“Fighting Against God”
Steven A. Bush
Despite being warned by the Sanhedrin to stop preaching, the apostles and believers kept proclaiming the name of Jesus, and the church grows expeditiously. Fueled by jealousy, the Jewish leaders have the apostles arrested and thrown in prison.
“We Are His Workmanship”
Steven A. Bush
In Philippians 1:6 Paul writes these words to what may be his favorite church: “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (ESV) How can we not be bolstered by such promising words?!
“Wisdom From Above”
Mark B. Thogmartin
In our culture, most people believe wisdom is gained through much experience. Others think that only a select few are gifted with wisdom. The biblical view of wisdom, however, is that wisdom has existed from the beginning of creation, and that God makes wisdom available to all who seek it.
“Practicing Good and Evil”
Mark B. Thogmartin
Author Malcolm Gladwell, in his fascinating book titled Outliers, notes that, in order to become a “virtuoso,” one needs to practice a skill for at least 10,000 hours. It’s more about hard work rather than simply being gifted in a skill. How might we become “virtuosos” in our Christian walks?
“So What About This Mary Girl?”
Steven A. Bush
Mary would be the one chosen to tenderly raise God’s beloved Son, whom she obediently named, Jesus. She was the steward of His care from birth to manhood. May we all embrace Mary’s response to this awesome charge: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
“God’s Right, I’m Wrong”
Steven A. Bush
In a sermon I heard roughly 40 years ago, our pastor delivered a line that never left me: “God’s right, I’m wrong!” Those words are powerful and they can be very liberating.
“Take My Yoke”
Mark B. Thogmartin
What does it mean to find rest for our souls by taking Jesus’ yoke as
He encouraged us to do? Work is something that is a part of our life this side
of eternity, yet Jesus promises us rest if we will learn from him.
“God’s Will and Christian Liberty – Part 2”
Mark B. Thogmartin
Our Lord Jesus instructed to pray “…Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” In Part 2 of this two part series we examine three different models of seeking and discerning God’s will. The “Boundaries” model is recommended in which the believer has liberty in decision making guided by God’s Word, wisdom, and His providential […]
“God’s Will and Christian Liberty – Part 1”
Mark B. Thogmartin
The Apostle Paul admonishes us, in Romans 12, to discern the will of God “by testing.” In Philippians 2 Paul says to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling because God is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Discerning the will of God is obviously […]