It’s common for people to think that the book of Acts begins with the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, which is recorded in Acts 2. The first chapter of Acts is often overlooked. But by slowing down and taking a...
For this week’s Word of Grace, I will let J.I. Packer speak to us on revival in the book of Acts. For almost thirty years I have read and re-read this passage from Packer. I have prayed for the aspects of revival he writes of here....
The best way to read the Bible and listen to a sermon is in prayer. That’s because the Bible tells us God’s purposes and ways, and in prayer we submit to him and conform our lives to his will. As we read and preach through the...
A travel program on television I recently watched showed a scene inside an art gallery. An art lover sat on a bench in front of a large painting for what appeared to be a long and patient meditation. The reward for her thoughtful gaze was...
All things are from God and are to be used for his purposes. Imagine a person who sits down at the table of a friend hosting a dinner. When the host brings the meal, the guest takes it to the den to eat while watching a...
This Sunday at Grace Community Church we will take up the topic of work from the book of Proverbs. This weekend I encourage you to read the small letter of Titus to see how works play an important part in our Christian discipleship. Titus is a...
Jesus said the greatest love one can have is to lay down his life for his friends. Then he turned to his disciples and said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you" (John 15:13-14). Continuing with his disciples he said, “You did...
Whenever a conflict or quarrel arises our first question is, “Who caused it?” We’ve all heard the reprimanded child’s cry of defense, “…but he started it!” Maybe that’s still our defense, even as adults. But does determining who started the conflict really settle the issue of...
Every day we take care to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the harm evil people can do to us. We lock the doors and avoid going to certain places at certain times of the day to remain safe. These precautions can be considered...
We may have angered some people this week by installing speed bumps in the parking lot at Grace Community Church, especially those who use it as a short cut to avoid the traffic light at the intersection. Anger may be too strong a description of...
