Welcome once again to another edition of the Weekend Sermon. It is good to be able to share the word of the Lord with you again this week.
This was another good week at work. I am very thankful to the Lord for allowing me to have this job. So far, everyone has been very easy to get along with. I am also thankful to the Lord for healing me of a minor health problem I had last week.
I heard on the news that there is a serious outbreak of the Ebola virus in the African nation of Guinea. Please pray that the Lord would heal those who are afflicted with this disease. Pray that the virus will not spread. Also, please pray for Doctors Without Borders and the other organizations in Guinea who are working to help the people. Let's make Guinea our prayer focus nation this week, and pray that the Gospel will reach many people in this land.
Last week, we began a series of messages on the miracles that Jesus performed. We looked at the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. This is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels. It shows the power of the Lord and the Lord's compassion. We are to be likewise compassionate and care for others.
Today, we turn out attention to Jesus' healing of a man with paralysis. In Matthew's account of this miracle, some men bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus so that Jesus might make him well. Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgive."
When the religious leaders heard Jesus say this, they accused Him of blasphemy in their thoughts. But Jesus knew what they were thinking. Jesus told the sick man to arise and take his mat and go home. The man was immediately healed. He arose from the mat and returned home with his friends.
What can we learn from this account from the ministry of the Lord Jesus? The first thing that I notice in this account is the action of the man's friends. When their friend was in need, they sought to help him in any way possible. That is what good friends do. In order to be a good friend, you have to be there for another person in the good times and in the difficult times. You have to do all that is within your power to help a friend.
These men knew that their friend needed to be made well, and they believed that Jesus could heal their friend's paralysis. They brought their friend to Jesus. This is the best way that we can be a friend to someone today. We truly show ourselves to be someone's friend when we share with them the love of Jesus. When we tell our friends about Jesus, we introduce them to the one who is the ultimate friend. Jesus is the friend that sticks closer than a brother.
This miracle also demonstrates the divinity of Jesus. Jesus knew what the thoughts of the religious leaders were. This is an attribute and power of God. Jesus had the same divine powers on earth as He has had for all of eternity as the Second Person of the Holy Trinity.
Because He was God come in human flesh, Jesus had the authority to forgive people's sins. Jesus is the only way of forgiveness and salvation. Any person who wants to be free from sin and who wants to be reconciled to God must come through Jesus Christ. He is the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father accept through Jesus.
Jesus completely healed the paralyzed man, but the greatest miracle that that man received that day was the forgiveness of his sins. That is the greatest miracle that any of us can every experience in our lives as well. This miracle of forgiveness and grace is available to any person who calls upon the name of Jesus in repentance and faith.
If you have never come to Jesus and received forgiveness from your sins, I hope that you will put your faith and trust in the crucified and risen Lord this very day.
Next Wednesday, I will definitely have a book review. On Friday, we will look at another one of the miracles performed by the Lord. May God bless you. Amen.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Book Reviews -- Upcoming Reviews
I am currently in the process of reading a number of good animal books and religious books. I did not get any of them finished in time to review them for this week. However, in the weeks to come, I will be reviewing " Paw Prints at Owl Cottage" by Denis O'Connor and a book called "Rescuing Riley". I will also review a fiction book with dog sledding as a theme and a book about the Ethiopian Wolf. I am currently reading a very good religious book that I will review in the near future as well.
This weekend, we will still have the Weekend Sermon as usual.
This weekend, we will still have the Weekend Sermon as usual.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Weekend Sermon--Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
Welcome today to the Weekend Sermon. It is good to be able to be with you today, and I hope that everyone is having a good week.
I want to thank the Lord for allowing me to have a good job. It took a long time and a lot of prayer, but my job is working out well.
For the last several weeks we have been praying for nations of the world where there are few Christians. This week, let us pray for the nation of Israel. Only about two percent of the people of Israel are Christians. Let us pray that the message of Jesus would reach the land where He walked and ministered two thousand years ago.
Today, I am starting a new series of messages about the miracles of Jesus. We will take a break from the series for messages about the themes of Holy Week during the Easter period.
Of all of the miracles that Jesus performed while He was here on earth, only one of Jesus' miracles is recorded in all four of the Gospels. That miracle is the feeding of the five thousand.
Jesus had been teaching and performing miraculous acts of healing. His words and deeds drew massive crowds of people to see and hear him. They wanted to listen to the one who taught with authority, and they wanted to be healed of their afflictions.
On one occasion, the people had been listening to Jesus for a long period of time. As the day progressed, the people grew hungry. Jesus had compassion on the multitude and wanted to provide them with food so that they wouldn't faint from hunger on their way back to their homes.
