The Christian practice of Sabbath rest has foundations that were laid long before our days of smartphones and remote work. They were laid before the time of Christ and before the time of Moses. They were laid even before “thorns and thistles” sprang up to make our work in a fallen world more toilsome and... Continue Reading

The supper is Christ’s gift to sinners who need grace, not a painful punishment for those who haven’t had a perfect week. The primary qualification for the table is union with Christ and a willingness to walk in unity with his people.   The congregation moved forward to receive the bread and wine, but I... Continue Reading

We are not asked to create sacred moments but to recognize God’s presence within the moments already given. Awareness grows slowly, often after the fact. That is all right. Faith learns by remembering.   We are often surprised to discover that God meets us in places we thought were ordinary. “Surely the LORD is in... Continue Reading

When the nations are raging and morality is spinning like a weathervane, Christians must refuse to panic. Anxiety is not a fruit of the Spirit. God has not surrendered His rule over history just because society decided to redefine itself. Scripture says He “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11).... Continue Reading

Praising is praying in that we tell God how great he is, and ask Him to glorify in us his name. This creates in us awareness of his majesty and authority, resulting in humble dependence on his sovereign will.   We usually think praise is singing to the Lord with songs, music and words, combined... Continue Reading

In such times, I choose also to remember that even if another person will not forgive me, I have the forgiveness of God. and I must move on.   I choose not to say or do those things that would dishonor Him; and when I do, as I will fail, I must ask forgiveness not... Continue Reading

Qualified, godly, Spirit-filled men were chosen by the people and called by the Apostles to oversee the daily distribution. In this moment we see the beginning of what would become the diaconal office: servants entrusted with the ministry of mercy, stewardship, and care.   Recently, I had the privilege of preaching at our ordination and... Continue Reading

As a church, the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22), we are a body of witnesses. All of us. We live different lives, but we were all created to be Christ’s witnesses to the world. We are fitted by God for that purpose. Some of us go overseas as witnesses, some stay closer to home, but... Continue Reading

Afflictions that lead us to remember former sins are painful; the heartache of failure is discouraging. But remembering God our Father, who sent his Son into this world to take away our sins and to save us to eternal life, where there is no more sin or failure, is the comfort we need.   Afflictions... Continue Reading

No offence is meant; but if anything in these pages should come home to a man, let him not send it next door, but get a coop for his own chickens. What is the use of reading or hearing for other people?   The Apostle Paul instructs Pastor Timothy—and, by extension, all pastors—in the nature... Continue Reading