From the Pastor: Who Said Waiting for God Is Easy?
“Wait for the Lord.” Wait for the Lord! The phrase occurs so often in the Psalms because King David feels that it is worth repeating. 1 and 2 Samuel provide us historical context and understanding for this exhortation occurring in many of David’s Psalms. Life is full of bad surprises: betrayals, conspiracies, battles, diseases, reversals of fortune, slander, hatred, and the like. David experienced them all—repeatedly. He was forever finding himself in endless conflicts and perils that he spent much of his
From the Pastor: Parents, If We Want to Raise Children in the Faith…
Preachers devote a lot of time and preparation to “wives submit to your husband,” “children obey and honor your parents,” and so forth. However, very little is said about two remarkable verses: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” -Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” -Colossians 3:21 (As a side note, even though Paul uses the term “fathers,” most commentators would agree that the
Jesus and Peter: An Inspiration for Us
by Will Powell, Guest Author I’m not sure if any of you have seen the film Kingsman? My son was excited to watch it as a family as our foray into Netflix life under lockdown. For those who haven't seen it, it is a film about a stereotypical “chav” (drop-out) called Eggsy, who hits rock bottom after stealing a car. Finally, he phones a number on a medal. Suddenly, he’s released from prison to be met by Harry Hart. Harry, whose
From the Pastor: When God Makes A Promise
Who hasn't learned that our human promises are usually pretty flimsy? We promise many things, often with the best of intentions, yet so many of them come up far short. “This product comes with a lifetime guarantee…,” but the company did go out of business two months after we bought it. But when God makes a promise, he keeps it. He is the only one in the universe who is the totally loyal and reliable Promise Keeper. So what is it
Martin Wiles’ Lessons for Children: No Worries, God Will Protect Me
Scripture Reference: My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” Daniel 6:22 Related Scripture Reference: Daniel 6 Objectives: To remind children that God will protect them regardless of the danger. Even if God doesn’t protect them from the danger, he will keep them safe through it. (Make sure children understand this doesn’t mean
Martin Wiles’ Lessons for Children: A Giant-defeating God
By Martin Wiles, Guest Author Scripture: David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” 1 Samuel 17:45 Related Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 17 Objective: To teach children that God is bigger and more powerful than any giant they will ever face. For the Teacher: The account of David and Goliath is a familiar Bible story. Ask the children or youth how many of them have heard
From the Pastor: How Great Is Your God?
I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. - Psalm 89 Do you feel that whatever is going on in your life is just too great or too much for you to handle? When the ancient Hebrews faced a big problem, it was customary for them to look up into the night sky and to contemplate the immense size of the universe and the unimaginable power of
What If We Lose Everything?
I heard on the news about a man who spent his life building up three restaurants in New York City, and who could easily lose his business and everything he has because (except for take outs and deliveries) his restaurants have been shut down. Another casualty of the coronavirus pandemic. Sadly, this is not some rare exception. Many, personally, professionally, and economically, stand to lose everything they’ve sacrificed for, and built up, over a lifetime. Rich, middle class, and day
Is God Involved in the Coronavirus Pandemic?
This current pandemic raises all kinds of questions about God: his will, his sovereignty, and his character. Did God cause it, did he merely allow it, or is it just pure evil, nothing but an attack of Satan in which God was, and is, entirely uninvolved? Well, I’ve heard all three explanations. These questions go right to the heart of the Bible’s presentation of God. How we answer them will show whether or not our thinking is in line with Scripture. First,
Know God? No Fear! Facing A Pandemic with Faith
These are extraordinary times. The Coronavirus pandemic is about the only thing being talked about or reported in the news. No more stories of conspiracies or political correctness. No, these things are not preoccupying the minds of many. People around the world are watching daily updates about this horrendous disease and taking the most extreme steps to avoid it, and much of the world is in lockdown because of it. But we have yet to see its full impact. People are afraid.