When Jesus told His disciples to give the crowd something to eat, Philip said that it would take eight months wages to feed just one bite to that many people. Andrew, mentioned that there was a boy with five loaves and two small fish, but that was nothing among so many people.
Jesus had the multitude sit down. Jesus took the loaves and the fish, blessed them, and then He gave them to the disciples to distribute to the masses. The people all had enough to eat. In fact, the disciples took up basket fulls of left over food.
So, what does this miracle of Jesus have to teach us today? First of all, I believe that this miracle demonstrates the divinity of Jesus. Jesus demonstrated that He had the power of creation. He was able to create enough to fill the people by His wonder working power. This demonstrates to us today that Jesus had the power to supply all of our needs.
I often get down and depressed because I don't always have enough financial resources to get the bills paid. I have to remind myself that Jesus has the power to supply all that I need. And Jesus has supplied my needs over and over and over again. Praise be to His name.
Jesus also has the power to supply all of our needs spiritually as well. He is the only way of salvation. He alone is the way to the Father. Jesus is our comfort and strength when the storms and trials of life press in around us. Jesus will help us now, and He will take us to be with Him when this life is over.
I also learn from this miracle that Jesus is compassionate. Jesus could have just sent the people away. But, Jesus loved everyone, and He wanted to help everyone. Jesus cares when people are hurting. He wants people to have the good things of life. He came to seek and to save the lost, and He wants everyone to turn from their sin and turn to Him as Savior and Lord.
In this miracle, Jesus also calls on His followers to be compassionate and meet the needs of the those around them. Jesus told the disciples to give the people something to eat. We live in a world that is filled with great need. Hundreds of thousands of people in this world go to bed hungry every night. Many children die from starvation each day. It is our responsibility as the followers of Jesus Christ to provide food for the hungry. With the resources that Christians have, there is no reason that anyone in this world should go hungry. This is an important ministry of the church that we must fulfill in obedience to the Lord.
This miracle also teaches about faithfulness. The boy in this story was willing to give up his loaves and fish to meet the needs of others. He was willing to give what he had to Jesus so that Jesus could use it to help others. This should be our attitude as Jesus' followers. We may not have a great many talents or gifts. We may not have a lot of money. However, what we do have, we need to offer up to the service and use of Jesus so that others may know of the reality of Jesus' love and mercy.
This is just one of many miracles that Jesus performed. Over the course of the next several weeks, we will look at other miracles Jesus performed and see what we can learn from them. I will post a book review on Wednesday. May God bless you.
I want to thank the Lord for allowing me to have a good job. It took a long time and a lot of prayer, but my job is working out well.
For the last several weeks we have been praying for nations of the world where there are few Christians. This week, let us pray for the nation of Israel. Only about two percent of the people of Israel are Christians. Let us pray that the message of Jesus would reach the land where He walked and ministered two thousand years ago.
Today, I am starting a new series of messages about the miracles of Jesus. We will take a break from the series for messages about the themes of Holy Week during the Easter period.
Of all of the miracles that Jesus performed while He was here on earth, only one of Jesus' miracles is recorded in all four of the Gospels. That miracle is the feeding of the five thousand.
Jesus had been teaching and performing miraculous acts of healing. His words and deeds drew massive crowds of people to see and hear him. They wanted to listen to the one who taught with authority, and they wanted to be healed of their afflictions.
On one occasion, the people had been listening to Jesus for a long period of time. As the day progressed, the people grew hungry. Jesus had compassion on the multitude and wanted to provide them with food so that they wouldn't faint from hunger on their way back to their homes.
When Jesus told His disciples to give the crowd something to eat, Philip said that it would take eight months wages to feed just one bite to that many people. Andrew, mentioned that there was a boy with five loaves and two small fish, but that was nothing among so many people.
Jesus had the multitude sit down. Jesus took the loaves and the fish, blessed them, and then He gave them to the disciples to distribute to the masses. The people all had enough to eat. In fact, the disciples took up basket fulls of left over food.
So, what does this miracle of Jesus have to teach us today? First of all, I believe that this miracle demonstrates the divinity of Jesus. Jesus demonstrated that He had the power of creation. He was able to create enough to fill the people by His wonder working power. This demonstrates to us today that Jesus had the power to supply all of our needs.
I often get down and depressed because I don't always have enough financial resources to get the bills paid. I have to remind myself that Jesus has the power to supply all that I need. And Jesus has supplied my needs over and over and over again. Praise be to His name.
Jesus also has the power to supply all of our needs spiritually as well. He is the only way of salvation. He alone is the way to the Father. Jesus is our comfort and strength when the storms and trials of life press in around us. Jesus will help us now, and He will take us to be with Him when this life is over.
