'#pdsreflections' Tagged Posts (Page 3)
From a Jewish Perspective
As we talked about the fact that God has not forsaken his people from Romans 11, it is important for us to get a glimpse of how Jewish people may view the New Testament and Jesus. This testimony we are sharing today not only encourages us that God is still at work but give us some unique insights and glimpse that will further educate us in our evangelistic efforts to Jewish people. “God Has Not Forsaken Israel” (Romans 11:1-27) CCLI…
Mix Reactions Toward God’s Sovereignty
The sovereignty of God can invoke a number of reactions from people. It may incite praise. It may create bewilderment and questions. It may incite critical comments and even anger. Since Romans 9’s focus was centralized on God’s sovereignty, let’s take a bit more time to explore that today and our mixed reactions as human beings toward this important attribute of God. “God Is the Potter. We Are the Clay.” (Romans 9:14-33)
Following Jesus While We Wait for His Return
On Sunday, we discussed the importance of following Jesus as we wait for his return. Some time ago, I was greatly encouraged by this interview with a man named Ruslan. Take a few moments to watch and be encouraged and challenged in your own walk with the Lord and the call to follow him. “He Is Coming Again” (Gospel of John & Revelation)
For Your Benefit & the Future
On Sunday, Paul preached from Romans 3-4 about the fact that salvation has always been by grace through faith. As we think about people being saved though, behind that is someone who took the time to share or teach the truth. Thinking on the theme of Romans, The Gospel Proclaimed and Practiced, today I want to challenge us to seriously consider the calling we have been given by Christ. Not only has the faithful obedience of this by others benefitted…
Responding to Tragedy
In light of the present tragedy near Nashville, I’d like to take some time to revisit a sermon I preached during the summer of 2022 about responding to tragedy. Within it are some key elements to remember and consider as we have our own responses toward this and as we talk with others. What does God think of this? Where is God? What is he doing? What is most important to remember? We’ll look at those questions and more. Thanks…
God’s Holiness & Our Need for Christ
I was greatly impacted some time ago by a book I was reading that brought me into a deeper understanding of the holiness of God and our great need for Christ as our Savior. As I read those words, it left me with praise for what God has done in my life as I think on my own sinfulness in comparison to his holiness and the immense kindness shown me on the cross. Take a moment to watch as I…
Loving the Unlovable
As I was thinking further on Romans 2-3, it made me think of how this looks in combination with a very well-known passage. And as we think on that passage as well today, it encourages us to deeper affection for our neighbors whether or not we think that they deserve it. Thanks for watching. “A Universal Cancer” (Romans 2:1-3:23)
God’s Restraints on Evil: Government & Church
As we finished up Romans 1, one of the questions we are left asking is whether or not God restrains evil at all in this world. If the world is as bad as Paul says it is, how do we account for the “good” we do see in the world? Today, we’ll discuss 2 of 4 different restraints God has placed in the world and the responsibility these elements call us to. Thanks for watching! “Mayday, Mayday! We’re Going Down!”…
God’s Restraints on Evil: Conscience & Family
As we finished up Romans 1, one of the questions we are left asking is whether or not God restrains evil at all in this world. If the world is as bad as Paul says it is, how do we account for the “good” we do see in the world? Today, we’ll discuss 2 of 4 different restraints God has placed in the world and the responsibility these elements call us to. Thanks for watching! “Mayday, Mayday! We’re Going Down!”…
God’s Fingerprints on Creation (#2)
On Sunday we took the time to specifically highlight Romans 1:20 and how creation declares the glory of God, how his attributes are clearly seen so that people are without excuse. This week, we’d like to take that a bit further and explore more ways we see the fingerprints of God on creation with the advances in technology over the last 50-60 years. Thanks for watching! “God Speaks Through His Creation” (Romans 1:20) “Untangler of Knots: The Amazing Topoisomerase Molecular…
God’s Fingerprints on Creation (#1)
On Sunday we took the time to specifically highlight Romans 1:20 and how creation declares the glory of God, how his attributes are clearly seen so that people are without excuse. This week, we’d like to take that a bit further and explore more ways we see the fingerprints of God on creation with the advances in technology over the last 50-60 years. Thanks for watching! “God Speaks Through His Creation” (Romans 1:20) “Amazing Flagellum : Michael Behe and the…
Gospel Transformation Stories (Part 2)
As we started our new series on Sunday, we talked about the fact that the gospel of God transformed our identity. It certainly did for Paul who went from a persecutor of the church and became and advocate for the church. The gospel brings transformation. This week, I’d like to just simply be encouraged by a couple of stories about gospel transformation both as a means to salvation and as a means to greater imitation of Christ in daily life.…
Gospel Transformation Stories (Part 1)
As we started our new series on Sunday, we talked about the fact that the gospel of God transformed our identity. It certainly did for Paul who went from a persecutor of the church and became and advocate for the church. The gospel brings transformation. This week, I’d like to just simply be encouraged by a couple of stories about gospel transformation both as a means to salvation and as a means to greater imitation of Christ in daily life.…
Four Essentials for Finishing Well
As we continue to build on and think through Paul’s message on Sunday, I’d like to add four additional essentials to finishing well as Christians. These are reflections from one of my favorite authors, and I trust will serve us well as we continue our Christian race individually and as a church. Thanks for watching. “Finishing Well” (Various Scriptures)
Important Ingredient for Finishing Well
As I was thinking back through Paul’s message from Sunday about finishing well, there was an important quality or aspect that I have been mulling over in my mind. I’d like to share that with you today along with some thoughts as we continue to put together this recipe for finishing the Christian life well. Thanks for watching! “Finishing Well” (Various Scriptures)
Confrontation for Spiritual Maturity – How & When
From Nehemiah 13, we saw indeed the need to confront spiritual apathy or complacency or moral permissiveness in the lives of fellow believers. For as much as we may dislike this, it is a sign of mutual love and part of the process of the church growing collectively toward spiritual maturity. The question is how though? And when? Let’s take a look today at some great wisdom on how to confront a fellow believer who is in sin. Thanks for…
Resting in the Lord (Needing Help & Weaknesses)
I was challenged by some thoughts in a book recently that I had been reading that applied to what we talked about this past Sunday from Nehemiah 13. The book was on parenting. How in the world does that apply? Well, take a few moments today to watch and see how the calls to rest in the Lord are advantageous to us whether we are struggling with sin personally or helping to disciple another person. Thanks for watching! “An Anticlimactic…
Degrees of or Secondary Separation
On Sunday, we saw the Jews commitment to specific actions based upon hearing the Law. They understood the authority of God’s Word for their lives and as a matter of follow through committed to obedience. As we talked Sunday, obedience involves being both looking different and being set apart from the world. This week we’re looking at biblical and degrees of separation in light of our study of Nehemiah 10. Thanks for watching! “Because You…I Promise to…” (Neh 9-10) –…
Biblical Separation
On Sunday, we saw the Jews commitment to specific actions based upon hearing the Law. They understood the authority of God’s Word for their lives and as a matter of follow through committed to obedience. As we talked Sunday, obedience involves being both looking different and being set apart from the world. This week we’re looking at biblical and degrees of separation in light of our study of Nehemiah 10. Thanks for watching! “Because You…I Promise to…” (Neh 9-10) –…
The Grace of God in the Scriptures
We talk much about the mercy and grace of God. How do you see it though? How do you know that you’ve been shown it? What is the avenue? Is it something spectacular or more subtle? Today, I’d like to share a video with you that continues our discussion of Nehemiah 9 and that because God is gracious and merciful that we can find mercy and grace. We’re exploring the avenue in which we can find his grace immediately for…