Christ’s first Advent reminds us that we are a people of hope. Hope, for those who have hoped in God for salvation were not disappointed. Hope, for we look forward to the glory of Christ’s second Advent. Hope, because it makes us who we are.
Read MoreBut we cannot live our lives only grieving. God does not intend us to do that. So we fix our thoughts also on Jesus’ resurrection.
Read MoreSo what becomes of us? We become his grateful worshipers. We become the ardent lovers of Jesus. We become his loyal subjects. There is no other way to respond to Jesus’ descent into hell.
Read MoreSo we protest. And we have “decided to know nothing…except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” These are the deep things that will teach us wisdom and give us power.
Read MoreGod’s great love for Jesus did not prevent him from suffering. And yet in his great love for his Son, God made sure that suffering bore precious and sweet fruit.
Read MoreBut he defends us with all his power, rules over all the affairs of our lives with might, and strengthens us with invincible help. Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man! He is everything we need, and worthy of all our praise.
Read MoreEvery day we are being molded and cemented into the old creation. No wonder so many professing Christians find worship boring and make light of it. But when God’s new creation reaches in, when we have been taken into Christ, there is really nothing that compares to the new life.
Read MoreThis very quick movement to God the Son should not surprise us. Nor should it cause us to think the Apostles’ Creed is somehow neglecting or dishonoring the Father.
Read MoreAnd when we rest, it does not mean wasting time. It does not mean being unproductive. Rather, our Sabbath rest is one of the most tangible and credible ways our faith is demonstrated. For as we rest from our labors, we rest in God. We acknowledge that all that we need comes from God. Not only so, we become intentional about giving thanks for all that God has done and continues to do, and all that he has given and continues to give.
Read MoreHe sees, indeed, that while life made him often feel withered and barren, the LORD was with him always. And now the winter is past. The leaves are coming back. Flowers bloom with their beautiful fragrance. And his fruitfulness lasts for eternity. Praise the LORD!
Read MoreIn other words, our worship is not good or bad because we sing old or new songs. Rather, the only important question is whether our worship exalts God’s work and character. Does our worship direct our heart’s longing towards the vindication and celebration of God’s glory over all people and things? Indeed, that is how we must worship. And that is how we are going to worship.
Read MoreIn the Old Testament the “horn” is the oft-used symbol of strength. And notice what that God has given “praise for all his saints” as the “horn for his people.” In other words, praise is our strength. Praising the LORD is what makes us secure. Praise is our protection is this world, and the power of the ages to come. Praise the LORD!
Read MoreIndeed, the most important hour of the week is the hour God’s people gather to worship God. If everyone in the church had the same conviction, within weeks our nation will be a different place. So let this short hour transform our lives rest of the week. Come and worship the Lord. Then leave his presence with your hearts lifted up and warmed.
Read MoreLet us sing with joy to our Savior and Lord. Our trust in men will be disappointed. Our trust in Jesus will never prove us fools.
Read MoreThe balance between Old and New Testaments at this point is interesting — a balance, not an exclusive approach. In the New Testament, the summons is to go out (Matthew 28:19); in the Old Testament the task is to attract in, to be the magnetic people of Deuteronomy 4:5—8. If your church and mine is not worth belonging to why should anyone want to join?
Read MoreThe balance between Old and New Testaments at this point is interesting — a balance, not an exclusive approach. In the New Testament, the summons is to go out (Matthew 28:19); in the Old Testament the task is to attract in, to be the magnetic people of Deuteronomy 4:5—8. If your church and mine is not worth belonging to why should anyone want to join?
Read MoreIn the New Testament, the summons is to go out (Matthew 28:19); in the Old Testament the task is to attract in, to be the magnetic people of Deuteronomy 4:5—8. If your church and mine is not worth belonging to why should anyone want to join?
Read MoreThis is the attitude expressed by ‘until’ in Psalm 123:2, a place of stillness in the middle of the storm.
Read MoreThe Lord delivered David. And in doing so he teaches us that no one who takes refuge in the Lord will be denied. Everyone who turns to God for help will be heard. Whether for salvation or for deliverance from trials, whether our heart is “high” or “low”, we can rest in God. He is faithful.
Read MoreEvery time we confess our failures, and every time we believe his promise of pardon, God subdues our worst enemy, us, and remakes us in Christ’s likeness. Indeed, we cannot have less of our enemy without having more of Christ.
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