Easter is coming, a joyful celebration of Christ’s resurrection and the defeat of sin and death. Yet to fully enter into that joy, we must first enter into Jesus’ suffering. Good Friday reminds us that Easter came at an incredible cost. It shows us a picture of humanity at its worst, and it shows us a picture of God’s selfless…
If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to watch more than 30 minutes of news on TV these days. The truth is that there isn’t much I can do to change this crazy COVID-19 reality. However, there is One we all know who can, our merciful King Jesus! Scattered throughout the Upper Room Discourse in John’s gospel is this amazing…
Ten weeks ago today, I started this gig at Church of the Open Door. What a crazy 10 weeks it has been! I recently reflected on how I said yes to God, and yes to the job, but was kind of clueless on what it would look like. The learning curve has been steep and fast, and there have been…
For the next several weeks, we have been asked to worship with our immediate families instead of together as a church family. This is different and challenging, but we must trust that our loving heavenly Father has this too in His hands. This week I was reminded from Ephesians 5:19-20 our unique call during worship: Speaking to one another in…
When we are good historians of God’s faithfulness, we look back on our lives and clearly see unique opportunities that He has fashioned for His children to shine His love and grace. I believe we will look back on this time and realize that He has done that for us. This morning our elders were able to talk and we…
Paul identifies something spectacular that happens when we are transformed by a generous, loving and good God. Grace begets grace. Grace makes us gracious. God makes us gracious in the most difficult circumstances. God turns self-centered and self-absorbed hearts into hearts that are ready for every good work. God’s grace makes us peaceful, gentle and humble in the most painful circumstances (Titus 3:1-2).
Grace teaches us by the power of the Holy Spirit to 1) unpack who we are in Jesus Christ and 2) shed who we aren’t any longer. As grace unleashes who we are in Christ, we will begin to shed ungodliness and worldly lusts and liver soberly, righteously and godly in the present age.
We are a month into 2020 and if your life is anything like mine and Nancy’s, the euphoria and escape of Christmas and the new year have worn off and the challenges and adversities of life have reared their ugly heads again. Whatever your load is, I’m sure it feels heavy and hope feels theoretical and not real or practical.…
