God, the Faithful Shepherd-KingZechariah 9:11-17May 14, 2023 I suppose most people in most nations complain about their political leaders. Ingrained in the fallenness of man is an inherent rebellion against authority. So, we don’t like kings (or presidents, or dictators, or senators, or…). We don’t want anyone ruling over us, dictating what we will do […]
Read More God, the Faithful Shepherd-KingGod’s Redeemer KingZechariah 9:9-10May 7, 2023 Great Britain coronated a new regent yesterday. After 70 years under the leadership of Queen Elizabeth, the United Kingdom now gives allegiance to and serves King Charles III. Elizabeth was particularly loved by Great Britains (at least it seemed that way from way over here in Texas). As […]
Read More God’s Redeemer KingGod’s Wrath and RedemptionZechariah 9:1-8April 30, 2023 Unbelievers have many complaints against God. But I suspect that one of the main complaints against God is that He is wrathful — and particularly that He would judge sinners and condemn them to eternal Hell. You’ve heard the criticism: “How can God send anyone to Hell and […]
Read More God’s Wrath and RedemptionOn earth we experience beauty and joy in many ways: fellowship with beloved friends, the fragrance and flavor of a favorite meal, the spontaneous smile of recognition from a 9-month-old baby, the glory of a view from a mountain peak, the simplicity of a newly opened flower bloom, and so much more. God has been […]
Read More In Heaven…Having Hope While Living in a Broken WorldRomans 8:18-25April 23, 2023 We live in a broken world and we have seen it too closely this week: Two teenaged students in Granbury died suddenly and tragically this week. Ruby Sargent’s last sibling passed away last week. One of our members experienced an accident at work that […]
Read More Having Hope While Living in a Broken WorldIn his book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, Eckhart Tolle wrote, What humanity needs…is a transformation of consciousness. This consciousness “can flow into what you do and spread into this world” through “three modalities in which you can align your life with the creative power of the universe”—acceptance, enjoyment, and enthusiasm. [quoted […]
Read More The answer for our needTransformed by the ResurrectionJohn 21:15-25April 9, 2023 “If you ask where God’s glory is most seen, I will not point to creation, nor to providence, but to the raising of Jesus from the dead.” [Spurgeon] We make much of the resurrection. For good reason. It is one of two fundamental pillars of salvation: We are […]
Read More Transformed by the ResurrectionIt was a take-your-breath-away kind of thing to do. It was crazy — though it had been planned, it appeared irrational. It was a waste, or so it seemed. It happened so quickly and unexpectedly that no one tried to stop her. But given a few moments of reflection and instigated by one comment of […]
Read More Lavish LovePreparation for Resurrection DayJohn 12:1-11April 2, 2023 Some of the great adventures in the history of the world are the trips men have taken to the moon. While we look back at the ventures with a sense of awe because of the technology that was used to get astronauts there — the quests were filled […]
Read More Preparation for Resurrection dayMy daughter texted me this morning. “GUESS WHAT?” “I don’t know. What?” HAPPY OPENING DAY!!! ⚾️ That sentiment made me wonder (as a life-long-suffering Texas Ranger fan), “will this year be better…?” After more than 50 years of watching the Rangers the skeptic (realist?) in me says, “probably not.” […]
Read More What’s Coming?From Fasting to FeastingZechariah 8:18-23March 26, 2023 Raye Jeanne and I enjoy watching home restoration shows. We like seeing something dilapidated and unusable made beautiful and functional. It’s inspiring how skilled and creative some restorers are. But not all restorers are equally effective. Consider the experience of the Church of St. Michael in Estella, Spain. […]
Read More From Fasting to FeastingGod’s Grace for Troubled People, Pt. 2Zechariah 8:9-17March 19, 2023 I suppose everyone likes a surprise (happy) ending to a story. The Bible is filled with stories of unexpected endings — tragedies and loss that are unexpectedly transformed (what one writer calls “redemptive reversals”). These stories begin appearing in the Bible almost on the first […]
Read More God’s Grace for troubled People, Pt. 2God’s Grace for Troubled People, Pt. 1Zechariah 8:1-8March 5, 2023 Thaddeus Williams writes about the fastest-growing religion in the world, self-worship: …84 percent of Americans believe that “enjoying yourself is the highest goal of life.” Further, 86 percent believe that to enjoy yourself you must “pursue the things you desire most.” And 91 percent affirm […]
Read More God’s Grace for troubled People, Pt. 1Spiritual disciplines. The phrase provokes thoughts of Bible reading — and Bible study, meditation, and memorization — and prayer. And some might think of corporate worship and biblical fellowship. And evangelism. But that is the extent of what most of us think about when the practices that lead us to fellowship and joy with Christ […]
Read More Fasting and the BibleFasting, God’s Word, and RighteousnessZechariah 7:8-14February 12, 2023 A few years ago, Richard Patterson was told by a Muslim friend that in Islam there is a tradition of writing out the Koran by hand among more devoted followers. Richard thought it was a good idea, and because he wasn’t Muslim, he found some appropriate pens […]
Read More Sermon: Fasting, God’s Word, and Righteousness
Words of Grace 