I also learn from this miracle that Jesus is compassionate. Jesus could have just sent the people away. But, Jesus loved everyone, and He wanted to help everyone. Jesus cares when people are hurting. He wants people to have the good things of life. He came to seek and to save the lost, and He wants everyone to turn from their sin and turn to Him as Savior and Lord.
In this miracle, Jesus also calls on His followers to be compassionate and meet the needs of the those around them. Jesus told the disciples to give the people something to eat. We live in a world that is filled with great need. Hundreds of thousands of people in this world go to bed hungry every night. Many children die from starvation each day. It is our responsibility as the followers of Jesus Christ to provide food for the hungry. With the resources that Christians have, there is no reason that anyone in this world should go hungry. This is an important ministry of the church that we must fulfill in obedience to the Lord.
This miracle also teaches about faithfulness. The boy in this story was willing to give up his loaves and fish to meet the needs of others. He was willing to give what he had to Jesus so that Jesus could use it to help others. This should be our attitude as Jesus' followers. We may not have a great many talents or gifts. We may not have a lot of money. However, what we do have, we need to offer up to the service and use of Jesus so that others may know of the reality of Jesus' love and mercy.
This is just one of many miracles that Jesus performed. Over the course of the next several weeks, we will look at other miracles Jesus performed and see what we can learn from them. I will post a book review on Wednesday. May God bless you.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Book Review--The Friends We Keep
The book that I am reviewing today is entitled "The Friends We Keep: Unleashing Christianity's Compassion for Animals" written by Laura Hobgood-Oster. The author is a professor of religion at Southwestern University in Texas.
While I don't agree with everything that is in this book, especially the final chapter about sacrificial atonement, the author makes many interesting points about how that Christians are called to be good stewards of what God has made. We are to show compassion to creatures and not abuse animals and cause them pain and suffering. Christians should be at the forefront of protecting animals and the environment.
The author offers practical suggestions about how to show more compassion to animals. One of her suggestions is to eat less meat. She recommends completely removing meat from the diet. However, all of us can eat less meat and go meatless one or two days a week. We can also show compassion for animals by rescuing animals from cruelty and by adopting animals from the shelter. The author also mentions that Christians can show compassion for animals by not attending greyhound races, horse races and circuses.
I recommend this book with the caveat that the author is obviously not a conservative Christian. There is much liberal theology in the book. This is very clear from the last chapter of the book. However, the points she makes about helping animals are certainly worth considering.
While I don't agree with everything that is in this book, especially the final chapter about sacrificial atonement, the author makes many interesting points about how that Christians are called to be good stewards of what God has made. We are to show compassion to creatures and not abuse animals and cause them pain and suffering. Christians should be at the forefront of protecting animals and the environment.
The author offers practical suggestions about how to show more compassion to animals. One of her suggestions is to eat less meat. She recommends completely removing meat from the diet. However, all of us can eat less meat and go meatless one or two days a week. We can also show compassion for animals by rescuing animals from cruelty and by adopting animals from the shelter. The author also mentions that Christians can show compassion for animals by not attending greyhound races, horse races and circuses.
I recommend this book with the caveat that the author is obviously not a conservative Christian. There is much liberal theology in the book. This is very clear from the last chapter of the book. However, the points she makes about helping animals are certainly worth considering.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Weekend Sermon--Matthew 23:13-36
Welcome to another edition of the Weekend Sermon. It is good to be with you today, and I hope that everyone is doing well.
I want to thank the Lord for giving me a very good week at work. I am also thankful that I am going to be getting more hours. The other person who worked with me is retiring, and I have been offered all of the hours at the office. I thank the Lord for His provision.
As you know, I have been asking you to pray for a different country each week where there are not very many Christians as a percentage of the population. This week, let us pray for Laos. The figure that I saw stated that only about 3 to 5 percent of the people in Laos are Christians. Let us pray for the spread of the Gospel in this land.
I would also ask you to pray for peace in the Central African Republic. Unfortunately, much of the violence in this country is being perpetrated by Christian people. This is not in keeping with the teachings of Jesus. Let us pray for peace.
I want to begin the sermon this week by stating right off that some people will not like what I have to say. However, I really feel led by the Lord to speak about the subjects that I am going to attempt to address this week.
The greatest opposition Jesus faced in His earthly ministry came from the religious leaders of His day. The Pharisees and the Sadducees attacked Jesus at every opportunity. Jesus' harshest criticisms were leveled against the members of these groups. In one of His most striking speeches, Jesus spoke a series of woes against the Pharisees and the scribes because of the way that these groups were acting.
