No man can tame the tongue, James tells us. But the Word of God also tells us that what is impossible for men is possible with God. What is impossible for the flesh is easy for grace. We have thanked God for the work He is doing in our midst. It is right that we do so. But … [Read more...]
Worship Tremors
If God in His grace allows this service of worship to be an earthquake, the tremors will be felt elsewhere. But this quake will not happen as the result of anything we might do or think up. Our service to Him is all of grace; if it is right, then He has done it. But this is … [Read more...]
On Earth, In Heaven
The Holy Spirit dwells in the Temple of the living God, and you, considered together, are that Temple. Individually, you have responsibilities, each of you, as a living stone, but in the public worship of God, when we are gathered together like this in the congregation, we are … [Read more...]
Hard Providence
As a congregation we affirm the exhaustive and complete sovereignty of God. We have done so in an era when many within the church at large dispute it, and so many of us have been in debates on this subject. But men are not the only ones who might test or probe the depth of our … [Read more...]
Quarrels and Worship
Have you quarreled with anyone this week? If you did, was it for the cause of righteousness, or was it merely because you wanted your own way on something? If it was the latter, as it probably was, was the quarrel worth it? Did the quarrel bring you closer to God, establish … [Read more...]
Clothed With Christ in Worship
Never forget that God sees the heart. He knows every thought, every intention, every motive, every excuse, every rationalization, and every motion in your mind. This is the God you gather before in worship. Nothing is obscure to Him simply because you are surrounded by others. … [Read more...]
Because It Does
After the reign of Josiah, the Word says that God had compassion on His people and He sent them messengers. These messengers from God were mocked, the words of God were despised, and the prophets were misused. Therefore the wrath of God arose against the people, until, it says, … [Read more...]
Worship As A Shield
God has never done a work of reformation in the world where that work had no critics. One of the signs of thorough-going reformation is when those involved in the work of reformation respond in grace and wisdom. This is not the same as agreeing with the critics and joining … [Read more...]
Set in Order
The image of God in you is not a static thing, a mechanical imprint. The image of God means to be orderly, in accordance with His word, in true righteousness and holiness. No human being is completely disordered or unhinged, and by God’s common grace, even non-Christians still … [Read more...]
Put Them Down
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. You are coming before God on the day when He made all things new. You are coming to Him on the day when He inaugurated the new creation. You are coming to Him on the day when the sabbath became the First Day. … [Read more...]