Blog: March 2023

It’s not uncommon, after a tragedy, for people to say that their “thoughts and prayers” are with those who are grieving.  Whether it’s a mass shooting, a hurricane, or a train derailment (etc.), this expression of condolence is often shared.  Let me offer a few comments about “thoughts and prayers”: Pairing “thoughts” with “prayers” can diminish the meaning of prayer.  Calling on God is not a mere mental exercise; thinking about someone is categorically different from appealing to the Lord God for their good.  One action is horizontal, ...

God calls us to “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,…” (Philippians 2:14-15).  “All things”—not just when events go your way or life is easy.  Even when you’re wronged, you can pursue the right in a way that expresses calm, humble reliance on God’s sovereign care. We’ve seen this connection before:  as salt and light, disciples of Jesus stand out and make an impact ...

What gives you hope? It seems like a simple question, and most of us who regularly attend church likely know the “right” answer to the question. However, it’s the most important question for every person who has ever lived because your answer will determine your security and eternity. Unlike the hope the world has to offer, we can have a sure and steadfast hope that will never fail. In the Gospel accounts of Jesus' baptism, we see John the Baptist offer words of warning that lead us back to the question, what gives you hope? John warned ...

HOLY WEEK 2023 We gather in thanks and joy as we recall the saving intervention of our God! ***** Palm Sunday Worship Services: Sunday, April 2, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.  Join us as we call out, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38). Palm Sunday Processional: During the11:00 a.m. service.  Children of all ages are encouraged to come to the Fellowship Hall at 10:50 to receive palms and enter the Sanctuary during the first song, "Hosanna!"  After the proces­sional, ...

God doesn’t want us to “cloister” in a social bubble and mix only with each other:  Christians are charged to be witnesses (Acts 1:8) and love neighbor and even enemy (Matt. 5:44; 22:39), but we can’t do these things if we isolate ourselves from the world. And yet, we are called to live in community with fellow believers in such a way that we care and support and serve one another in deep, beautiful ways (John 13:35).  Healthy church life means having rich relationships with fellow disciples of Jesus. One of the fruits of a proper ...

In Matthew 8 we were confronted by a barrage of Jesus’ miracles:  the sick healed, the demon-possessed liberated, a raging storm stilled.  Chapter 9 will show us even more wonders, including a girl being raised from the dead (9:25).  Along the way we’ll read about Jesus walking on water (14:25), multiplying loaves and fish (14:13-21), and more.  In fact, from cover to cover Matthew’s account spotlights the miraculous—from a virginal conception (1:22-25) to the resurrection of Jesus (28:6-9). What are we to make of this?  How can we, in our ...

How many times have you read or heard the narrative of Jesus’ birth? When interacting with a familiar Bible story, it is easy to simply skim over it and assume we understand all there is to know about it. Rather than taking that approach, spend time this week meditating on Luke 2:1-20. The detailed account of His conception and birth, as well as the details between those two events provide the believer with a gift of God’s grace that is far too important to gloss over. This event preceding Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection lays the ...

Think with me about the distinction between sinful worry and proper concern.  We touched on this a few weeks ago.  Jesus says, “There­fore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life,… do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” (Matt. 6:25, 31).  Jesus pointed to the carefree birds and beautiful flowers to illustrate the point:  God provides for them, so surely he’ll take care of you.  Fret not! The trouble with worry (or one problem, anyway) is that it diverts our focus from what ...