As I read through this passage of Scripture the other day, I began to ask myself what Jesus would think about some of what I have heard about churches doing in the last few days. Much of it was not in keeping with the teachings of Jesus.
In the last few weeks, I have emphasized the fact that as Christians, our duty is to follow the example and commandments of Jesus. We should study what Jesus did, and then we should do what Jesus would do. Today I would like to speak about a few things that I believe Jesus would disapprove of heartily if He were ministering on this earth today.
Last week, I heard a report on the radio about how a group of churches in the state of Kentucky are having gun raffles in order to attract people to the church. Of course, the majority of the more mainline denominations were appalled at this. I have to say that I was shocked to find out that this practice was widespread in many conservative churches.
The first thing that came to my mind was that this is not something that Jesus would approve of in any way. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He has called those of us who are His followers to be peacemakers. He called on His people to be the ones who turned the other check and to put away the sword.
What distresses me is that many of my fellow evangelical Christians are at the forefront of opposing any attempt to pass even the mildest form of gun control in my country. Sport hunting, the military as an acceptable career for a Christian and violent entertainment all seem to have a place in the conservative evangelical world. How can this be in the light of the teachings of Jesus? Are we doing what Jesus would do, or are we doing what are own political beliefs dictate and then adding Jesus' name to it in an attempt to justify our actions?
Another issue in the evangelical church that came to my attention this week had to do with the entire issue of helping he poor and the oppressed in this country and around the world. I was asked to give a donation to an evangelical ministry. Before I ever give any type of donation, I always check the group out with Charity Navigator. One of the items I check is the level of pay that the CEO of the charity receives. In this case, the CEO of this evangelical ministry received a salary of almost $500,000 per year. Needless to say, they did not receive a donation from me.
This led me to investigate the whole issue of how money is spent in the church and in Christian ministry. I did not like what I discovered. Many Christian groups are at the lowest end of the rating scale on Charity Navigator. Many of the CEOs are paid well over $300,000 per year.
As Christians, we are called to help the poor and the needy. Our money should be going to help people and not to pay large salaries. This goes for individual churches as well. Some megachurch pastors I read about received large compensation packages and lived in multi-million dollar homes. This is not in keeping with the example of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that the foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.
Many of my fellow conservative evangelicals are also getting a bad reputation when it comes to helping the poor and the oppressed. Why are evangelical Christians some of the most vocal when it comes to helping the poor through the Food Stamp program or through Medicaid?
It is also distressing when I read about churches like the one in my area that is planning to spend $90 million dollars to upgrade their facilities. This is a church by the way that has a huge campus that is less than ten years old. In my part of the country, the homeless shelters did not have enough room to house everyone this winter. The churches need to think hard about what would Jesus do? Would Jesus spend millions on fancy buildings while people didn't have enough to eat and were sleeping in the streets? Would Jesus oppose giving aid to people who need food and medical assistance so that the rich and corporations can receive another tax break? I think that the answer is pretty obvious. In Ezekiel 22:29, the Lord said that He was angry that the leaders of the people , "have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy." In James 5:1-6, Jesus' brother has some strong words for the rich who do not help and who oppress the poor.
Finally, I want to talk a little bit about the opposition by conservative evangelicals to the environmental movement. As many of you know, I have worked as a writer for many years. Many of the people that I know in the literary and artistic community are not Christians. In fact, I do not have any literary friends that are Christians. One of the things that they cannot understand about conservative Christians is their opposition to cleaning up the environment. I must say that I cannot understand this either.
The Lord gave humanity the duty of being good stewards of the creation. We are not to abuse and misuse what God has made. These things belong to God and not to us. Christians should be at the forefront of protecting the earth and the animals on this planet. Sadly, I just heard this week an evangelical speaker opposing the Endangered Species Act.
The reason that I address these issues is not to come down on people who are doing what I don't like. When Christians support violence, misuse money, don't help the poor and are opposed to preserving the creation, it gives a bad name to Christianity. It keeps people away from the Kingdom of God.
As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Jesus and to do what Jesus would do. Let's do it. Jesus was concerned about the poor. He said that He came to preach the Gospel to the poor. He called on us to do what is good to the least of those among us. Jesus practiced non-violence and called on His followers to do the same. Jesus created the universe. It was created by Him and for Him, and I believe that Jesus weeps when He sees what we have allowed to happen to His grand creation. If we saw a beautiful painting in an art museum vandalized, we would be outraged. Shouldn't we be outraged at the destruction of the Lord's glorious creation?
