Passion Songs: Nothing That My Hands Can Do

The World versus the Word – What advice, lifestyle, and attitudes come from the world? What advice, lifestyle, and attitudes come from the Word? How is each influencing you? Which are you more closely following?
God’s Help – God is our Shield (3:3), our Sustainer (3:5), our Savior (3:8), and our Safety (4:8). How do you need God to be these things for you today?

Classic Quote

On January 30, 2017January 30, 2017 By BrianIn Classic Quotes

If a man does not realize the dangerous nature of his soul’s disease, you cannot wonder if he is content with false or imperfect remedies.

– J. C. Ryle

Psalms 1-10: Two Ways To Live

On January 30, 2017 By BrianIn OT Studies

(1) What two ways to live are presented in this psalm?

What are the results of each way?

(2-10) How do these psalms describe the righteous? What are they like? What do they do?

How well does this description describe you? What changes do you need to make in your life?

How does God respond to the righteous?

When have you seen God act toward you in one of those ways?

(2-10) How do the psalms describe the wicked? What are they like? What do they do?

How does God respond to the wicked? Does anything surprise you?

In light of these psalms, how do you think we should respond when we see the actions of the wicked? How should we not respond?

(2) Since we all sin, how can any of us be counted among the righteous (v12, see also Hebrews 6:17-20)?

(1-10) Which verse(s) or psalm especially speaks to you, and why?

Passion Points

On January 28, 2017 By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

How Scripture Empowers Personal Holiness – John MacArthur (Crossway)
Christian spirituality involves growing to be like God in character and conduct by personally submitting to the transforming work of God’s Word and God’s Spirit.

Words Matter: Recovering Godly Speech in a Culture of Profanity – Jon Payne (ref21)
Dear Christian, words matter. They have the power to build up and to tear down; to bless and to poison (c.f. James 3). Therefore, let us recover, cultivate, and model godly speech in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, communities, and churches.

The Case for Boredom – Kevin DeYoung
I don’t get bored as much as I should. Chances are neither do you. And the chances are exceedingly good that your children aren’t as bored as they should be.

More God in the Daily Grind – Joshua Bremerman (DG)
God has closely connected the way we work and how unbelievers view the gospel.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Sermons Songs: Mark 1:29-39

On January 28, 2017January 28, 2017 By BrianIn Mark Hymns

MusicNotes

Jesus healed by His great pow-er
Hope in Him and serve each day
He prayed at an early ho-ur
Discipline yourself to pray
He came proclaiming the kingdom
Repent, believe, enter in
Proclaim that others may now come
And together follow Him
Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart ev’ry word
Tell me the story most precious
That I might live what I’ve heard

(Some words by Fanny Crosby, to the tune of “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”)

Reflections on II Samuel 23-24

On January 27, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Today we see one final story about David. Note:

Sin and consequences – Chapter 24 repeats the same themes of chapters 11-12. David sins. He confesses his sin. Yet there are still consequences – consequences that hurt not only him but the entire nation. Sin always has consequences. Are you guarding your life against temptation? Seek the Lord’s help!
Sacrifice – David offers a sacrifice to the Lord to end the punishment for his sin. David’s son Solomon will later build the temple on the exact spot of David’s sacrifice, and more sacrifices will be made to cover sin. Finally, Jesus will come to offer himself as the final sacrifice for sin. Praise the Lord for Jesus who paid for all of our sins!