John 3:1-21 Building Spiritual Relationships This is the story of a man who was looking for a deeper, more significant, spiritual relationship. The Bible tells that it is not good for a person to be alone. Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is like him.” (Genesis 2:18 HCSB) But more than the need for physical relationships, we need to develop spiritual relationships. By that, I mean... Read more
Lenten Reflection #5: Jesus Listens “Then Jesus replied, “I assure you: The Son is not able to do anything on His own, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does these things in the same way.” (John 5:19, HCSB) Jesus listens. These two words don’t appear together in the New Testament. However, there are many verses which describe a relationship in which Jesus listens to His Heavenly Father and obeys Him.... Read more
Lenten Reflection 4 Jesus Talks Lenten Reflection 4 Jesus Talks is a Lenten reflection which compares the importance of Jesus and when He talks to E.F. Hutton and when he talks. “A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: This is My beloved Son; listen to Him!” (Mark 9:7, HCSB) When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen. Or at least that is what this commercial used to say. God told the people at Jesus’ baptism the same... Read more
1 Peter 1:1-12 Life’s Journey We are temporary residents “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To the temporary residents dispersed in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen” (1 Peter 1:1, HCSB) Peter is an apostle, which means one who is sent. Peter is the “apostle of hope.” More than anyone else, Peter stresses hope as the answer to persecution and difficulty. Paul is the “apostle of faith,” as he articulates more clearly than any other writer the doctrine of... Read more
Matthew 4:1-11 Escaping Temptation Every temptation is a test of your love for God. Escaping temptation is proof of your love for Him. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5, HCSB) I believe this is the central reason for Jesus’ temptation and I have discovered that in my own life, it is the central test of my temptations as well. “How much do I love my God?”... Read more
Lenten Reflection #3: Jesus Grew Lenten Reflection #3: Jesus Grew is a Lenten reflection on how Jesus grew up at home during His childhood. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.” (Luke 2:52, HCSB) The only snapshot we have of Jesus is His time in the temple. He was learning and growing by asking questions. As God’s Son, He was aware that God had a special purpose for Him. As the... Read more
Lenten Reflection #2: Jesus Came “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.” (Mark 1:9, HCSB) Jesus came. Jesus came from eternity into our world. However, He also came from a specific place. He came from Nazareth. Yes, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a royal city. However, He came to us from Nazareth – a local place. When Jesus came to us, He didn’t come to say: “I come... Read more
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (John 1:1–2, HCSB) In the beginning, Jesus was. God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, existed eternally together in perfect community and harmony. The eternality of Jesus is an essential part of the life of Jesus. Ash Wednesday represents the fact that people need to repent from sin. This sin which separates us... Read more
Lenten Series: Jesus ______________ Lenten Series: Jesus ______________ is a series of reflections for Lent that explore the ways Jesus interacts with us. As a Baptist, I have never been taught to celebrate Lent. I have preached a series for Advent, and I have been involved in “40 Days” emphasis during the spring. However, I have never actually observed Lent. I know that it involved fasting so that you can concentrate on Christ. So my thought this year would be... Read more
The Emotional Jesus John 11:32-43 Emotions reveal our true character. In this story, we see Jesus reveal His true human character. How Jesus reacts to human situations reveals how much He cares for us. In this case, Jesus revealed four different emotions. The context was the death of a friend – Lazarus. Jesus was coming to town and He decided to wait. Because He waited, Lazarus died. We don’t know why Lazarus died, but we do know that the death... Read more
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