Blog: April 2024

Acts 12 tells the story of God’s divine and miraculous rescue of His apostle Peter. While King Herod sought to make an example of Peter, it was God alone who was able to showcase His power and might amidst the persecution of the church. This passage highlights the power of prayer amidst hardship and how God's purposes for His church will prevail despite the futile attempts of the enemy. What can we learn about God’s plans despite persecution and suffering? What can we learn about living on mission even during our most difficult ...

Our “Faith Journey” sermons brought us face to face with Job last week.  His story is breathtaking:  such vast wealth, and yet such great grief and pain!  God inspired the Book of Job to be a part of Holy Scripture for our good—to deepen our faith. One way Christians have expressed their trust in God amidst the storms of life is through song.  In “Day by Day,” Carolina Sandell describes God’s wisdom (1865):  “He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Gives unto each day what he deems best—Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling ...

Acts 11 recounts the first time people were called “Christians” because they were recognized as followers of Jesus. In this passage, Peter was criticized by some of the believing Jews for going into the house of Cornelius and eating with Gentiles; however, these same critics later realized that God's power was at work even among the Gentiles. How did the church in Antioch demonstrate God's plan for all people to be saved through the gospel? What is the proper response of Christ followers upon hearing that the lost have been found through ...

As followers of Jesus, here and now this side of heaven, we need regular reminders that his reign as Messiah, Lord, King (etc.) is radically different from patterns of power that permeate this world.  So too, we don’t take our cues for status and influence from a secular society that lives for human applause.  Consider: When asked if he was King of the Jews, Jesus explained to Pontius Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.  If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the ...

While wrapping up the sermon series on Matthew’s Gospel last Sunday, I closed by focusing on a key verse—10:8.  Jesus sends his disciples on mission with this charge:  “Freely you have received, freely give.”  Jesus gives his vision for gospel-centered ministry. We have received SO MUCH from the Lord—“life and breath and everything” (Acts 17:25); “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).  Salvation is truly priceless, and it’s God’s gift to all who have faith in Jesus (Romans 1:16). AND:  receiving such a ...

Last Sunday I mentioned Randy Newman’s excellent new book, Questioning Faith:  Indirect Journeys of Belief through Terrains of Doubt. Now that’s a densely packed title.  Let’s take it apart. First, “Questioning” is ambiguous (deliberately, I suspect).  It can mean addressing questions TO faith—challenging the stance of belief in God.  Or it can mean generating questions FROM faith—a zeal to understand more about God, life, and the world from the vantage point of trust in God.  There’s some of both in the book. “Indirect” makes me think of ...

On April 21, we’ll re-launch Sunday School for all ages here at Goshen Baptist Church!  There will be classes for children, youth, and adults from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.  The coffee pot will be on by 9:15 a.m. (in the FLC).  Please plan to join us! And by the way, if Sunday School has not been part of your weekly church rhythm, here’s a great opportunity to step into encouragement, learning, growth, and community! Here are some of the details: Nursery (ages 2 and under), Room 013 Preschool (ages 3-5), Room 010-012 Grades K-2, Room ...