I hope that these things that I have mentioned today will make you think. I hope that all of us who name the name of Jesus will be His followers and do what He would have us to do.
Next week, I plan to begin a series of messages on the miracles of Jesus. I will post a book review on Wednesday. May God bless you.
I want to thank the Lord for giving me a very good week at work. I am also thankful that I am going to be getting more hours. The other person who worked with me is retiring, and I have been offered all of the hours at the office. I thank the Lord for His provision.
As you know, I have been asking you to pray for a different country each week where there are not very many Christians as a percentage of the population. This week, let us pray for Laos. The figure that I saw stated that only about 3 to 5 percent of the people in Laos are Christians. Let us pray for the spread of the Gospel in this land.
I would also ask you to pray for peace in the Central African Republic. Unfortunately, much of the violence in this country is being perpetrated by Christian people. This is not in keeping with the teachings of Jesus. Let us pray for peace.
I want to begin the sermon this week by stating right off that some people will not like what I have to say. However, I really feel led by the Lord to speak about the subjects that I am going to attempt to address this week.
The greatest opposition Jesus faced in His earthly ministry came from the religious leaders of His day. The Pharisees and the Sadducees attacked Jesus at every opportunity. Jesus' harshest criticisms were leveled against the members of these groups. In one of His most striking speeches, Jesus spoke a series of woes against the Pharisees and the scribes because of the way that these groups were acting.
As I read through this passage of Scripture the other day, I began to ask myself what Jesus would think about some of what I have heard about churches doing in the last few days. Much of it was not in keeping with the teachings of Jesus.
In the last few weeks, I have emphasized the fact that as Christians, our duty is to follow the example and commandments of Jesus. We should study what Jesus did, and then we should do what Jesus would do. Today I would like to speak about a few things that I believe Jesus would disapprove of heartily if He were ministering on this earth today.
Last week, I heard a report on the radio about how a group of churches in the state of Kentucky are having gun raffles in order to attract people to the church. Of course, the majority of the more mainline denominations were appalled at this. I have to say that I was shocked to find out that this practice was widespread in many conservative churches.
The first thing that came to my mind was that this is not something that Jesus would approve of in any way. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He has called those of us who are His followers to be peacemakers. He called on His people to be the ones who turned the other check and to put away the sword.
What distresses me is that many of my fellow evangelical Christians are at the forefront of opposing any attempt to pass even the mildest form of gun control in my country. Sport hunting, the military as an acceptable career for a Christian and violent entertainment all seem to have a place in the conservative evangelical world. How can this be in the light of the teachings of Jesus? Are we doing what Jesus would do, or are we doing what are own political beliefs dictate and then adding Jesus' name to it in an attempt to justify our actions?
Another issue in the evangelical church that came to my attention this week had to do with the entire issue of helping he poor and the oppressed in this country and around the world. I was asked to give a donation to an evangelical ministry. Before I ever give any type of donation, I always check the group out with Charity Navigator. One of the items I check is the level of pay that the CEO of the charity receives. In this case, the CEO of this evangelical ministry received a salary of almost $500,000 per year. Needless to say, they did not receive a donation from me.
This led me to investigate the whole issue of how money is spent in the church and in Christian ministry. I did not like what I discovered. Many Christian groups are at the lowest end of the rating scale on Charity Navigator. Many of the CEOs are paid well over $300,000 per year.
As Christians, we are called to help the poor and the needy. Our money should be going to help people and not to pay large salaries. This goes for individual churches as well. Some megachurch pastors I read about received large compensation packages and lived in multi-million dollar homes. This is not in keeping with the example of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that the foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.
Many of my fellow conservative evangelicals are also getting a bad reputation when it comes to helping the poor and the oppressed. Why are evangelical Christians some of the most vocal when it comes to helping the poor through the Food Stamp program or through Medicaid?
It is also distressing when I read about churches like the one in my area that is planning to spend $90 million dollars to upgrade their facilities. This is a church by the way that has a huge campus that is less than ten years old. In my part of the country, the homeless shelters did not have enough room to house everyone this winter. The churches need to think hard about what would Jesus do? Would Jesus spend millions on fancy buildings while people didn't have enough to eat and were sleeping in the streets? Would Jesus oppose giving aid to people who need food and medical assistance so that the rich and corporations can receive another tax break? I think that the answer is pretty obvious. In Ezekiel 22:29, the Lord said that He was angry that the leaders of the people , "have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy." In James 5:1-6, Jesus' brother has some strong words for the rich who do not help and who oppress the poor.
