Last week, I was studying the story of Naaman and Elisha from 2 Kings chapter five. It's a great story of healing and of God's mission beyond the borders of Israel. His renown spreads as Naaman, a pagan from Syria, becomes a worshipper of YHWH. You get a glimpse of God's mission and his intention … Continue reading Be Forgettable (Cutting Room Floor)
devotional
Cutting Room Floor: Christ will build his church
Last Sunday, I had the chance to preach from the story of Gideon (Judges 6-8). I focused not so much on Gideon, but on God as the main actor in the story. God overflows in grace towards a persistently rebellious Israel. God raises up a deliverer. God rescues his people, and does so in such … Continue reading Cutting Room Floor: Christ will build his church
Favorite C.S. Lewis quote [one of them at least]
I am currently rereading Keller's The Meaning of Marriage in preparation for some premarital counseling. It's a great book; if you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. But this post is about one of my favorite Lewis quotes that I had nearly forgotten, but Keller reminded me of tonight. Lewis wrote in The Weight … Continue reading Favorite C.S. Lewis quote [one of them at least]
Cutting Room Floor: That’s just the way things are done.
On Sunday, I preached on James 3:13-18, contrasting true, godly wisdom with wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. I had a section that came from my personal devotional reading that I cut for time. False wisdom, or worldly wisdom, often has a veneer of genuineness to it because it gets results. But it doesn't … Continue reading Cutting Room Floor: That’s just the way things are done.
Faith Complete by Works
Last week I preached from James 2:14-26, a passage that speaks of the importance of good works in the life of the believer. I stressed that, for James, it's NOT FAITH + WORKS = SALVATION. He didn't preach "add some works to your faith, then you'll be saved." What he does say is FAITH = … Continue reading Faith Complete by Works
God Entranced 