Our Desperate Need for Authentic, Biblical Community

This past Sunday we began a 3 Sunday sermon series on biblical community (Doing Life Together: Because Life Works Better in Community.) Here is a great video that talks about the fact that we weren't created for isolation.


Community from Crossway on Vimeo.


Thanks for stopping by . . .

pj

Thursday A La Carte

Once again, as I do every Thursday, I offer you some various links, some of which, I trust you will find helpful as your walk your journey of grace!

1. What is the most important word in the entire universe?  Here is one individual's answer! 


2. Here's a fascinating look at THE GOSPEL - definitely worth the 11 minutes it requires to watch!

3. Here's a quick but powerful read by Kevin DeYoung on what happens when we say to God, "You were right and I was wrong." 


4. "God, why are you letting this happen to ME? It hurts!" Ever said or thought these words? Here is a brief posting on three purposes of God in your suffering.


5. As you know, the tenth anniversary of 9-11 falls on this upcoming Sunday. America Remembers 9-11 is an all day, all night prayer program on September 11 - a full 24 hours of prayer in all US time zones. You can sign up to pray at the America Remembers 9-11 web site ... and you can listen to messages and music on IPrayRadio.com.


6. Finally, on a lighter note - if you thought parenting your kids was tough!

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj

What We Often Forget about the Great Commission

Most Christians are familiar with the "Great Commission." My guess is that many could even recite it pretty much from memory. Probably the most familiar "edition" of the GC is found in the gospel of Matthew:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (vv.19-20a).

Most of us however, miss the fact that the GC begins with a declaration ... and an amazing one at that!  Just before issuing the commission to his disciples, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (v. 18). Concerning this declaration, author Michael Horton writes, "This is the rationale for everything that the church is called to do and to be. The church's commission is indeed directed by a purpose ("making disciples of all nations"), but it is driven  by a promise."  And what a promise!

So as you go ... remember that as an ambassador for Christ, you represent Him who reigns OVER ALL!  Wow! It gets no better than that!

Thanks for stopping by . . .

pj

Something To Chew On.

I love to read what saints of bygone years have written. So often they say it so much better than I ever could ... no matter the topic. With that said, here is a quote from Thomas Chalmers about he Bible (Chalmers was a mathematician, an economist and a leader in the Free Church of Scotland, whose life spanned the years from 1780 to 1847). Concerning the Bible he had this insightful statement:

"The sum and substance of the preparation needed for a coming eternity is that you believe what the Bible tells you and do what the Bible bids you." 

Now that is good, solid advice!  

Thanks for stopping by . . . 

pj

Labor Day Thoughts

I am guessing that a lot of backyard picnics might have to be moved in today. Looks like more rain is coming our way today (and for much of this week). So as you spend some time sitting in your lazy boy on this Labor Day holiday, take a few moments to reflect about your labor.

1. If you are employed (and with 9% unemployment, there are many who are not) - thank God for His provision of your job (James 1:17). In addition, thank him for the health you have that allows you to work and provide for your family (Deuteronomy 8:16-18).

2. When you return to work, give your employer the best you have to give (Ephesians 6:5-8). Work as if working for Jesus Christ. In doing so, you will be a positive testimony for Him - something that those in your workplace need to see!

3. Finally, be sure to honor God with the firstfruits of your labors (Proverbs 3:9). Doing so is an act of faith on your part in which you say, "God, here is a portion of my income. I am going to trust you that at the end of the week I will still have enough to pay all my bills."

Happy Labor Holiday to one and all!

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj

Coming Up Short

Earlier this week, I finally got around to doing something I had been putting off ... going to the bank to make a deposit. Now it's not that I find going to the bank unpleasant (like going to the dentist!). It's just that with automatic deposit of my pay check, I don't need to go nearly as often. So when I do, I see it as an inconvenience, knowing that I will most likely have to spend some of my time standing in line. But yesterday I had about five checks I had accumulated across the past several weeks, so to the bank I went. It turned out to be painless - and took very little time out of my day.

The next morning, when I checked my online bank statement, I noticed the deposit from the day before was listed. I also noticed that the amount was a few hundred dollars less than I thought it should have been. So I checked my deposit slip and sure enough, the amount on the bottom line was indeed short. Now this was NOT due to any mistake by the bank. It was totally MY error. I had done my math wrong which resulted in the shortfall.

I wonder how often we do this very same thing in our relationship with God. We shortchange ourselves. How so? Bottom line, we fail to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Instead we pursue the stuff and fluff of this world, only to come up short in filling that "God-shaped" vacuum inside of us. In the "busyness" of our schedules we often "don't have time" for the spiritual practices that the Spirit of God will work through to shape us into the image of Christ. So things like Bible reading, personal prayer and worship, serving others, community worship and biblical fellowship with God's people - all take second place (if they even make it that high on the ladder of our priorities).

All this to say .... we would all benefit if we just STOPPED ... got off the carousel of life ... and evaluated our lives. Just as I discovered when taking a closer look at my bank deposit ... we might see that we are shortchanging ourselves -- and robbing God of HIS due!

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj

Thursday A La Carte Offerings

Here you go. I hope you find something of interest and help among today's offerings!

1. Blogger Tim Challies reviews the book, Going Public, Your Child Can Thrive in Public Schools, by David and Kelli Pritchard.

2. Speaking of Tim Challies, World Magazine recently interviewed Tim about how technology can become an idol.

3. Is it possible that we as parents fail in praying for our children? Here is an interesting posting titled, "Parenting by Prayer." A great read!

4. What is the difference between testing and discipline? Or is there a difference? Dr. Tim Lane of CCEF tackles this question (3:47).

5. Finally, on a lighter side . . .

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj