Jesus’ seven words from the cross

While He hung on the cross, Jesus made seven statements. The first three words concern His personal relationships — a prayer for His executioners, a promise to the thief (His fellow-sufferer on that day), and a provision for His mother. The next three words concern His work of salvation — the cry concerning His moral […]

“Into Your hands I commit My spirit”

What do you say when you are suffering? What comes out of your mouth when you are hurting? Those are not theoretical questions. In the middle of Covid-19, we know what comes out of our mouths when we suffer. We don’t have to guess at what we might do and say when we have troubles. […]

Sermon: The Compassionate, Competent Savior

The Compassionate, Competent Savior John 11:17-44 April 5, 2020 Who will care for you when you are suffering? Who will care for you if everyone is suffering? Who will care for you when care and connection and human touch are being restricted by governmental controls? We are not the first people to ask that question. […]

Loving your neighbor during Covid-19

Jesus said that the Old Testament Law can be condensed into two principles: Love God with all your heart Love your neighbor as yourself That’s it. The Old Testament is pointing people to being lovers of God and lovers of others. You might also say it these ways: You cannot love God without loving others. […]

Some more Covid-19 biblical resources

Here are a few more resources I’ve come across in the past week or so that I have found helpful to think about Covid-19, the Bible, God, and my life: Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) has many excellent resources and articles on a variety of topics related to Covid-19 and suffering. Anxiety: Knowing God’s […]

Coronavirus and gratitude

Here is a short ministry update from Grace Bible Church, and a few thoughts about gratitude during Covid-19:

God is with us. Always.

The kinds of questions children sometimes ask about God are not so different than the questions we have about God: Who created God? What does God look like? Why can’t we see God? How can Jesus fit in my heart? Why did God create Satan? Why do people get sick and die? Where is God? […]

Sermon: Our Infinite, Intimate God

Our Infinite, Intimate God Psalm 139 March 29, 2020 Loneliness is a common affliction. While living in an increasingly connected world, many feel increasingly disconnected relationally. As one secular writer noted a few years ago, “…if you’re an average American, you’re not nearly as connected to the people around you as your parents or grandparents […]

Church and ministry update

Here is the latest video update from the elders: The text of the updates can be found here.

Sermon: Peace and Courage in a Troubled World

Peace and Courage in a Troubled World John 16:32-33 March 22, 2020 This is an odd morning. I have preached to this church body almost 1400 times, by my count. I have never preached with music recorded by our musicians ahead of time, and I have never preached to an empty auditorium. There have been […]

One act of preparation for your live stream worship

This morning our scattered church will gather together by live stream. It is a means of God’s grace that we might do that through technology. We thank Him for this kindness in this unusual and remarkable season. Here is one thought as you prepare for worship. You are likely in your home. Perhaps you are […]

Some helpful (free!) resources during Coronavirus

Several publishers are making some resources that are particularly helpful for battling spiritual issues that have arisen as a byproduct of the Coronavirus available for free (or highly discounted). Here are a few things I’ve found that I would encourage you to take advantage of: Free Resources for Your Stay at Home during COVID-19 (book […]

An announcement from our church

Here is an announcement and encouragement from our church about the Coronavirus and how we will handle ministry in the coming weeks (months?): The details of our plan and some suggestions for personal ministry are here.

Helpful biblical resources during the Coronavirus

In God’s grace, technology (video conferencing, conference calls, live-streaming, blogs, vlogs, and yes, even social media) can be and is being used in many ways to encourage and strengthen the church of Christ and extend our ministry to our shaken communities. In the past week I have come across many helpful resources. I will try […]

It’s ok to be fearful. If we are fearing God.

This article was originally written by me for The Center for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship. It is a good reminder that fear is good — when it is fear of God, and not the kind of panicked fear that is being exhibited in many communities these days. Almost two years ago, designer Kate Spade committed […]