Is sanctification monergistic or synergistic? Read Kevin DeYoung’s answer. Is math ability genetic? Yes, to some extent, say the authors. But “for high school math, inborn talent is just much less important than hard work, preparation, and self-confidence.” Micheal Kruger writes, “Preaching is a stunningly simple solution to a complex and daunting problem (postmodernity). But, the solution has been there all along. Paul said it plainly when he laid out our mission, But we preach Christ crucified” (1 Cor 1:23).” Read his “How the Scandal of Preaching Will Reach Our Postmodern World.”
Read More“O God, most holy, wise, and powerful Preserver and Governor of all Thy creatures and all their actions: Keep us this day in health of body and soundness of mind, in purity of heart and cheerfulness of spirit, in contentment with our lot and charity with our neighbor; and further all our lawful undertakings with Thy blessing. In our labor strengthen us; in our perils defend us; in our troubles comfort us: and supply all our needs according to the riches of Thy grace in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.” – The Book of Common Worship (1946)
Read MoreNinth Commandment “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” 112. What does the ninth Commandment require? That I bear false witness against no one, twist no one’s words, be no backbiter or slanderer, join in condemning no one unheard or rashly; but that on pain of God’s heavy wrath, I avoid all lying and deceit as the very works of the devil; and that in matters of judgment and justice and in all other affairs, I love, speak honestly, and confess the truth; also, insofar as I can, defend and promote my neighbor’s good name.
Read More“Lord, we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” – (1662 Book of Common Prayer)
Read MoreOne of the virtues almost universally associated with heroism has been courage. For example, it is almost impossible for most of us to consider its opposite, cowardice, as heroic. Although Christian heroism is far broader than courage alone, certainly courage is an indispensable part of it. The writer of Hebrews tells us to look to Jesus, who ‘endured the cross’ (Hebrews 12:2), and to ‘consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted’ (12:3). The endurance described here is courage over time. This is not the single-act heroism of a daring exploit that might be over in a few seconds. This is the long-term refusal to give in to fear,…
Read MoreREFORMATION SUNDAY Click here for tomorrow’s bulletin. MORNING WORSHIP (9:30): Charlie Wingard, preaching: Romans 5:1-11 “Justification by Faith Alone in Christ Alone” ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL (11:00): READING THE BIBLE BIBLICALLY A study of how to use the structure, genres, and themes of the Bible to read it with more wonder, depth and understanding. Having considered how these aspects are seen throughout Scripture as a whole, we will apply them to reading select books of the Old and New Testaments. 3. EVENING WORSHIP (6:00): Nathan Eldridge, preaching: Ephesians 1:1-2 “All of Grace”
Read MoreVarious & Sundry: October 25
Illness kept me from posting these links a few weeks ago; Susan Cain answers questions about introverts and the workplace. Michael Kruger lists 10 books on the Bible’s authority. While I’m on lists of 10: “10 Things Americans Waste Money On” David Murray identifies 18 obstacles to personal devotions in the digital age. “Reason 2: Loss of Concentration. Tests of office workers reveal that they check email 30-40 times an hour, although they think it’s only 10-15 times an hour. 1 in 4 people check their smartphone every 30 minutes, 1 in 5 every 10 minutes.” In “Art, Nakedness, and Redemption,” William VanDoodewaard writes: “To reject nudity in art and film is no denial of artistic ability, nor of created…
Read More(My dear Aunt Martha would have turned eighty-two today. The week she died I wrote these reflections in another forum. She was a godly aunt and gifted teacher.) While on vacation last week, I received word that my Aunt Martha died on Thursday, October 11. One of the great honors of my life came later in the day when my dad and uncle requested that I lead her funeral service in Memphis on Saturday morning and the subsequent interment service in Batesville, Arkansas. Aunt Martha was born October 25, 1931 in Montgomery, Alabama, the third and youngest child of Tom and Dorinda Wingard. She was remarkable; I can say without fear of objection from any who knew her that she…
Read MoreIf there is one trial greater than another, it is the trial of being disappointed in those we love. It is a bitter cup, which all true Christians have frequently to drink. Ministers fail them. Relationships fail them. Friends fail them. . . . But let them take comfort in the thought, that there is one unfailing Friend, even Jesus, who can be touched with the feelings of their infirmities, and has tasted of all their sorrows. Jesus knows what it is to see friends and disciples failing Him in the hour of need. Yet He bore it patiently, and love them notwithstanding all. He is never weary of forgiving. Let us strive to do likewise. J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts…
Read MoreIn public worship, our congregation recites the Apostles’ Creed and other historic creeds and confessions. Some worshipers express the concern that this ancient practice leads to the vain repetition of words. And it certainly can. Even worse, if the truths that we confess fail to engage our hearts and minds, then we take the Lord’s name in vain. If profanity is the most obvious form of taking God’s name in vain, then the meaningless use of God’s name is the most serious. Using his name in worship without consideration of his character, singing hymns to Jesus without a love for Jesus, flippant prayers, and the empty recitation of creeds all involve the vain use of God’s name. God’s name is…
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