Broadly speaking, then, the Bible gives us a two-pronged approach to the Christian discipleship. We study and we obey. We learn and we act. We think and we live. This is what God desires from us. So come into God’s presence to learn. And leave his presence to obey.
Read MoreGod has kindly made his Word near and clear to you. Will you turn to it and live? There is no other way to become useful or fruitful apart from it.
Read More“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” These are famous words. But what do you really make of them?
Read MorePraise be to God that our only comfort in life and death is that we stand in Jesus, cleansed and declared righteous. So we bow humbly before Jesus, and honor him with a heartfelt faith and love. May 2019 make us all truly wise before God!
Read MoreIndeed, in time God’s Love became a human baby. The birth of Jesus Christ brings to the sinful and fallen mankind the love that overcomes all sin. Jesus’ birth brings to us that faithfulness of God. That is why when we celebrate Christ’s Advent, we celebrate God’s love.
Read MoreChristmas is the season when believers and unbelievers alike speak often of joy. But it is only the believers who understand and experience this joy.
Read MoreSo believe, confess, and be comforted by the Lord who has said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)
Read MoreChrist’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!
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