From Woe to Wow April 8, 2016 Year C Isaiah 5:11-17 As God shares with Isaiah the conditions of the people of Israel, He begins by descending. God says “Woe” which is a word that describes a state of disappointment. God is disappointed with His people. Here are five ways in which I show God disappointment: 1. I waste God’s time on useless pursuits (Isaiah 5:11) In this case, the people were spending all day from early in the morning... Read more
Homebrewed Christianity by Tripp Fuller Homebrewed Christianity by Tripp Fuller is a postmodern critique of the study of Christianity. In this initial volume, Fuller critiques Evangelical Christology. The subtitle (Lord, Liar, Lunatic, or Awesome?) itself a critique on the question about Christ developed by C.S. Lewis. Fuller uses a hermeneutic of suspicion throughout the book. Fuller begins with a good definition of postmodern thought – what he calls consciousness. There are five elements which shape postmodern consciousness (13-15): Historical consciousness... Read more
Revelation 7:1-17 Prepared for Protection We have seen God reveal to John the Risen and returning Messiah ready to come and take possession and power over the Earth. We have seen Jesus speak to the churches about the present persecution and to be prepared for His return. We have seen the first set of six seals which open up the events on Earth to be ready for the judgment of God. Now we come to a pause. In many adventure... Read more
Psalm 136:1-26 God’s Love “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1, ESV) We just sang the song “Forever” which comes from this psalm. When I hear and sing that song, I am reminded of an experience as pastor of the International Baptist Church in Bremen. We had a young man who was baptized, and he requested the song “Forever.” When it came time for the song to be sung, he... Read more
March 29, 2016 Year C Judges 4:17-23 It’s been a bad day for Sisera. He has been defeated by the hand of God through an act of confusion(Judges 4:15-16). Then he tries to hide from his enemies. Sisera seeks the help of a Kenite (Judges 4:17). She lures him (Judges 4:18), and offers him a drink (Judges 4:19). The problem is that Sisera doesn’t know with whom he should trust. He knows whom he can’t trust. This is why he... Read more
Adventures in Soulmaking by Troy Caldwell, M.D. Adventures in Soulmaking by Troy Caldwell, M.D. is a book which shares stories and principles of spiritual formation and depth psychology. The book if divided into two parts. Part One describes “The Kingdom Within,” and Part Two investigates “Keys to the Open Heart.” The first part of Adventures in Soulmaking is titled Discovering the Kingdom Within. With storytelling and methodical instruction, a coherent model of the soul is developed and diagrammed. The spiritual journey... Read more
Revelation 3:14-22 Retaining a Passion for Christ SLIDE 1 REVELATION 3:14-22 In nature, if water is hot, it has useful purposes. It can heal, and it can regenerate the body. If it is cold, it is refreshing. It soothes and it can help quench a thirst. But if it lukewarm, water can get stagnant. Stagnant water collects bacteria and serves no purpose. VISUAL – Place a hot cup of coffee and a cold cup of water on a table. Remind... Read more
Hebrews 5:7-10 God’s Perfecting Process Southern Baptist pastor and theologian Herschel Hobbs stated his advice to Godly parents with ornery children: Through the years I have counseled with godly parents whose children did not turn out to be all they and the Lord wanted them to be. Invariably the parents asked, “Where did we fail in rearing our child?” All the while I knew they had done all that parents could do to rear the child in the fear and... Read more
Since I Am Forgiven, I Am Free March 25, 2016 Year C (Good Friday) Hebrews 10:16-25 Good Friday is good because Jesus died on the cross. It is good because His death on the cross paid my sin debt. It is good because paying my sin debt forgives me of my debt to God. Since I have been forgiven, I am free. I am free to do other things. I don’t have to continually spend all of my time... Read more
The Silent Prayer of Jesus The Silent Prayer of Jesus is simple thought reflection during Holy Week. March 23, 2016 Year C (Wednesday of Holy Week) Psalm 70:1-5 According to Scripture, nothing is recorded in the life of Jesus on this day. He probably spent this day with friends in Bethany. How silent was Jesus on this day? Did He spend time remembering days of His earthly ministry? Did He contemplate His upcoming death? We don’t know what Jesus was... Read more
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