Introduction: We come now to the conclusion of the great story of the work of reformation conducted under Ezra and Nehemiah. And at the conclusion of this work, we find that there is still much to do. There is always much to do. Semper reformanda. The Text: “On that day they read in the book …
Though I Am Very Small
Minister: Lift up your hearts! Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord! Righteous are Your judgments, Lord And all Your ways upright. Your testimonies are a light, True righteousness and faithfulness Are given to us in Your law. I am consumed with faithful zeal Your enemies forget The words revealed for us to keep, …
The BB Gun and the Plate Glass Window
Once there was a boy who disobeyed his mother. When confronted with it, he confessed it to her (under some pressure), but when she sought to talk to him about it, he muttered something about how he had done most of what she had said. She tried to talk to him about this, but he …
Showing the Lord’s Death
In the words of institution that we use, the apostle Paul says that as often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we show the Lord’s death until He comes. Now the verb show here means to proclaim or declare. This means that the entire communicant Church preaches or announces or declares. What …
And Amen
Drifting is not hard to do, and it always takes various forms. One place we drift is in our responses to God in the worship. One of these responses is the invitation we have to sing to Him. Our singing is called to be rich, meaningful, overflowing. If the acoustics in this place fight you, …
A World Made New
If we hear a word enough, we think we know what it means. We live in a Christian sub-culture that has strongly emphasized the need to be “born again.” Without denying this need for regeneration at all, we still have to place the reality of this in a biblical context, lest we turn it into …
Dinner Table Conversation
Every dinner table in every healthy family is a place of conversation, a place where we speak with one another. The table of the Lord at the conclusion of this service of worship is no different. We must therefore remember the conversational nature of a healthy worship service. This is a service of covenant renewal. …
Warm Yellow Light Pours Wisdom Out
Minister: Lift up your hearts! Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord! Quite wonderful are all Your words, And so my soul obeys. The doorway of Your law is lit, Warm yellow light pours wisdom out And so the simple gather in. My mouth is dry, my throat athirst, I long for all your …
The Family of Grendel
Once there were two men who appeared before the Lord to present their sacrifices. One of them, the eldest, was a farmer, and his younger brother was a tender of herds. In order to appear before the Lord, it was necessary to present a sacrifice of blood, but the older brother was too proud to …
Poured Over Our Heads
Gracious God and Father, we thank You for all the mercies You have poured out over our heads. We are so grateful. Help us display that gratitude now in appropriate ways. We ask that our celebration with food and wine would anticipate in wonderful ways the Supper You invite us to in worship tomorrow, and …