Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13) From my sermon preached at Iglesia Presbiteriana Oaklawn and other places. This Sermon Outline (handed out in English and Spanish): Christ Delights to Show Mercy Jesus Attaches Conditions to His Mercy We Must Not Conceal Our Sins We Must Confess Our …
Why Is Love the Greatest?
Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) One of you asked: Why does Paul say that Christian love is the greatest? Here’s my partial answer: 1. Christ-like love is greatest because it gives evidence of our salvation. 1 John 4:7-12 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love …
Hope in Jesus Christ
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) Some people feel hopeless. Big things have gone wrong, other people let you down, you have suffered from broken hearts, broken bodies, and broken promises. Since, “Good …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 6)
Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 5)
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity….Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war [or undertake other important things], obtain guidance….A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? (Proverbs 11:3; 20:18,24) Pastor Octavius Winslow (1808-1878) warns, “Beware practical atheism which excludes …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 4)
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I….Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 3)
Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make your way straight before me….I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 5:8; 16:7-8) We continue our study on Getting God’s Guidance, drawing …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 2)
Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5) We are continuing our study on this important subject of Getting God’s Guidance, drawing on my notes from J. I. Packer’s message years ago in Philadelphia. …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 1)
You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. (Psalm 31:3 NKJV) Many people ask about getting the Lord’s guidance on questions like: Who should I marry? Or shall I stay single? Which church should I join? Where should I live? What job shall I apply for? Should we have another child? …
Whiter Than Snow
Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18) Winter snow reminds me of Jesus’ precious gospel, announced 700 years ahead of His first coming by Isaiah, Christ’s prophet, in the Scripture above. Isaiah …