THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 92 “It is good to praise the Lord…” (Psalm 92:12) This psalm says it is good for us to us to praise the Lord. Why would it be healthy, and helpful, to praise the Lord. If we dwell on what is good, hopeful, positive, inspiring, we will benefit. But negative, discouraging, dark…
If we are gods, the world is in trouble!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 44-47 “Your wisdom misleads you when you say, ‘I am, there is none besides me.’ (Isaiah 47:10) Babylon, under king Cyrus, had conquered many nations, including Israel. Isaiah credits God for Cyrus’ success (Isaiah 45:1-7). But Cyrus and his people let success go to their heads; they become boastful. This same arrogance is…
The pursuit of justice!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 40-43 “He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.” (Isaiah 42:4) God’s passion and purpose is to restore justice in the world. Justice is not not legal fairness, it means ‘everything right in the world.’ The word for ‘justice’ is the same word for ‘righteousness’. Everything right…
To be shrewd for God!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 16:1-9 “Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves.” (Luke 16:9) God created us to be very smart, creative and industrious. It has often struck me how skilled sinners can be for nefarious reasons. Why don’t we put those skills to use for eternal purposes? Jesus ackowledges of ‘people of this world’…
The other prodigal son!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 15:25-32 “I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.” (Luke 15:29) This chapter begins with the muttering of the religious leaders. Jesus is intentionally speaking to them through this older son. The older son represents the ‘already saved’ who’ve forgotten God’s grace. How many christians feel that following Jesus is…
Coming to my senses!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 15:11-24 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘I will go back to my father…’” (Luke 15:17-18) Jesus often used the word ‘repent’ when He spoke to people. The original word ‘repent’ means to reconsider and change your direction. Like someone in a destructive relationship finally deciding to leave. In this…
He’s pursuing us!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 15:8-10 “Doesn’t she… search carefully until she finds it?” (Luke 15:8) There are billions of people in the world, and many don’t know Him. Is God just waiting for people to come to Him? Do you have a loved one that is not seeking God? Does God refuse to do anything for…
Making the Lord my refuge!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 91 “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2) This is a wisdom psalm, it describes in ideal terms God’s way of life. This is how the world was designed, but sadly sin has messed that up. Sin has made harm and disaster normal, far…
Leadership in the early church (6)
ARTICLES IN THIS SERIES 1) The early church worked out their leadership based on the mission and method of Jesus. 2) The elders were the pastors in the early church. 3) The elders managed the tasks they were responsible for through delegation. 4) The elders delegated ministry to all disciples, also known as servants (diakonos,…
Blessed to be a blessing!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 36-39 “There will be peace and security in my lifetime.” (Isaiah 39:8) Hezekiah starts off humble and dependent on God for life. He prays for Jerusalem’s protection, and for his health to be restored. But when Babylon’s envoys come, he is boastful and proud. When God warns of coming judgment, he is…