Today's sermon at NEPC focused again on The Purpose Driven Life. The sermon scripture was John 12:20-28 - where a group of Greeks want to see Jesus and Jesus explains his purpose on earth. We don't know whether or not Philip and Andrew took the group to meet Jesus, but the Greeks were driven to see Jesus. Philip and (especially) Andrew were driven to bring others to Jesus. He tells us in verse 27 what His purpose was - to die for our salvation.
Seeing The Passion of the Christ on Friday night really drove that point home. Jesus is not some nice guy who came to teach us to love one another. He wasn't a troublemaker or a revolutionary. He was the supreme sacrifice for my sins and yours.
John 12:27 - "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!"
The heading about the rocks is an allusion to a story about time and goal management. Put the big purpose into your life first - otherwise you'll never fit it in with all of the smaller things that get added into life.
Sunday, February 29, 2004
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Ash Wednesday
Lent begins today - a season of repentence and reflection. Linda at In-Season Christian Librarian recommended this blog - The Easter Blog: A Christian Journey Through Lent and Holy Week.
Meanwhile in The Purpose Driven Life I'm reading about what brings God pleasure. There are so many areas of my life which I need to surrender to God. On a rainy morning it's hard to get up and drive to work. But I need to work as though working for God. Too easy to see the workday as something I do for others or to bring home a paycheck.
Meanwhile in The Purpose Driven Life I'm reading about what brings God pleasure. There are so many areas of my life which I need to surrender to God. On a rainy morning it's hard to get up and drive to work. But I need to work as though working for God. Too easy to see the workday as something I do for others or to bring home a paycheck.
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Finding My Purpose
What on earth am I here for? Thus begins the first section of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. The thing that still amazes me is that God knew me before I was born, that he has a plan and a purpose for me. I'm not just an accident of nature or the product of chance. Because of God, life has meaning and purpose.
When all is said and done here on earth we will not be judged by how much money we have, what jobs or honors we won, or by how popular we were. If you believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, you will be saved. With that knowledge you should do everything you can to follow Him and use the gifts he gave you for the greater glory of His kingdom.
This week's readings give me much to think about in my own life and conduct. And I'm only on Day 4.
When all is said and done here on earth we will not be judged by how much money we have, what jobs or honors we won, or by how popular we were. If you believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, you will be saved. With that knowledge you should do everything you can to follow Him and use the gifts he gave you for the greater glory of His kingdom.
This week's readings give me much to think about in my own life and conduct. And I'm only on Day 4.
Monday, February 16, 2004
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Happy Valentine's Day
Having a quiet Valentine's Day at home. Bruce gave me a silver bracelet with Isaiah 40:31 inscribed on it "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." A good reminder to keep with me during trying times at work.
Trouble sleeping this week led me back to Psalm 37 "Do not fret because of evil people or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away...The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him."
Much accomplished today: started my paper on John Calvin, read a couple of chapters for NT Survey, baked a carrot cake and did some laundry. Life is good.
Having a quiet Valentine's Day at home. Bruce gave me a silver bracelet with Isaiah 40:31 inscribed on it "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." A good reminder to keep with me during trying times at work.
Trouble sleeping this week led me back to Psalm 37 "Do not fret because of evil people or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away...The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him."
Much accomplished today: started my paper on John Calvin, read a couple of chapters for NT Survey, baked a carrot cake and did some laundry. Life is good.
Sunday, February 01, 2004
Friday, January 30, 2004
A Brand New Look
I've been playing around with templates tonight. I found a new template generator that I really like at www.erisfree.com
I've been playing around with templates tonight. I found a new template generator that I really like at www.erisfree.com
Saturday, January 24, 2004
David Rohl's New Chronology
Just got back from a series of lectures by Dr. David Rohl. He has published books and articles that revolutionize the chronology of the Old Testament. Traditionally scholars have dated Egyptian pharaohs based on Biblical dates. His thesis uses archaeological evidence from Egypt to date the pharoahs within Egypt - then matches this information up with Biblical dates and events.
So Ramses II is not the contemporary of Moses. Shoshenk I is not the pharaoh who sacked the temple in Jerusalem. Good stuff. Controversial in archaeology circles. New evidence can be threatening.
Website www.nunki.net
Just got back from a series of lectures by Dr. David Rohl. He has published books and articles that revolutionize the chronology of the Old Testament. Traditionally scholars have dated Egyptian pharaohs based on Biblical dates. His thesis uses archaeological evidence from Egypt to date the pharoahs within Egypt - then matches this information up with Biblical dates and events.
So Ramses II is not the contemporary of Moses. Shoshenk I is not the pharaoh who sacked the temple in Jerusalem. Good stuff. Controversial in archaeology circles. New evidence can be threatening.
Website www.nunki.net
Friday, January 23, 2004
FaithfulReader.com
This site was recommended on In Season Christian Librarian. Looks like a good site for readers' advisory.
This site was recommended on In Season Christian Librarian. Looks like a good site for readers' advisory.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Mel Gibson visits NEPC
Well, not actually. We had a teleconference at church last night from the Global Pastors Network. It featured Reinhard Bonnke, D. James Kennedy, and a taped message from Bill Bright.
Never heard of Reinhard Bonnke before, but he was riveting! Get out and spread the gospel.
