ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSMay 7, 2020Scripture: Acts 12:15“You’ve lost your mind!” they responded. Thought for the Day: This was part of my studies yesterday, focusing specifically on the story of a servant named Rhoda who, in her excitement, left Peter standing outside the locked gate of the home where many of the followers of Jesus were meeting. Peter had been in prison, but the Spirit moved in a powerful way
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSMay 6, 2020Scripture: Acts 9:36In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas). Her life overflowed with good works and compassionate acts on behalf of those in need. Thought for the Day: Joppa was a city along the Mediterranean coast, approximately 50 miles away from Jerusalem. It’s interesting that Joppa is mentioned in the story of Jonah, the port city where he
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSMay 5, 2020Scripture: Acts 1:14…all [the disciples] were united in their devotion to prayer, along with some women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Thought for the Day: I often overlook this verse in the Book of Acts. There is a tendency to focus on the Ascension of Jesus (earlier in chapter 1) and then jump to the Day of Pentecost (chapter 2). Can
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSMay 4, 2020Prayer for the Week:Can we summarize our emotions in this moment?Can we articulate a synopsis of our feelings?Lord of Heaven and Earth, there is a part of us that knows a part of you, and what we know of you is glorious and life-giving. More importantly, there is something about you that knows the fullness of us, and even in knowing the mixed up and
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSMay 3, 2020Scripture: Psalm 145:9, 17-18The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. The LORD is righteous in all his ways, faithful in all his deeds. The LORD is close to everyone who calls out to him, to all who call out to him sincerely. Thought for the Day: I reference some of these words in this morning’s sermon, specially those
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSMay 2, 2020Scripture: Romans 10:14-15So how can they call on someone they don’t have faith in? And how can they have faith in someone they haven’t heard of? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the good news. Thought for the Day: I stayed
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSScripture: Romans 10:14-15May 1, 2020So how can they call on someone they don’t have faith in? And how can they have faith in someone they haven’t heard of? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the good news. Thought for the Day: I look
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSApril 30, 2020Scripture: Romans 10:9Because if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and in your heart you have faith that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Thought for the Day: I was a young seminary student when I was confronted on the streets of West Lafayette, Indiana, by a very passionate Christian who kept on asking, “Do you believe Jesus is
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSApril 29, 2020Scripture: Romans 10:4Christ is the goal of the Law, which leads to righteousness for all who have faith in God. Thought for the Day: Depending on what translation of the Bible you use, the opening of the verse might say that Christ is the end or the culmination, but I personally like the use of the word: goal. Even more interesting is that Christ is
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSApril 28, 2020Scripture: Roman 10:1-3Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire is for Israel’s salvation. That’s my prayer to God for them. I can vouch for them: they are enthusiastic about God. However, it isn’t informed by knowledge. They don’t submit to God’s righteousness because they don’t understand his righteousness, and they try to establish their own righteousness. Thought for the Day: What exactly did Paul mean with