Finally, I want to talk a little bit about the opposition by conservative evangelicals to the environmental movement. As many of you know, I have worked as a writer for many years. Many of the people that I know in the literary and artistic community are not Christians. In fact, I do not have any literary friends that are Christians. One of the things that they cannot understand about conservative Christians is their opposition to cleaning up the environment. I must say that I cannot understand this either.
The Lord gave humanity the duty of being good stewards of the creation. We are not to abuse and misuse what God has made. These things belong to God and not to us. Christians should be at the forefront of protecting the earth and the animals on this planet. Sadly, I just heard this week an evangelical speaker opposing the Endangered Species Act.
The reason that I address these issues is not to come down on people who are doing what I don't like. When Christians support violence, misuse money, don't help the poor and are opposed to preserving the creation, it gives a bad name to Christianity. It keeps people away from the Kingdom of God.
As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Jesus and to do what Jesus would do. Let's do it. Jesus was concerned about the poor. He said that He came to preach the Gospel to the poor. He called on us to do what is good to the least of those among us. Jesus practiced non-violence and called on His followers to do the same. Jesus created the universe. It was created by Him and for Him, and I believe that Jesus weeps when He sees what we have allowed to happen to His grand creation. If we saw a beautiful painting in an art museum vandalized, we would be outraged. Shouldn't we be outraged at the destruction of the Lord's glorious creation?
I hope that these things that I have mentioned today will make you think. I hope that all of us who name the name of Jesus will be His followers and do what He would have us to do.
Next week, I plan to begin a series of messages on the miracles of Jesus. I will post a book review on Wednesday. May God bless you.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Book Review
In the past, I have reviewed books written by Kristen Von Kreisler. I have enjoyed and recommended this author's books in the past. The author's latest book is no exception. Kristen Von Kreisler's newest book is entitled "An Unexpected Grace".
The book begins when Lila heads to work only to be involved in a workplace shooting incident. Lila is wounded, and she is taken to her friend's house to recuperate. While there, Lila encounters a golden retriever named Grace who has also been wounded physically and psychologically.
At first, Lila wants nothing to do with Grace, but things change over time. Much of the book is concerned with Lila trying to discover the possible motivation of the man who shot her. She also develops a deeper relationship with Grace and a man named Adam, who is also concerned with Grace's welfare.
Those reading this book will figure out quickly where the outcome of the book is headed. However, it is fun reading about the process. I recommend "An Unexpected Grace".
The book begins when Lila heads to work only to be involved in a workplace shooting incident. Lila is wounded, and she is taken to her friend's house to recuperate. While there, Lila encounters a golden retriever named Grace who has also been wounded physically and psychologically.
At first, Lila wants nothing to do with Grace, but things change over time. Much of the book is concerned with Lila trying to discover the possible motivation of the man who shot her. She also develops a deeper relationship with Grace and a man named Adam, who is also concerned with Grace's welfare.
Those reading this book will figure out quickly where the outcome of the book is headed. However, it is fun reading about the process. I recommend "An Unexpected Grace".
Friday, March 7, 2014
Weekend Sermon--Hebrews (Conclusion)
Today is the final sermon in our series on the superiority of Jesus as presented in the book of Hebrews. I have had a very good time presenting this series to those of you who read this blog.
I had a pretty good week at work. I am very grateful to the Lord for providing me with this job. It looks like that I am going to be getting more hours of work than I anticipated, so that is good. I am also thankful to the Lord for His provision of more writing business. Hopefully, my financial prospects will improve. Thank you all for your prayers.
For the past few weeks, I have asked you to pray for a country in the world where there aren't very many Christians. This week, let us pray for the nation of Gambia. Gambia is a country located in west Africa where only about 9 to 10 percent of the population is Christian. Let us pray for the Gospel to reach the people who live in Gambia.
Last week, we saw in our study of the book of Hebrews that Jesus is the superior example of faith and our ultimate example. Being a Christian means patterning our lives after the life, actions and teachings of the Lord Jesus. If we want to know how to act in any given situation, we should see what Jesus did in a similar circumstance and then act accordingly. As Jesus' followers, we must do today what we believe that Jesus would do. The Holy Spirit will lead us to do all that is in keeping with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Today, we finish our study in Hebrews by looking at the fact that Jesus is a superior shepherd of the sheep. Hebrews 13:20-21 states, "Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
The whole imagery of sheep and shepherds is found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. As we examine how Jesus is the great shepherd, let us look at some of the passages in the Scriptures that describe how the Lord is the Shepherd.
