Bible, theology, culture, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcyu6wBRtj8 Notes: What comes to your mind when you think of a "King"? A crown? Throne? Iron scepter, red-fur cape, and jewel-encrusted sword? I think of someone with total authority, power, and control of a realm, a kingdom. Kings litter the pages of our favorite fairy-tales and stories: King Richard the Lionheart, King Arthur and … Continue reading The King’s Sermon (Matt. 4:23, 25, 5:1-2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cwou_iru_Q Notes: Tonight we end our very short series on the book of Jonah, and tonight we see just how wide the arms of God’s love is held out, in extension to our sinful world. I was not raised in a Christian home, which means that when I first started really coming to church, I … Continue reading Jesus and Nineveh (Jonah 3-4)
I love listening to Ray Ortlund Jr. If you've never heard the man preach, you are missing out on one of the most Christ-exalting, joyfully serious preachers alive. He frequently quotes songs or poems in his sermons, but in his most recent sermon, entitled "The Humility of God" on John 1:1, 14, he quoted something … Continue reading The Humiliation of God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RFuLD9ZfIM Notes: There is a story about a young athlete from Penn. State featured a few months ago in ESPN, named Madison. This young girl had what appeared to be the quintessential life. She was an all-star track, tennis, and soccer athlete – winning two state titles in soccer for her high school. She won … Continue reading Jesus and the Prayer (Jonah 2)
https://youtu.be/qklDJ_PwJe4 Notes: Tonight we begin a very short series that will be a fly-over of the book of Jonah. The book of Jonah, containing the famous story of Jonah being swallowed by the fish, is one that most people, even if they are not Christians, are familiar with. However, I want us to look at … Continue reading Jesus and the Storm (Jonah 1:1-17)
Last week we saw James speak to a group of wealthy people who were exploiting and taking advantage of the poor. This week, James turns and speaks to the poor who are being oppressed and encourages them. And here is what he encourages them with: Jesus is coming soon. And because Jesus is coming soon, … Continue reading How to Suffer Well (James 5:7-10)
Friedrich Nietzsche, God’s alleged murderer/coroner, seemed to lack any fear of the chaos that God’s death would bring, but rather passionately plunged himself into the oncoming torrent of darkness.
The cross of Jesus displays the most awesome exhibition of God’s hatred of sin and at the same time the most august manifestation of his readiness to pardon it. Pardon, full and free, is written out in every drop of blood that is seen, is proclaimed in every groan that is heard, and shines in … Continue reading Infinite Mercy
When was the last time you lost temper? What caused it? When was the last time you got in an argument with someone else? What was it over? What makes you mad? We live in a world that prizes putting others down so we can look better. When we are in an argument, we love … Continue reading Angry Love (James 1:19-27)
This is a poem written by a good friend of mine, nearly four years ago. The poem speaks of the tension of the "already/not yet" aspect of our sanctification. We are already raised and seated with Christ in the heavenly places (Eph. 2:6) and our glorification is certain (Rom. 8:30) - but we still struggle … Continue reading Full Circle (Poem)
Marc Sims 