Mel Gibson talked about his new movie "The Passion of the Christ". Looked nervous in front of all those pastors. Hoping to see this movie at the end of February.
Well, not actually. We had a teleconference at church last night from the Global Pastors Network. It featured Reinhard Bonnke, D. James Kennedy, and a taped message from Bill Bright.
Never heard of Reinhard Bonnke before, but he was riveting! Get out and spread the gospel.
Mel Gibson talked about his new movie "The Passion of the Christ". Looked nervous in front of all those pastors. Hoping to see this movie at the end of February.
So Many Books...So Little Time
My lastest reading problem is for my Ecclesiastical History II class. I have to find a book either by an historical figure from 1500 - 2004 or about an historical figure from 1500 - 2004.
There are too many choices.
I'm soliciting suggestions from some friends and pastors. I'll pick one to read and have a nice bibliography to work through afterward.
What a wonderful dilemma!
My lastest reading problem is for my Ecclesiastical History II class. I have to find a book either by an historical figure from 1500 - 2004 or about an historical figure from 1500 - 2004.
There are too many choices.
I'm soliciting suggestions from some friends and pastors. I'll pick one to read and have a nice bibliography to work through afterward.
What a wonderful dilemma!
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Books & Culture Corner: The Top Ten Books of 2003 - Books & Culture
I've read Waiting for Snow in Havana by Carlos Eire. Definitely one of my favorite books of 2003.
I've read Waiting for Snow in Havana by Carlos Eire. Definitely one of my favorite books of 2003.
Friday, January 09, 2004
Top Ten Christian History 'Starter Books' - Christian History provides links to encyclopedias, atlases, and entry level texts for studying the history of Christianity.
Christian Classics Ethereal Library has a terrific selection of electronic books from the early Church Fathers into the 20th century.
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
What happened to December?
Sort of dropped everything for Advent and Christmas - no time to blog.
It was a busy end of semester with papers to write, a timeline due, and finishing my textbooks.
I gave myself a gift of a Bible study notebook and I'm now working my way through the gospel of Matthew. Instead of read the Bible in a year, I'm spending more time in each book.
Sort of dropped everything for Advent and Christmas - no time to blog.
It was a busy end of semester with papers to write, a timeline due, and finishing my textbooks.
I gave myself a gift of a Bible study notebook and I'm now working my way through the gospel of Matthew. Instead of read the Bible in a year, I'm spending more time in each book.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
The Advent Season is Upon Us
I'm still finishing my read the Bible in a year plan, but here are some readings for the season of Advent.
Advent Daily Readings, Year 2 (2003) (from the Christian Resource Institute)
I'm still finishing my read the Bible in a year plan, but here are some readings for the season of Advent.
Advent Daily Readings, Year 2 (2003) (from the Christian Resource Institute)
Drop Everything and Go See The Gospel of John
We finally caught The Gospel of John at Baywalk in St. Petersburg, Florida. This movie is phenomenal. It's over 3 hours long, but it takes that long to go through the entire book of John. The movie is a visual and auditory experience!
My high points include:
Can't wait to see it again!
We finally caught The Gospel of John at Baywalk in St. Petersburg, Florida. This movie is phenomenal. It's over 3 hours long, but it takes that long to go through the entire book of John. The movie is a visual and auditory experience!
My high points include:
- The Apostles running to tell others to come and follow Jesus - especially, for me, Nathaniel
- The story of Jesus healing the blind man - who was examined by the Temple authorities "Do you want to become his disciples too?"
- Jesus giving his disciples final instructions to love one another and keep my commands
Can't wait to see it again!
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Homework's cutting into my movie time...
Out recently in the Tampa Bay Area
Luther
Gospel of John - We might try to catch this one on the weekend.
Maybe our Ecclesiastical History class will take a field trip to see The Passion next semester?
Out recently in the Tampa Bay Area
Luther
Gospel of John - We might try to catch this one on the weekend.
Maybe our Ecclesiastical History class will take a field trip to see The Passion next semester?
Sunday, November 09, 2003
The Israelites Return
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord."
Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.
Psalm 122:1-2
The guys are back from Israel and this morning they shared their memories, pictures, and how the trip affected their spiritual lives. After you travel to Israel and walk in the steps of the Patriarchs, Jesus, and his apostles, you never read the scriptures in the same way. Every episode, every miracle and parable has a physical location and meaning.
Each "Israelite" selected a verse or section of the Bible to sum up some aspect of their trip. Here are selections that 3 of the men picked.
"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering...But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds, we are healed." from Isaiah 53 prophesying the reason that Christ suffered.
"It is finished" - John 19:30 meaning the work of redemption was finished in Israel by Jesus
We worship a risen Lord. Praise God!
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord."
Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.
Psalm 122:1-2
The guys are back from Israel and this morning they shared their memories, pictures, and how the trip affected their spiritual lives. After you travel to Israel and walk in the steps of the Patriarchs, Jesus, and his apostles, you never read the scriptures in the same way. Every episode, every miracle and parable has a physical location and meaning.
Each "Israelite" selected a verse or section of the Bible to sum up some aspect of their trip. Here are selections that 3 of the men picked.
"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering...But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds, we are healed." from Isaiah 53 prophesying the reason that Christ suffered.
"It is finished" - John 19:30 meaning the work of redemption was finished in Israel by Jesus
We worship a risen Lord. Praise God!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)