"In faith, let us read the Word, preach the Word, pray the Word, sing the Word, and see and taste and touch the Word. As we do, surely the grace promised in the Word will be ours to the glory of the Triune God." - David Strain You have often heard from your pastors and session the term, ordinary means of grace.We believe that these means of grace are the primary ways that...
Keep Reading"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."Ephesians 5:1516 ESV Paul gives this instruction in this middle of a passage in which he is calling the Ephesians to holy living and warning them against sin and foolishness. Look at how he ties the first three clauses together. How you walkPaul i...
Keep ReadingOur relationship with God is both an objective and a subjective thing. On the one hand, God graciously brings us from death to life, grants us faith and repentance, declares us to be righteous, adopts us to himself, sanctifies us, keeps and preserves us, and will one day make us perfect. These are all objective realities. They are true regardless of how we feel on a given ...
Keep ReadingEarly last year (even before we knew it was going to be "2020"), I struggled with both my devotions and prayer life. I frequently found my mind wandering as I read the Scriptures in the morning. While I rarely missed my weekday readings, I frequently had to restart them because I hadn't focused on what I was reading. Similarly, my prayers suffered, being brief or repetitiv...
Keep ReadingWe are entering that storm season that gives my children the most anxiety.Whenever it is going to rain, or a storm is forecast, my children ask the same questions over and over again.Is it going to lightning?Will trees fall down?Ruth and I have to be careful how we talk about a storm that has warned severity.It is inevitable; a storm will come, and we should be prepared. I...
Keep ReadingAs I sit in my office wondering what I should write this week for our blog, I am drawn to all the things that are upcoming.A blog can often feel like another busy thing that must be done in a week full of tasks. I feel somewhat ashamed.My calling in the ministry is no mere task or checklist. Of course, there are things that must be accomplished, and I love clearing a check...
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