Transformed theives
In Eph 4:25-30 records the sort of people we are to become when we put off the old nature.
In this passage there is verse 28 which deals specifically with the one who steals and the transformation that a thief that follows Christ should go through. (more…)
He gave him no answer…
When the Pharisees put Jesus on trial before Caiaphas, the final charge they brought against him was blasphemy. This was on the basis of Jesus claiming to be the Son of God and His sitting “at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matt 26:63-66). But for the unbelieving Pilate, this would be a hard accusation to put a righteous man to death for.
But this is exactly why the Pharisees delivered Him to Pilate – so that he could sentence Him to death. To be sure, they heaped other accusations against Jesus to make sure that Pilate would see Him as a threat. However, Pilate could see right through this ruse, and when he questioned Jesus, he asked him “are you the king of the Jews?” to which Jesus merely said “You have said so” (Matt 27:11). (more…)
The hole in our gospel
I’ve just finished “The Hole in our Gospel” by Richard Stearns. This was one of those books I had no idea of what I was getting into. Last month it was the free download of the month on ChristianAudio.com, and I grabbed a copy of it.
I had no idea who Richard Stearns was, although the name seemed familiar. I had no idea whether he was a sound author or whether he would be one of those writers I’d stop listening to after a short time. After all, those who wrote endorsements for the book were not on my “must read” list. I was in for a surprise. (more…)
David Brainerd’s attachment to the world
Some time ago, I was struck by the content of the following poem that David Brainerd wrote in his journal regarding his lack of attachment that he felt to this world. In the modern age, it is often difficult to lose the attachment to the world and the things of it, so I long to be able to echo these words with a full heart. (more…)
Colossians 1 – the transforming gospel
Yesterday I spoke on Colossians 1:3-8. This passage focuses on Pauls thanksgiving for the Colossians who he’d never seen and on the reason he gave thanks for them. His reasoning was based on the hope that they had in Christ which had given them a love for all the saints. This hope had come through the “word of truth, the gospel” through which they had “heard and understood the grace of God in truth”. (more…)
Our need to see our sin
In my last post I mentioned that we need to have a greater understanding of our own sin and depravity. Its only when we see this that we will see our need for salvation, but it also will illuminate the depth of Gods grace and may lead us to a deeper worship of God. (more…)
The gospel in Spurgeon’s Ministry
When C.H. Spurgeon examined 20 years of his sermons being published and read and considered why it was that people not only bought them but also read them. The only thing that stood out to him as to why was the centrality of the gospel. (more…)
Wisdom – it requires your mind
We have just finished preaching thematically through proverbs. I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in this series, and was asked to speak on Intellectual Wisdom. For the record other sermons in the series include practical wisdom, workplace wisdom, relationship wisdom, etc. (more…)
John 16
A couple of months ago, I got to speak on John 16 in our congregation. While it is possible to preach on the whole chapter, I generally prefer to select a smaller selection from the chapter and preach on that. (more…)
How to find the truth
I came across this comment on this thread. I’ve come across it a bit recently, so I thought I’d post on it here. (more…)
How to ascertain the will of God
Below is how George Muller recorded he determined the will of the Lord:
- I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble with people generally is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord’s will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is. (more…)
Logos 4 hits the streets
Logos 4.0 hit the streets today. So what is it like? I like it. A lot. Here are just a few reasons why. (more…)
Faint and languid assent
Our reading group is currently reading Henry Scougals “The life of God in the soul of man”. This is a remarkable book, which I recommend every follower of Jesus Christ read. (more…)
Meditations on Psalm 62
This Psalm contains two key themes interspersed throughout the Psalm. The first is contained in verses 1-2, 5-8 and 11-12 and consists of David’s explanation of the Lord and who he is. (more…)
Psalm 32
A few months ago, I began memorizing scripture – I started with Psalm 32. Today, I had the opportunity to take what I’ve learned from memorizing and meditating on this Psalm and share it in a sermon. (more…)
