Charles Wesley wrote a hymn in 1762 that really should motivate us today: A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill: Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage To do my Master’s will!…
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2 As the church – the body of Christ, we carry within us the only solution to the despair and confusion of our current culture. A New Year is just around the corner, and…
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:10-11 Christmas is not just about acknowledging Jesus but adoring him. It is not first about our witness to the world but about worship…
One of my favorite Christmas carols is Joy to the World. It is an upbeat hymn and one that, right from the beginning, celebrates the coming of Jesus and calls us to worship. The hymn was written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748) and was published in 1719. While Joy to the World has been sung during…
In a season often marked by a frenzied busyness, Advent is an opportunity to set aside time to prepare our hearts. The term advent is a version of a Latin word that means “coming.” The four weeks before Christmas are set aside as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Jesus’…
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?Matthew 6:27 Oh, no! Something’s coming. What now?? Doesn’t it always feel like something is causing us worry and concern? Maybe it’s financial or work-related or health-related or something bad or the 3point internet is messed up again! And…
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him – a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 Question: Do we really need the church? If so, what exactly is the church? I guess that was really two questions, but they have both been on my mind a…
As I prepare my sermon each week, I spend time in prayer and wrestling with what God is saying to me and what I believe He wants me to say to you. Often, this leads to a lot of material. Since I am immersed in the text, the points seem obvious to me. However, I…
Among the possessions we have, there are those we treasure more than others. It may be something that has little monetary value but it holds great sentimental value – that vase that came from your grandmother, that now sits on your mantel. It’s a treasured possession. You may have a special bond with a loved one.…
Steve and I just experienced a wonderful trip to Poland to worship with Mirek and his church. We have supported Mirek since our church began and have watched him grow from an itinerant preacher to a minister of over 800! It was amazing to see what God was doing in the life of his church…