We are to abandon any confidence in our presumed abilities. Each day we renew our commitment to trust in the promise and power of God. In the tension between Ishmael and Isaac, between what we can do and what God promises - trust the Words of God.
Coming to God is an exchange of what we could never do, for what He has done. He did it all and we are invited to believe. And so we learn to surrender to Christ by faith, trusting in His power and His power alone.
The most high God gives to Abram an image he will never forget. It is an emblem of assurance on which to found his faith. God signs a contract that He will keep His word.
Can God be trusted? If you are a Christian, you feel obligated to answer "Yes." But don't ask the question intellectually. Examine the practical, experiencial faith of the heart in your daily routine. Are we trusting God moment by moment? He is worthy of our faith.
It's been suggested that we learn who we truly are by losing. But winning will also reveal our default nature. Dr. John teaches today about Abraham's response after a victorius battle. He honours Melchizadek but refuses to honour the King of Sodom. Listen and understand the difference.
Doing what is right is especially challenging when we think we might benefit by doing what is wrong. Today Dr. John teaches that when Lot was captured in battle, it wouldn't be the worst thing for Abraham's flocks and pastures. Pressed between what is right or what is beneficial, what would Abraham do?
Self defence is more than a physical response. We also defend our reputations, time, possessions and perceived rights. If any of these are infringed upon, we fight for our rights. Dr. John holds Abraham before us as a peacemaker. Abraham trusted in God's protection and provision. What about you?
Seeing the unseen promises of God leaves us living at peace as far as it is possible.
Throughout our spiritual journey, we often weave around obstacles of our own making. Abraham is on a pilgrimage to the land of promise - but he gets sidetracked in Egypt. Today Dr. John teaches that our lack of faith in God's promises leads to problems we try to fix on our own. We don't need man-made solutions to man-made problems. We need the grace of God.
Abraham was a pilgrim looking for a city whose founder and maker is God. So we, like our father in the faith, are sojourners on this earth. We can trust the leading of God to take us all the way home to dwell with our Lord forever.
It's been quoted that, "no man is a fool who gives up what he cannot hold, to gain what he cannot lose." In the promises that come to us in Christ, we have lost nothing and gained everything.
Abraham is a story of belief in God - but it is a sacrificial faith. The gospel is free, but invites us to consider the cost. So like Abraham, let us count on God and His promises as more precious than any thing of this world.
Genesis is more than the beginning of time and space. It holds the beginning of faith's story, as exemplified by Abraham. The story of Abraham is at the front of the Scriptures and sets the stage for the entire Bible.
Abraham is spoken of as the "father of faith." He does not generate faith but is a template for all of us. Therefore, one can never fully understand Abraham without seeing him not only encountering the gospel, but encountering Jesus Himself.
Many enjoy sitting around a campfire. It is warm and comforting. It's an entirely different experience to face a raging forest fire. It is justly frightening. Today Dr. John speaks of Israel frightened by the God they follow. His glory and power were overwhelming. It is a necessary reminder that God cannot be confined for our comfort or pleasure. To see Him as He is leads to a fear of sinning. Fear that leads to life.
Relationships function in a context of trust. That's true in family and society. Today Dr. John looks at the last three comandments. Trust should guard our possessions. Do not steal. Our words to each other must be trustworthy. Do not lie. Respect for one another means we do not covet. The Ten Commandments of God speak to our actions and heart intent.
Holiness is to guide and shape our relationships; in family, society and marriage. Today Dr. John speaks of the 5th, 6th and 7th commandments. To honour our parents, the life of our neighbour and our marital commitments - these daily obligations are reflections of the righteousness of God. Obedience is a loving response to the values of the life God has created.
Righteousness speaks to the large matters of life, but also to that which seems small. Today Dr. John teaches on the 3rd and 4th commandments. We will see that the way we speak of God and treat the Lord's Day are matters of righteousness. Our speech and use of time reflect God's Holiness. They are matters of holiness for us as well.
Today Dr. John begins to teach on the Decaloge - the Ten Commandments. At the very start, we learn of the exclusive primacy of worshipping God and the manner of worship obliged to Him. The first two commands are grounded in this biblical truth - God has made us; we do not fashion God.
