Blog: October 2020

Today’s major news stories include:  U. S. election; worldwide pan­demic; Supreme Court; race-related tensions; social unrest; terrorism in France; global economy; Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict; ideological polarization; oppression of Uighurs in China; refugee migrations; religious persecution; opioid crisis; Syrian civil war; unemployment… All of these, and many more, greatly affect human lives:  safety, health, and basic well-being rise and fall with these developments.  But beware of viewing life through such glasses.  While all of the ...

David Platt, Lead Pastor at McLean Bible Church in Washington, D. C., just came out with a new book:  Before You Vote:  Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask. I just read (and re-read) this short book, and Platt’s questions are well worth the careful consideration of American Christians—and especially in this current cultural moment.  Let me mention a few highlights and key claims. To put things in the right perspective, we’re reminded, “This world is not a democracy.  This world is a monarchy, and God is the King” (p. 16).  We are ...

If Goshen is your church but you’re not a member, here’s a question:  What keeps you from becoming a church member? Let me speculate.  You’ve heard that the term “membership” isn’t in the New Testament.  Plus, the word has some not-so-nice connota­tions (sounds elitist; seems like a way to exclude people, or a way to get those who commit to do more work).  Or maybe you just haven’t gotten around to pursuing membership.  Some may even wonder, “Who needs membership, why can’t we all just be who we are and enjoy gathering as God’s people and ...

As the Passover celebration drew near, Jerusalem hummed with excitement. Everyone wondered if Jesus—teacher, miracle-worker, and prophet—would come for Passover. (John 11:56-57) The Passover meal was a permanent statute God intended for every Israelite family to observe each year. (See Ex. 12:1-28; Lev. 23:5-8.) But it was no secret the religious leaders were determined to kill Jesus. Jesus had warned His disciples what would happen this Passover. (Mark 10:33-34; Luke 18:31) As they ate the Passover meal, Jesus broke bread and gave it to ...

The religious leaders despised Jesus. He was a threat to their power, and they didn’t believe He was the Messiah. The Jews decided to confront Jesus with questions. Perhaps He would misspeak, and they could trap Him with His words. The Pharisees’ disciples asked Him, “Teacher, is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” As far as these men were concerned, Jesus could not give a satisfactory answer to this question. If Jesus said God’s law required them to pay taxes to Caesar, they could get the Jewish people—who hated paying taxes to the ...

Mark tells the story of a man whose life is under destruction—a poor soul, out of his mind, frantic, hopeless.  But Jesus intervenes and sets him free from demonic oppression.  The newly liberated man then begs Jesus to let him join the band of disciples, but he’s denied:  “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (5:19). There’s a time to get face to face with Jesus—whether back in the day when he walked the hills of Galilee, or even now through daily prayer and Bible ...

Neighborhood Prayer Walk, Saturday, October 10, Anytime between 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. ----------- Friends, On behalf of the Outreach Team, we're encouraging everyone at Goshen to pray for their neighbors during these tumultuous times.  Below is the Prayer Guide for our Neighborhood Prayer Walk this Saturday. Please find a time that works for you to walk your neighborhood and pray (you could do this on your own, as a couple, as a family, or however you see fit).  We're suggesting between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. You might want to carry a candle ...

Leading into the last week of Jesus’ ministry before His death and resurrection, Jesus entered Jerusalem as the King of kings. Many of God’s people traveled to Jerusalem for Passover. Jesus and His disciples traveled to Jerusalem as well. Near Bethphage (BETH fayj) and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples ahead into a village. Jesus told them, “You will find a young donkey tied there. No one has ever sat on it. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Jesus ...

In times of widespread cultural chaos and angst, it’s important for Jesus’ people to focus on founda­tions. So, what’s bedrock for the church?  What’s our foundational reality?  Not any political party, or candi­date, or poll data, or debate perform­ance, or election outcome.  Bedrock for us is God—the Creator and Sustainer of all that is!  Our foundation is the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  And belonging to Jesus’ international, multi-ethnic, world-wide family of believers—his church.  And gathering for worship.  And scatter­ing each ...