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 …
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 …
Teaching and Preaching the Bible (Part 1)
How can a person stay on the path of purity? By living according to the Lord’s word. (Psalm 119:9) A God-blessed Message Stuart Briscoe, author and long-time pastor tells this story: In the 1990s, I traveled to Poland for itinerant ministry while Poland was occupied by Russia (USSR). One winter day my sponsors drove me in the dead of night …
Compassionate Service
Isaiah prophesied about Jesus the Messiah: “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out, till He has brought justice through to victory. In His name the nations will put their hope.” (Matthew 12:20-21, quoting Isaiah 42:1-4) Compassionate Christians Point to our Compassionate Lord Jim Petersen of The Navigators had a friend from …
Humble Servants of Jesus
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven….In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made …
Depending on Jesus
Christ said: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38) Luther’s Advice on Service Martin Luther (1483–1546) was a German pastor, author, and composer, best known as one of God’s …
Jesus-like Service
Christ said: I am among you as one who serves….You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Luke 22:27; Galatians 5:13) Paderewski and Chopsticks Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) was a Polish musician and composer. At his peak, he was the world’s …
New Every Morning is God’s Love (Part 4)
I sought the Lord, and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant. Their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:4-5) God is Love Terry Wogan was a veteran BBC broadcaster on a breakfast show for nearly 40 years. When he was asked how many listeners he had, he said, …