Probably the most familiar passage we could mention on this theme is Psalm 23. In this Psalm, the Lord is described as leading His people beside the still waters. The Lord keeps us safe and provides us with good things. Just as a shepherd leads the flock to that which is good and nourishing, our great shepherd leads the flock along the path of righteousness that will ultimately lead to the joys of eternal life with Jesus forever and forever. Because we are lead by such a great shepherd, we do not need to fear death. Jesus has overcome death by His resurrection from the dead. The Lord will take care of us forever.
One of my favorite passages in the Bible deals with the idea of the Lord as a shepherd. Isaiah 40:10-11 says, "Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, And his arm shall rule for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young."
This verse has two meanings for me. The immediate context of the passage deals with the Second Coming of Jesus. When Jesus comes again to rule and reign in righteousness, He will take care of all who are His own. Jesus will reward those who have been His faithful and obedient servants.
I also find these verses extremely comforting in day to day living. It really helps me to know that Jesus the Great Shepherd is holding me in His arms. No matter what this world tries to throw at me, I am safe in the arms of Jesus. Tragedy may strike and sorrow may be in my heart, but Jesus is looking after me. I am in His arms, and nothing can ultimately harm me. Jesus will bring me safely to Himself where I will spend all of eternity being led by the Great Shepherd.
In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 34 is a contrast between the poor shepherds who were supposed to lead Israel, and God who is the righteous and true shepherd. God said that He would gather the weak and the abused sheep and save His flock. God would appoint over His flock a shepherd who would feed them. When that Great Shepherd comes to take care of the sheep, all will be well forever and ever. All of those who were the victims of oppression and injustice in this life will have the good things that they should have had in this life given to them in the world that is to come.
While Jesus was on this earth, He gave a message about the fact that He is the Good Shepherd. In John chapter 10, Jesus says that He brings out His sheep and leads them. Those who are Jesus' sheep know His voice and they follow Him. They will not listen to the voice of a stranger. Jesus said that all of the other shepherds didn't look after the sheep properly. In John 10:11 Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. This is exactly what Jesus did when He went to the cross. Jesus took the punishment that we deserved. He bore our sins in His body on the cross. If we accept what Jesus did for us and repent of our sins, Jesus will take our sins and forgive us, and in exchange, we will receive the imputed righteousness of Christ.
A shepherd's job is to care for the sheep in his charge. Jesus as the Great Shepherd has done this, He is doing this, and He will continue to do this for all eternity. As the shepherd of the flock, Jesus will lead us through this life and keep us on the way that we should go until we reach the end of our lives and we are with Him for all of eternity.
I hope that you know Jesus as the shepherd of your soul. I hope that you are part of Jesus' flock. Jesus wants you to come into the sheepfold. He is out looking for the sheep that is lost so that He may bring the lost sheep back to the fold where there is safety and eternal life. If you have not entrusted your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, I hope that you will do so today.
This completes our study of the book of Hebrews. I have not yet decided what I am going to preach about next. I am considering three possibilities. I may teach through the book of Malachi or the book of I Peter. I am also considering teaching about the miracles of Jesus.
Next week, I will post a review of a dog book on Wednesday. May God bless you. Amen.
I had a pretty good week at work. I am very grateful to the Lord for providing me with this job. It looks like that I am going to be getting more hours of work than I anticipated, so that is good. I am also thankful to the Lord for His provision of more writing business. Hopefully, my financial prospects will improve. Thank you all for your prayers.
For the past few weeks, I have asked you to pray for a country in the world where there aren't very many Christians. This week, let us pray for the nation of Gambia. Gambia is a country located in west Africa where only about 9 to 10 percent of the population is Christian. Let us pray for the Gospel to reach the people who live in Gambia.
Last week, we saw in our study of the book of Hebrews that Jesus is the superior example of faith and our ultimate example. Being a Christian means patterning our lives after the life, actions and teachings of the Lord Jesus. If we want to know how to act in any given situation, we should see what Jesus did in a similar circumstance and then act accordingly. As Jesus' followers, we must do today what we believe that Jesus would do. The Holy Spirit will lead us to do all that is in keeping with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Today, we finish our study in Hebrews by looking at the fact that Jesus is a superior shepherd of the sheep. Hebrews 13:20-21 states, "Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
The whole imagery of sheep and shepherds is found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. As we examine how Jesus is the great shepherd, let us look at some of the passages in the Scriptures that describe how the Lord is the Shepherd.
Probably the most familiar passage we could mention on this theme is Psalm 23. In this Psalm, the Lord is described as leading His people beside the still waters. The Lord keeps us safe and provides us with good things. Just as a shepherd leads the flock to that which is good and nourishing, our great shepherd leads the flock along the path of righteousness that will ultimately lead to the joys of eternal life with Jesus forever and forever. Because we are lead by such a great shepherd, we do not need to fear death. Jesus has overcome death by His resurrection from the dead. The Lord will take care of us forever.
