Dedicate His Temple
The Old Testament adds wonderful richness to our faith. In the very first verse of the Bible we read “God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). By reflecting on this wonderful truth we can better understand the words of Jesus that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Throughout the Old Testament […]
Opportunity of Our Words
Every day we are given the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Every time we open our mouth to speak, we send forth words which have an effect on those around us. Our words, which come “out of the overflow of the heart” (Matthew 12:34), will either cause a positive or negative reaction […]
Always Rejoice
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul gives an exhortation to “Rejoice in the Lord always – and again I say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Paul had been arrested and sent to Rome to await trial. He spent his days and nights under house arrest chained to a Roman soldier, but was still able to say, […]
Free Of Thorns
In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-8), Jesus told about a farmer who scattered seed on four different types of soil: packed, shallow, thorny, and fertile. In this parable, the seed refers to the Word of God and the soil refers to those who hear the Word. Those of packed soil have hearts which […]
The Father’s View
In the message “Cut The Lifeboats” we were encouraged to cut away those areas of our life which still cling to the world’s answers for fulfillment and security – those areas which keep our hearts from being fully devoted to God. But at the same time, we acknowledged this can be a difficult process. One […]
Cut The Lifeboats
At the end of his third missionary journey, Paul was arrested in Jerusalem, transferred about 40 miles up the road to Caesarea, and sat in prison for over two years before being sent by boat to stand trial in Rome. During the journey to Rome, a storm blew the ship off course and threatened to […]
The Other Son
The parable of the prodigal son contains so many practical lessons on relationships (particularly for parents) that we often forget Jesus spoke this parable in response to an accusation from the Pharisees; “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). The message of the prodigal son is really about our Heavenly Father who […]
A Long Way Off
In the last two messages, we’ve considered the parable of the prodigal son. We’ve seen how we must often “Love Enough to Let Go” and trust that God will continue to work in the life of a prodigal even as they walk through “Their Field of Pigs.” As the son was longing to eat the […]
Love Enough To Let Go
In the message “Their Field of Pigs” we considered the parable of the prodigal son and were encouraged to remember that God will use every tool available (even pigs) to draw His children Home. Our highest desire for those who are lost must be to see them secure in the arms of God. Notice that […]
Their Field of Pigs
The parable of the prodigal son has had special meaning to our family over the last many years. We’ve witnessed nearly every aspect of this parable work itself out through the life of our daughter, from the pain of her rebellion to the joy of her return. I’ve also seen this as a common issue […]
Carry Us To Completion
A great tragedy within the Christian faith is that many who believe they are on their way to Heaven will one day find they are sadly mistaken. They have been misled into believing that Church membership, being “good,” or working extra hard will ensure Salvation; but on the day of judgment they will be cast […]
Looking At Our Heart
After Joshua died, the nation of Israel was ruled by judges for over 300 years. During this time, the people turned to God when life became difficult, but “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” (Judges 3:7) when the difficult times passed. Finally, they cried out for a king: “We want a king to […]