When you pray, say: Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation….For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Luke 11:2-4; Matthew 6:14-15) …
Returning Home to God
Come, let us return to the Lord; for He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live before Him. Let us know; let us press on to know the …
Accepted by God Our Father
All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (John 6:37) You may also like: Rejected on Earth; Accepted in Heaven, Accepted in God’s Beloved Son Keith Hernandez was an outstanding Major League Baseball player (1974-1990) and played most of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and New …
Christ’s Way of Mercy
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 …
Total Forgiveness in Jesus: The Rooster Story
Expanded from Kairos Prison Ministry. Used also in teaching and counseling. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His anger forever. He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. (Psalm 103:8-9) The Story Jacob, an East Texas farmer, …
Idols of the Heart (Part 2)
You shall have no other gods before me….Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. (Exodus 20:3; 1 John 5:21) Last time, we introduced this topic. If you wish, read Idols of the Heart (Part 1) Review: What is An Idol? Remember, an idol (a pretend god) is not just a physical image we bow down to. Idolatry in biblical times involved …
Idols of the Heart (Part 1)
You shall have no other gods before me….Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. (Exodus 20:3; 1 John 5:21) At Jester III Prison, we are teaching on “Authentic Manhood” as modeled by Jesus. This article builds on a recent class. I also used some of this material at Belhaven University, in other classes, and in pastoral counseling, mentoring, and disciple making. …
Are You a Big-Godder?
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth. Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. (1 Chronicles 29:11) Dr. Wilson’s Story Robert D. Wilson (1856-1930) was a scholar who devoted his life to …
Knowing God Through Prayer (A-C-T-S, Part 1)
I wrote this on New Year’s Eve when I was remembering a watchnight worship service in Philadelphia. It started at 10pm and ended after midnight. We reviewed the old year together, confessed our failings, and prepared for the new year, seeking Jesus’ blessing and renewing our covenant to follow Him. We began with Psalm 141:1-2—“I call to you, LORD, come …
Joy in Jesus, Physician of Repenting Sinners
Remember, repent, and live for Christ. (Revelation 2:5, paraphrase) I love the Lord Jesus! When I fall, He lifts me up. When I fail, He forgives me. When I am weak, He is strong. When I am lost, He is the way. When I am afraid, He is my courage. Jesus takes to heart the sufferings of His friends who …