One of my favorite passages in the Bible deals with the idea of the Lord as a shepherd. Isaiah 40:10-11 says, "Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, And his arm shall rule for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young."
This verse has two meanings for me. The immediate context of the passage deals with the Second Coming of Jesus. When Jesus comes again to rule and reign in righteousness, He will take care of all who are His own. Jesus will reward those who have been His faithful and obedient servants.
I also find these verses extremely comforting in day to day living. It really helps me to know that Jesus the Great Shepherd is holding me in His arms. No matter what this world tries to throw at me, I am safe in the arms of Jesus. Tragedy may strike and sorrow may be in my heart, but Jesus is looking after me. I am in His arms, and nothing can ultimately harm me. Jesus will bring me safely to Himself where I will spend all of eternity being led by the Great Shepherd.
In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 34 is a contrast between the poor shepherds who were supposed to lead Israel, and God who is the righteous and true shepherd. God said that He would gather the weak and the abused sheep and save His flock. God would appoint over His flock a shepherd who would feed them. When that Great Shepherd comes to take care of the sheep, all will be well forever and ever. All of those who were the victims of oppression and injustice in this life will have the good things that they should have had in this life given to them in the world that is to come.
While Jesus was on this earth, He gave a message about the fact that He is the Good Shepherd. In John chapter 10, Jesus says that He brings out His sheep and leads them. Those who are Jesus' sheep know His voice and they follow Him. They will not listen to the voice of a stranger. Jesus said that all of the other shepherds didn't look after the sheep properly. In John 10:11 Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. This is exactly what Jesus did when He went to the cross. Jesus took the punishment that we deserved. He bore our sins in His body on the cross. If we accept what Jesus did for us and repent of our sins, Jesus will take our sins and forgive us, and in exchange, we will receive the imputed righteousness of Christ.
A shepherd's job is to care for the sheep in his charge. Jesus as the Great Shepherd has done this, He is doing this, and He will continue to do this for all eternity. As the shepherd of the flock, Jesus will lead us through this life and keep us on the way that we should go until we reach the end of our lives and we are with Him for all of eternity.
I hope that you know Jesus as the shepherd of your soul. I hope that you are part of Jesus' flock. Jesus wants you to come into the sheepfold. He is out looking for the sheep that is lost so that He may bring the lost sheep back to the fold where there is safety and eternal life. If you have not entrusted your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, I hope that you will do so today.
This completes our study of the book of Hebrews. I have not yet decided what I am going to preach about next. I am considering three possibilities. I may teach through the book of Malachi or the book of I Peter. I am also considering teaching about the miracles of Jesus.
Next week, I will post a review of a dog book on Wednesday. May God bless you. Amen.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Book Review
The book I am reviewing this week is entitled "Weekends With Daisy" written by Sharron Luttrell. In this book, the author tells about her time as a weekend puppy raiser. As the book begins, Mrs. Luttrell finds herself without a dog and wanting one badly. She happens to see a service dog in training at the grocery store, and she make inquiries as to how she can become a volunteer puppy raiser for a service dog organization. The group that the author becomes a part of works with prisoners to help train the dogs during the week. The weekend puppy raisers then come to the prison and take the dogs home for the weekend so that they can receive proper socialization in the community and with a family.
The first dog that the author takes for the weekends doesn't work out very well. Then the author is matched with a Labrador named Daisy who is being trained by a prisoner. Most of the book details the training that Mrs. Luttrell and Daisy take part in. Much of the book is also concerned with the discovery that the author made about the crime committed by the prisoner who is helping to train Daisy. She wants to understand what would lead a man who cares so much about Daisy to commit a violent crime.
I won't give away the ending. I really enjoyed this book the more I read it. I thought that it was slow reading at first, but the book gets better as it goes along.
On Friday I will post the Weekend Sermon. Next week, I will have a review of the dog fiction book entitled "An Unexpected Grace".
The first dog that the author takes for the weekends doesn't work out very well. Then the author is matched with a Labrador named Daisy who is being trained by a prisoner. Most of the book details the training that Mrs. Luttrell and Daisy take part in. Much of the book is also concerned with the discovery that the author made about the crime committed by the prisoner who is helping to train Daisy. She wants to understand what would lead a man who cares so much about Daisy to commit a violent crime.
I won't give away the ending. I really enjoyed this book the more I read it. I thought that it was slow reading at first, but the book gets better as it goes along.
On Friday I will post the Weekend Sermon. Next week, I will have a review of the dog fiction book entitled "An Unexpected Grace".
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