A “Yes” Face Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) was our third president in the USA. One time, he and a group of companions were traveling on horseback and came to a flooded river which had washed away the bridge. Each rider forded the river on horseback, fighting against deadly currents. Another traveler, not part of the group, walked up to the President …
The Miracle of Christian Conversion
We were therefore buried with Jesus through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4) Eden Chen Was Converted Eden Chen was a teenage shoplifter and competitive gamer. When God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) brought him to faith …
How Should We Think of Christ?
Come near to God and He will come near to you. (James 4:8) Help From Richard Sibbes Richard Sibbes (1577-1635) was an English pastor who loved to encourage Jesus’ people with reminders of God’s love and grace. In his book, The Bruised Reed, he wrote “We have this for a foundation truth, that there is more mercy in Christ than …
Haughty or Humble?
For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? (1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV) The Corinthian Problem In this part of 1 Corinthians, Jesus reminds us that He sends us out to others and we are His servants, …
Why Do Christians Suffer?
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are …
Teaching and Preaching the Bible (Part 5)
I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. (Psalm 119:42) Preparing People for Eternity Helmut Thielicke (1908-1986) was a German pastor who served during World War II. In Hilter’s last days, Allied bombs rained down on Stuttgart. Thielicke preached sermons on the Lord’s Prayer in these times of uncertainty and death. His ministry seemed to …
Teaching and Preaching the Bible (Part 4)
My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. (Psalm 119:81) Advice from Martin Luther Martin Luther (1483-1546), the German Reformer, reminds us that it’s not necessary for us to express all our thoughts in one sermon or lesson. He gives us three principles: 1. make a good introduction and don’t spend …
The Lord and the Slow Oxcart
The Lord has established His throne in Heaven; His kingdom extends over everything….Your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. (Psalm 103:19, 139:10) God Spared Them Imagine 1945 in Japan and a man named Masaru who farmed a small piece of land with his elderly father, Isamu. Several times a year they loaded up their old ox-drawn …
Teaching and Preaching the Bible (Part 3)
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. (Psalm 119:37) God Used a “Dead in the Water” Sermon James Smith approached Pastor Hugh Litchfield and asked, “Do you remember me?” James explained that 10 years earlier he had visited the church where Litchfield was serving. James was facing jail time over tax violations, that …
Teaching and Preaching the Bible (Part 2)
Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. (Psalm 119:17) Not Just Pointing at People Pastor David Roseberry went to see a doctor for pain in his shoulder. It hurt whenever he moved it. The doctor diagnosed it as “frozen shoulder” and said it comes with age and over-use. The doctor prescribed physical therapy …