The word "glory" seems too small. The five letters can't convey the vast power and overwhelming presence of God. In grace, God veils His being through nature and ultimately in Jesus. Today Dr. John speaks of a time when God lifted the curtain, just a little. Even with that, Israel was struck by fear and awe. The glory of God's presence is His to grant and is received only under His conditions.
To be chosen is a privilege. It speaks of honour but is not void of responsibility. Even a chosen beauty queen has a calling to fulfill! Today Dr. John speaks of the unique place of Israel - chosen of God. But that act of God's grace compels a response from Israel. Today, as chosen people, what is God calling us to be and do?
Traffic laws make bad drivers better and regulate those with bad intent. Few would want to drive on roads with no rules. Moses was teaching and enforcing the regulations of God - and he was being overwhelmed. Dr. John points to the wise counsel of Jethro that ensures the welfare of Moses and the people. Simply put - good laws need good leaders.
Most families are a mixture of believers and non-believers. So a spouse may be instrumental in the conversion of their spouse. So too, parents are instrumental for their children. Today Dr. John teaches of the conversion to faith of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. As daunting as it may seem, family is often the seed bed of faith.
Fortunate are those who have never experienced war. But for those that have, the first battle would be unforgettable. Dr. John teaches on Israel's first military engagement. A nation used to slavery would have to learn how to fight for their freedom. The first lesson was clear. Israel could not trust in their might, numbers or experience. The battle is the Lord's to win.
Israel's wilderness journey was a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. The repeated evidences of God's care were peaks, impossible to deny. But the complaints and grumblings were lowpoints of trust. Today Dr. John teaches of a thirsty nation turning against Moses and challenging God Himself. They dared God and tested Him out of anger and doubt. By grace, God reveals Himself mighty and merciful, but He need never prove Himself to any man.
Israel's work ethic was shaped by Egyptian slavery. A day off was unimagined. Now God was going to teach them to rest. In today's sermon, we see God use manna as a tool of instruction. He would provide food for Israel every morning, except the Sabbath. The people would learn to take a Sabbath rest and suffer no loss. God was their sustenance and they were supplied through their obedience. Lessons still true for us today.
Hoarding is the practice of clinging to things now in case we need them for the future. While it may seem wise when it comes to food pantries or bank accounts, it won’t work for faith. In today's message, Dr. John teaches on daily trust. Israel was to learn that yesterday's confidence can't be stored for tomorrow's need. We live by faith and have to do it every day.
If we forget the past, we impoverish the present and erode the foundation for our future. In today's message, Dr. John teaches that the anthem of Israel not only recalls the victory of the Red Sea, but points to what God will do for His people. A song of the present, which points to the future by remembering the past.
After crossing the Red Sea in God's victory, Israel was taught a song. It was a song of praise and celebration written by Moses. In this message, Dr. John presents the lyric as an anthem for Israel. It is a song that not only reminds them of God's power, but shapes their identity as God's people.
Too many think of faith like a driver's license. They have passed the test and answered all the questions right - and now they head out to drive on their own. Today Dr. John reminds us that the way we entered this spiritual life is the way we must live it.
We live in a day when many pulpits hesitate to talk about sin. Should we then be surprised that repentance is forgotten as well? In today's message Dr. John teaches on genuine repentance as an essentail part of saving faith. We will find three qualities that accompany true repentance.
Personal conversion is the work of God. It is His to do and only He can do it. But as it is personal conversion, it requires a personal response. Today Dr. John will teach that faith is our response to God's work. Faith is believing, trusting and surrendering to the person and work of Jesus.
If I go to the doctor or hospital, there are obvious markers the doctor looks for to evaluate the presence and quality of life. Pulse, blood pressure and respiration are some of the first signs of life. In today's message, Dr. John offers us seven signs to look to for the presence and quality of spiritual life within us. It's time to take our soul's pulse.
In this first message on recognizing our personal conversion, Dr. John speaks to a simple test. If our spiritual state is the result of our best intentions, efforts and abilities, then all we have is the best we can do. Conversion is a work of God. What He does is genuine and eternal.
The book of Haggai shows Israel, repenting and rebuilidng the temple of God. They have learned that disobedience harvests hardships. Obedience releases the blessings and presence of God. Dr. John points to a greater lesson in Haggai's last sermon. While Israel is building a Temple, God is building a Kingdom - an unending, unshakeable Kingdom.
