1 Kings 18-19
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It’s not often that we come across such a clear and obvious teaching of scripture, that is so largely unrecognized, rarely mentioned and seldom practiced by Christian believers. In Matthew 6, Jesus highlights three foundational spiritual practices of kingdom living that are integral to our relationship to God, and vital to the health of our souls: giving, praying and fas
The first two scenes of the Christmas story ooze an atmosphere of humility. From the birth of Jesus in the cattle stall of a small barn, the scene immediately shifts to the remote and lonely night of a shepherd’s watch. Neither of which seem at all in keeping with either the profound nature or eternal significance of what was happening. Or were they? This morning we turn from the humble circumstances of the birth of our Savior to the equally humble circumstances and status of those to whom that birth was first made known. We’ll ponder anew the meaning, significance, and application of that revealing scene recorded in Luke 2:8-20 in a message entitled, “The Last Were the First to Hear”.
Out of his catalog of hardships and sufferings, Paul specifically highlighted two experiences that were defining moments in his life and ministry. The first was the night he had to be lowered in a basket from a window in the city wall of Damascus under the cover of darkness in order to escape with his life. Not exactly the debut he had imagined. The second was what he described as a thorn in the flesh, an affliction which so tormented him that he pleaded with the Lord to take it away. Only to be told that instead of it being removed he would be given the grace sufficient to bear it. Not exactly the answer he had anticipated. Later, however, he came to see the crucial value and benefit of both. In 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 he unfolds the reason why in a message entitled “The Prerequisite to Power”. Which might help us to understand why that crucial ingredient seems in such short supply.
Glorifying God by Encouraging
All People to Pursue a Lifelong,
Joyous Relationship with Jesus Christ