In the much-quoted Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Brothers and sisters, you don’t actually believe beliefs that don’t change how you live. Notes: … Continue reading Beliefs that change how you live
spiritual growth
Be a place of learning
As you track through the book of Hebrews Jesus is given all the praise and glory. But then in chapter 3, verse 6 we learn that “we are [God’s] house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” Further, we are “holy brothers and sisters” in that house … Continue reading Be a place of learning
Ships don’t sink because of water around them
Recently during a Sunday message Jeff Walther shared one of those quotes that makes you think, think again, and then think some more: “Ships don’t sink because of water around them. Ships sink because of water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.”* We’re all … Continue reading Ships don’t sink because of water around them
Genuine beliefs have hands and feet
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in prison. Instead of bemoaning their fate they were praying and singing to God! The jailer was captivated, not only by their words but by their behaviour (see verses 25 to 30). He wanted to know what to do to be saved. They told him about believing in … Continue reading Genuine beliefs have hands and feet
Instruction in the Way
In Acts 16, the jailer who had been guarding Paul and Silas asked: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house” (verses … Continue reading Instruction in the Way
The secret recipe to progress
When it comes to following Jesus we want to make progress. We want to pray more wholeheartedly, serve more freely, love more quickly, and believe more robustly. We want to see spiritual growth. So let me share a thought that has been helpful for me: Consistency is the secret recipe to progress. When we are … Continue reading The secret recipe to progress
Is fasting the black sheep?
Fasting is like the black sheep of the spiritual disciplines. Prayer, Bible-reading, worship, simplicity, and servanthood are much more on display. But fasting is often tucked away, kind of awkward, and a bit neglected. And yet there it is. Fasting was practiced by Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Anna, Paul and, of course, Jesus. After … Continue reading Is fasting the black sheep?
Preparing who you are (for the future)
In 2 Peter 3:18, the apostle says to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The reasons why this kind of growth is a good idea are beyond quantification. But here’s one of them. You never know what challenges you’ll face in the future. But what you DO know … Continue reading Preparing who you are (for the future)
An idea to draw closer to God
A few months ago our church memorized James 4:8: “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” It’s one of my favourites, and I’ve quoted it many times. Writing about this very verse, biblical commentator Matthew Henry said: “If there be not a close communion between God and us, it is our … Continue reading An idea to draw closer to God
Embody one of these traits this week
On Friday we explored the idea of wisdom. After looking at James 3:17 we found that wisdom is not just stuff you know; it’s who you’re known to be. Today let’s try to apply James’ insight about wisdom to our own lives. Let’s look at that verse again: “But the wisdom from above is first … Continue reading Embody one of these traits this week
