Browsing the archives for the commitment tag

Glenn Beck and the Gospel part II

general thoughts

Cal Thomas writes an interesting commentary today concerning the rally held by Glenn Beck last month.  It speaks to the heart of revival and renewal for God’s people today.

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the purpose of church

general thoughts

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

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“The Seduction of Pornography and the Integrity of Christian Marriage”

general thoughts

This is an important address by Dr. Al Mohler concerning a crucial issue in the lives of many men.  I encourage you to read it and feel free to leave comments here.

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Forgiven by God

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In my second sermon of the series, “who you are in Christ”, I focus on Colossians 2:13-14 and God’s forgiveness of your sins.

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Submit to the Lord

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In a powerful parable from Ezekiel 17, God urges His people to submit to the covenant, not despise it and break it.  This is an important lesson for us today.

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new ministries beginning

general thoughts

This summer we will begin partnering with the Soup Kitchen of Wheeling and the YWCA of Wheeling to launch new ministries to children and their families and single moms.  There are many opportunities to pray/give/serve/send in these local areas.  We are excited for the opportunities God has placed before us to “be salt and light” and “go and make disciples” and look forward to what He has in store for us through this work.

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Remember and Recommit

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In Ezekiel 16 God has some strong words against His people.  He calls us to turn from our “forgetting and unfaithfulness” and follow a life of “remembering and recommitting” daily.

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Book Review: The Practice of Godliness

Book reviews

The Practice of Godliness is an excellent book by Jerry Bridges.  It is a re-release of his sequel to the first book, The Pursuit of Holiness.  In this book he addresses areas to grow in, “to put on” the new self and grow in Christian character.  Pastor Bridges establishes three core elements (fear of God, love of God, desire for God = devotion to God) and the nature and need for training, and then briefly overviews each of 12 characteristics of God and His followers.  Pastor Bridges’ book is heavily rooted in the Word but in an easy and flowing writing style.  It is a practical exposition, encouraging the reader to apply what is developed.  The author correctly focuses on internal heart and mind change in order to impact our outward behaviors – “good fruit can only grow from good roots and proper nourishment.”  It is not necessary to read these chapters in order; the reader can “skip around” if needed.  It would be helpful for the reader to read and study more on the areas of immediate concern.  The additional study guide is helpful for further discussion and study.  This is an excellent book to read and study through and apply in the life of any believer and follower of Christ.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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discipleship / counseling conference notes 4

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In our fourth session, The Challenge of Change, we learned that changing behavior and actions is second to what must occur first:  a change of heart.  Changing our behavior and actions are the leaves; changing the heart is the root of the issue.  This changing of the heart is to change our thinking – “you are what you think.”  Proverbs 27:19 tells us, “as a man thinks in his heart, so he is.”  We must wage spiritual warfare and take every thought captive through the filter of Philippians 4:8-9.  We can take control of our thinking and choose to think rightly and Biblically.

It is war we are waging!  Be in control of your thinking!  Exercise the power you have to turn off wrong thinking and turn on right thinking.  Genesis 1:28 tells us to “subdue all the earth”, which includes our minds and thoughts. 

It is hard discipline to train ourselves to think rightly.  We are to put on right thinking, of God, His Son, His Spirit, the cross – every moment.  Let us grow and press on to maturity, let us choose life over death.

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discipleship / counseling conference notes 3

general thoughts

In our third session we discussed the “dangers of discipleship.”  Counseling people is discipleship of people, and in our relationships we don’t want to be forming people into proselytes.  Unregenerate people making disciples or believers trying to make unregenerate people into disciples are recipes for disaster! 

We are to work towards people having the aroma of Christ, both ourselves and those we counsel.  They are image bearers and reflections of God and will grow in this image.  The learner is to become like his teacher. 

The Christian life is meant to be more than “coping” or “getting by” – we are to obey and be holy!

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