We often talk rehearse how we are saved by faith. But God has also called us to live by faith (Hebrews 11:6). Abraham was asked to leave his homeland and his extended family to go to an undisclosed location (Genesis 12:1). God had promised to make Abraham’s descendants into a great nation. But for many years, God prevented Abraham and Sarah from … [Read more...]
The Test of Prosperity
Joseph is one of the most famous individuals recorded in the Bible. And I think we could all agree that he was a man of great faith. He trusted God and boldly spoke about his dreams even though he knew it would make him unpopular with his brothers (and his parents). He continued to trust God even when he was sold as a slave and falsely imprisoned. … [Read more...]
Canning the Canned Approach
The incarnation is a revolutionary doctrine. Humanity was alienated from God because of its sin. Jesus, the eternal Son of God and the Creator of the universe, humbled himself and took on the constraints of human flesh. He spoke a language that was readily understood and he employed metaphors from everyday life that resonated with his hearers. With … [Read more...]
Sharing Your Faith
The upcoming CityFest event in West Michigan has reminded us of the many in our own community who need to hear of Jesus. Most of us feel anxious about sharing our faith with other people. And for many of us, we find ourselves increasingly consumed with church activities and isolated from unbelievers. Here are few suggestions about how you can be … [Read more...]
It Matters How You Live
I recently officiated a funeral for a man I didn’t know. I met with his children to make preparations for the funeral service. They indicated that their father had made a profession of faith in Jesus as a young child but had little do with the church or spiritual things for the next 60 years. The fact that they had to look online for a pastor … [Read more...]