Holiness is hard. When we talk about holiness, we know that God is the standard; God defines holiness. As we consider the ways in which God is holy – in purity, in truth, in power, in righteousness, in justice, in mercy, and more – we become acutely aware that we are not like God in … [Read more…]
While preparing and preaching a sermon from Ezekiel, I recently found myself fixated on this verse: “You will know that I am the LORD, when I deal with you for my name’s sake and not according to your evil ways and your corrupt practices, O house of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD” (Ezekiel 20:44, NIV … [Read more…]
With Valentine’s Day approaching, the greeting card industry reminds us of the value of having the right words when you’re trying to communicate an important message, especially to the ones you love. Not to be left out, the confectionery industry reminds us that one of the quickest ways to a sweetheart’s heart is through the … [Read more…]
Of all of God’s attributes, holiness seems to be the ultimate, overarching descriptor of who God is by his very nature. In their visions of God’s splendor both Isaiah and John have recorded the angels praising God saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). Nowhere else in the Scriptures … [Read more…]
One of my favorite Christmas carols is one we don’t often sing, “How Great Our Joy!” It’s an old German carol that’s fun to sing, especially a cappella. The song retells that part of the story of Christ’s birth that we read in Luke 2:8-11: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch … [Read more…]
Thank you! Thank you for your continued faithfulness in giving. Whether you give a traditional tithe of 10 percent of your income or more than that or less than that in cheerful offerings, your giving is evidence of faith. I am humbled and inspired by your generosity. While our monthly giving records show that we … [Read more…]
Disciples of Jesus must love the world. No, I’m not saying that we must love the things of the world, the sin of the world, the brokenness of the world. I’m saying Christians must love the people of the world – sinners, the lost, “those people.” It’s important to make this distinction because far too … [Read more…]
Immediately following his account of the start of the Church on the day of Pentecost, Luke wrote this description of the early church in Acts 2:44-47: All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet … [Read more…]
As I preach through Deuteronomy, I continually find myself amazed by how closely it resembles the story of the church today. The more I study and preach, the more I am convinced that God’s relationship with people has always been based upon God’s grace and not God’s law. When I began the series, I explained … [Read more…]
If you have ever had to monitor or even change what you eat or drink because of a dietary or medical concern, you are probably familiar with various imitations or alterations of your favorite foods and beverages, like diet sodas or low-sodium or low-fat versions of things you like to eat. You probably also know … [Read more…]