Confined by time and space, we are not very good at recognizing the importance of a moment, event, conversation or kindness. Any one of these can have powerful impact, but we fail to recognize it. Dr. John echoes Haggia's encouragement to Israel. While the rebuilidng of the temple seemed small compared to Solomon's temple, the glory of this structure would exceed the first. Jesus Himself would walk on those stones.
We are bombarded with words daily. In print, broadcast or social media, everyone has something to say. Eventually, we tune a deaf ear to the messages. God's Word cannot be ignored. Dr. John reminds us of the power of God's Voice. After the prophetic words of Haggai, revival breaks out and God's people obey. God effects change through His Word.
Anyone taking notes from Haggai's sermons would find a clear outline. Repeatedly the prophet commands that we, "Take a good hard look at ourselves!" Today Dr. John repeats four considerations from Haggai for personal reflection. Even today, the questions demand an honest answer from each of us.
What's a house without a family? The structure is there, but the purpose is missing. Today Dr. John begins a study of the book of Haggai. Jews have returned to Jerusalem after the 70-year captivity. The foundation of the temple was rebuilt - but then forgotten. Many tended to their own fields and homes but the presence of God was absent. The account of a people busy about their own concerns but negletful of God sound too current to ignore.
Every church has problems, failures, omissions and offences. Every congregation is made up of sinners. Every church leader suffers the vulnerabilities of humanity. None of this denies the truth that the Church is Jesus' Bride. She is not always pretty, but she is always the Bride. Today Dr. John looks at the frailties of church. He reminds us what is commended by Jesus and what needs to change. The good news is that change is possible. Jesus is preparing His Bride for heaven.
If the grace of God came in a box and was available for purchase on store shelves, the shelves would need to be re-stocked continually. We need grace. We want grace. Today Dr. John reminds us that the church is a place of grace. He highlights the means of grace through multiple expressions of the local church. A local church is a storehouse of God's grace, open and available to all who seek Jesus.
The idea of church fellowship has been reduced to potlucks and foyer greetings. But Biblical fellowship is more than friendliness. Today Dr. John speaks of the grace extended in the church through fellowship. He highlights the qualities of fellowship that every congregation needs. While grateful for tea and cookies, Biblical fellowship feeds our souls.
Worship is an expression of God's worth. It is our echo to God for the grace we've received. Worship not only reflects His grace, but it ushers grace to us as well. Today Dr. John speaks of elements essential to worship. These are fundemental to our worship in spirit and in truth.
The act of preaching doesn't hold the same prominence it once held. It has been shadowed by abundant sources for our information and interest. But preaching remains unique in our technological age. In today's message, Dr. John will demonstrate that preaching is a means of grace. It does more than inform or stir us. Preaching is a path granted by God for the growth of our souls.
Organized religion is better than unorganized religion. That is not to justify all the ways and means of organized faith, but to simply recognize that to do anything requires a level of co-ordination. Today, Dr. John speaks of denominations and the New Testament teaching on church governance. God is not the author of chaos, so consider the means of organized mission we find in the New Testament.
The importance of the local church is evident in the New Testament. The New Testament books were addressed to churches or leaders of local congregations. Today, Dr. John reminds us that the local church is God's pillar for truth and the Body of Jesus on earth. God does not consider the Church to be optional.
The local church is a divine institution, that is, God ordained it. But the local church is not a perfect institution. Local churches have many faults and weaknesses; but they remain the Bride of Christ. In this message, Dr. John explores the levels of doctrinal agreement within and between churches. Discover the categories of truth we hold with a clenched fist, a guarded hand or an open hand.
In today's message, Dr. John teaches that since the Church is the Body of Christ, it is the visible representation of Jesus on earth. Therefore, the Church has a physical presence with a street address and a presence in heaven as well. Dr. John teaches on the invisible, universal Church which is one in Christ, holy through the Spirit, inclusive of all who have faith in Jesus and commissioned with purpose by the Father.
Is going to church optional? Some suggest that they can grow in Jesus apart from a connection with the local church. In this mesaage, Dr. John teaches that God has always been gathering a people. In the Old and New Testament, God is gathering a family of faith. Dr. John points out that church is not an activity, but part of our identity as the Body of Christ.
In the English language, we can say "I love ice cream," and "I love my family." But obviously the word love doesn't mean the same thing in both situations. What does love mean? In today's message, Dr. John unpacks and adjusts our concept of what Biblical love is - especially as it relates to our motive for missions.
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