Posts Tagged ‘Message 4/10’
Making the Mystery of Christ Known
For many, the church has a diminished role in our society. They pass a church building on the corner and wonder what relevance it has. That is not God’s perspective. Paul has spoken of the mystery of a new body created in Jesus Christ – Jew and Gentile together. That mystery might remain theoretical if not for the church. The Church is the pillar of truth, the declaration of God’s Word, an extension of Jesus’ grace and the embodiment of God’s loving community. Through the Church, the world glimpses the wisdom of God in this great mystery.
READ MOREMeaning and Purpose in Christ
Having tremendous resources but no purpose is not a good mix. The riches and advantages of our state are squandered or ignored if there is no purpose to direct them to. Ephesians has taught that believers are resourced with every spiritual blessing, but our blessed state has meaning and purpose in Jesus Christ. Listen as Dr. John reminds us of the plan and intent of God, not just for time, but also eternity.
READ MOREPraying When Our Enemies Triumph
Being disciplined is never pleasant; yet it is a necessary part of the parent/child relationship. It is also a necessary part of being a child of God. In Psalm 6, David prays under the heavy hand of God. Dr. John reminds us that David prays as a child confident in the love and mercy of the Father.
READ MOREThe Intermediate State
Once we really understand how much better it is to be in God’s presence when we die, it can transform our outlook on life here on earth.
READ MOREThe Cleansing of the Conscience
Distract. Deny. Desensitize. These are the ways many cope with guilt and shame. On our own, we have no remedy to silence our guilty conscience except distract, deny, desensitize. But God has the answer. Today, Dr. John teaches on the grace of a clear, cleansed conscience. It is found in the sufficiency of Jesus.
READ MOREWhen It Is Impossible
We are surrounded by warnings. We are warned not to eat detergent pods, not to crank the volume on our ear buds, not to drive drowsy. There are so many warnings, we become immune to them. That is a problem. Dr. John points to a warning in Hebrews that can’t be ignored. We disregard it to the detriment of our soul. The warning is both a caution and a hope.
READ MOREConfidence in God
The experience of Christians around the world is varied. They live in different countries and face all sorts of situations. But there is a united testimony among them. Those who have taken refuge in God, know the abundant care of God. Listen as Dr. John speaks of our common confidence in God’s grace.
READ MOREEnd Times Confusion
In matters of mystery, speculation thrives. The fact of Jesus’ return is no mystery, but the timing of it is; so some speculate with wild theories. Paul cautions the Thessalonians (and us) to not get carried away with false claims. We rest in the certainty and hope of His return. We live ready.
READ MOREThe Local Church
The importance of the local church is evident in the New Testament. The New Testament books were addressed to churches or leaders of local congregations. Today, Dr. John reminds us that the local church is God’s pillar for truth and the Body of Jesus on earth. God does not consider the Church to be optional.
READ MOREDon’t Change Course
We have laws against distracted driving. Clearly if someone’s eyes wander off the road, danger or death threatens. Dr. John speaks from Proverbs 4 about the risk of spiritual distraction. It is possible to wander off the right path by having our vision focused elsewhere. Our eyes are to be straight ahead, our ears open to wisdom, our lips echoing truth. Most of all, we are to guard our heart. From it, flow the issues of life.
READ MORE