasn’t sitting around saying I’m lonely or I’m bored so I guess I’ll create […]