What if there was no Easter? It’s a question that we don’t ask because we already know the truth of the matter. However, what if…? For the Apostle Paul it’s an important thought. And it’s an important thought as we worship together at church and as we gather in family worship. Here’s Paul’s view: [tweet_dis]If Christ is not raised then we are... most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:14[/tweet_dis] You see, if Christ had not been raised, then all is in vain. Our preaching is in vain. Our faith … Read More →
The Goodness of Good Friday
Where is the goodness of Good Friday in a cruel cross? It is evidenced in our salvation from sin. If we took the time to list out all our sins individually it would take us all day [correction: more than a lifetime]. But here’s a short list of our sins in which Paul reminds us of why we need God’s goodness of salvation through Jesus’ cruel cross remembered on this Good Friday: Sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, theft, greed, drunkenness, reviling, swindling, bitterness, … Read More →
Palm Sunday Preparation
As we remember a personal birthday or an anniversary or Thanksgiving Day... Palm Sunday is all the more important to remember as it brings us to a climax in Jesus’ earthly mission in his life, death and resurrection. This day’s significance lies in the fact that Jesus fulfills the prophetic word of Zechariah 9:9 and is hailed as the King, the great Son of David. St. Augustine interprets how Jesus is this King. He writes: For Christ was not the king of Israel so that he might exact a … Read More →
Fear of the Lord: How Should We Think?
As a father and husband trying to lead his family, what does it mean to fear the Lord? To fear the Lord may sound archaic and perhaps unimportant. After all, don’t we just want our children to love God…and not fear Him? Shouldn’t our motto be, “No fear taught here?” For a healthy family, the fear of the Lord is essential. To fear the Lord according to the Bible has multiple meanings depending on the context. And the Scripture context I have in mind is Acts 9. So the church throughout … Read More →
How to stand against the schemes of the Devil?
First, Be. Then Do. When we think of this question, “How to stand against the schemes of the Devil in the New Year?” we might first think of what we must do. Remember the story of Elisha and his servant and how the Syrians surrounded them in the city of Dothan (2 Kings 6). Elisha’s servant cries out to Elisha: Alas, my master! What shall we do?” But before you start thinking about doing something, the Apostle Paul would have you think differently. Instead, be. Be who you are in the … Read More →