Jul 3, 2012
I have been thinking alot about 1 Peter 1:13, “set your heart fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” I came across this verse as I was reading a blogpost by Michael McKinley and it’s just been at the forefront of my mind and heart.
Some things I observe:
1. Setting is an active verb, something I am to do, I choose to do this, it is an act of my will and heart and mind – woe to me if I am slothful in this, letting my heart drift aimlessly
2. I am to set my heart - not the organ here, but who I am, my soul and spirit and affections
3. I set my heart fully, not 50% or 95% but 100%
4. My focus of setting my heart is on the grace brought to me - I have already received grace as a born-again believer and follower but more grace will come
5. When will this happen? at the revelation of Jesus Christ, on the day and time of his glorious return
I don’t set my hope on court decisions or people or government leaders or stuff; the grace of Jesus Christ that will be brought to me is enough, this is what I need to consume me and fill me and direct my life.
Jun 14, 2011
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This is the last sermon in our series based on the gospel tract, “Two Ways to Live.” It comes from John 3:36 and speaks to the choice each person must make concerning eternal life or God’s judgment and wrath. I preached this message on June 12, 2011.
Dec 3, 2010
Sinclair Ferguson’s book, By Grace Alone, is a welcomed and refreshing book that looks at an old subject through new lenses. He bases his ideas on a seven-stanza hymn from Africa, ‘O How the Grace of God Amazes Me’; if you are not familiar with this hymn, it is included in full at the beginning of the book, and each stanza is reprinted in the introduction to each successive chapter. Dr. Feruguson’s overall purpose is to answer the questions, “Why is God’s grace amazing? How does His grace still amaze me?” and with the help of the hymn, these pages reflect on God’s grace from seven aspects. It is an exact and excellent exegesis of Bible passages that the hymn is derived from, with careful lessons and applications to the Christian’s life circumstances. It is a very readable style, not technical but full and rich. It would be appropriate for new and more mature believers alike; it is both very deep and accessible. A detailed Scripture index and notes page are included in the back. Dr. Ferguson has given us a theologically solid and insightful study on the subject of grace in this very rewarding book.
Disclaimer: This book was provided to me at no cost by the publisher for purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Nov 29, 2009
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My sermon from November 22 deals with “grace to the family”, from Matthew 8:14-17.
Nov 17, 2009
I don’t suffer nearly as much as others do. Perhaps what I go through does not deserve to be called suffering. Yet, the hard things I experience are real for me and what I can feel as “suffering.” Many events have come to a head this past week which leads me to new ideas and fresh dealings with my “sufferings”. In many ways I already know this information in my head but as life is lived, God speaks in new ways and shows new insights and applications. He also continues to mold and shape me and is gracious to me despite my thick-headedness.
My discontent and grumblings and complaints about my suffering is sin. Dwelling on how “bad” and “unfair” things are denies God’s goodness and grace and says to Him, “You made a mistake, you are not in control, you don’t know what you’re doing.” This all is displeasing to Him and doesn’t play out well in my life.
How could Paul rejoice and have hope in prison? I’m sure he must have had some hard days, but he found God’s glory and His grace in those hard events. Can’t I do this? Can’t the same Holy Spirit work this in my life?
I have complained and grumbled and not asked God or sought Him out in these sufferings. Sufferings and “deserts” we go through are designed to draw us closer to Him and lean on Him and see Him show up. It has become a regular prayer of mine now to ask Him to “incline my heart” and “please let me see your glory in these events.” I have to confess that my heart these past 2 or 3 days has been softened and my attitude improving. I pray and ask for daily filling through all these difficulties.
Nov 17, 2009
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My sermon on November 15 looks at the hope of the centurion and Jesus’ showing His grace to him and the servant.
Have hope today and God will show you His grace.
Nov 8, 2009
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I am beginning a sermon series on “Grace, Peace, Restoration” this week, covering it for the next nine weeks. The series comes from Matthew 8 and 9.
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