Studying Scripture and the role of the Holy Spirit

Check out yesterday’s blog post on the preacher’s library. The questions, “What is the place of Scripture in interpretation” and “What about the leading of the Holy Spirit leading the pastor” arise when talking about using preaching resources. To put it simply, the preacher must hold the Holy Spirit as the great teacher of theContinue reading “Studying Scripture and the role of the Holy Spirit”

A glorious and difficult task.

Our present society places before us the question, “why do we need ministers and preaching?”  This leads to frustration among many but what really puts pressure on ministers is the very impossible task of preaching.  Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:21, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God,Continue reading “A glorious and difficult task.”

Seven Sign in John: 6 – A Blind Man Healed

The sixth miracle seems similar to the previous healing miracle we saw in chapter 5 where Jesus healed a paralyzed man for 38 years.  The movements of Jesus are the same: Jesus healed, disappears, and then reappears. John 9:1-7 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples askedContinue reading “Seven Sign in John: 6 – A Blind Man Healed”

Seven Signs in John: 3 – The Man of Bethesda

Thirty-eight years is a long time to deal with one disease.  But that’s exactly what this individual had been doing.  He and countless others would gather themselves together beside the pool of Bethesda waiting for a miracle.  At this place, an angel would supposedly trouble the waters, causing a ripple.  We do not know whoContinue reading “Seven Signs in John: 3 – The Man of Bethesda”

Seven Miracles in John: 2- The Nobleman’s Son

Jesus just had a wonderful ministry in Samaria and other places outside of his hometown. Nicodemus, women at the well.  Now he is returning home. Jesus knows the people’s hearts.  They will welcome him, but not with honor, not in the right way, but with improper motives.  This is the scenario that leads up toContinue reading “Seven Miracles in John: 2- The Nobleman’s Son”

Seven Miracles in John: 1 – Water into Wine

John, the beloved disciple, shared his purpose for writing his Gospel account. He wrote, “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31).  His presentation of the life of Christ is focused on showing theContinue reading “Seven Miracles in John: 1 – Water into Wine”

Is Your Faith Growing Cold?

We are quickly entering into spring revival season.  I am still a supporter of church revivals.  There is nothing wrong with a congregation seeking to set out more time in their schedule for increased spiritual emphasis.  We all need revival at times.  Life has a way of wearing us down.  It is easy to allow our faithContinue reading “Is Your Faith Growing Cold?”

The beauty of praise

The scene is set in Heaven right now.  It establishes a precedent for the promise of the new Heaven to come.  The example we find teaches us valuable praise.  I am referring to the fourth and fifth chapter of The Revelation of Jesus Christ that was given to John on the Isle of Patmos.  TheseContinue reading “The beauty of praise”

SOM: Blessed are they which are persecuted

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophetsContinue reading “SOM: Blessed are they which are persecuted”

SOM: Blessed are the Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 It is estimated that there has been a little over 260 years of peace in all of recorded history.  While there are many causes for conflict, we still desire to have peaceful resolutions.  Now, we find Jesus referring toContinue reading “SOM: Blessed are the Peacemakers”