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Quotes & Articles
Does this church help me serve Jesus better?
Many people unconsciously expect their church to serve them. The expectation shows with the checklist we bring to worship. We ask, “Did the pastor preach a sermon to my liking? Did the music suit my taste? Does the building have the right décor?” . Of course, we are right to be concerned that our church does what is right. The Bible tells us to be vigilant about God’s priorities.
But sometimes God’s priorities get confused with our preferences.
Whether we are expressing greater concerns about the latter than the former may take serious heart examination.
That examination, if it is Biblical, often begins with asking whether we really are willing to follow Jesus by denying ourselves (Matt. 16:24)?
Are we more seeking to serve or be served?
Of course, we are all ready to testify that we are willing to be a servant – until someone treats us like one.
Then, we must ask if Jesus only calls us to an occasional act of service, or to a life of selflessness for the sake of others knowing him.
The charge to put God’s priorities above our own often can reduce our checklist to one item:
Does this church help me serve Jesus better? (Matt. 20:26-28)
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Bryan Chapell. Devotional. October 2024
28/10/24
Preaching Matters Because the God of the Bible Is a Speaking God
“The act of preaching today cannot be separated from the word of God that he has infallibly spoken in the Scriptures—the sixty-six books of divine revelation that make up our Bible. That is the bedrock foundation on which all preaching is to be built.
A basic biblical definition of the preacher is that he is a herald or proclaimer. It’s a significant description because it implies that there is a message, or declaration, that the messenger is to pass on faithfully and accurately without distortion. Because God has spoken in his word, the preacher can and must preach. Without that divinely given biblical content, all that a preacher can achieve is the expression of his own, often highly questionable, opinions. On offer, then, are the mere words of human beings. They may appear attractive and promise all sorts of comfort and joy, but ultimately, they are just human words—transient and powerless. Instead, in biblical expository preaching, the authentic voice of God is heard. What is expected is that God will speak to our souls through the human agency of the preacher.”
16/09/24
Rich in Mercy
Ephesians 2:4
The evidence of Christ’s mercy toward you is not your life. The evidence of his mercy toward you is his - mistreated, misunderstood, betrayed, abandoned. Eternally. In your place.
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Dane Ortlund: Gentle & Lowly. p179
18/06/24
Are You Facing Trials?
If every day of the Christian life were just a walk on easy street, we would have scant cause to lean on God. That’s why, odd as it may seem, God uses our suffering and trials to draw us closer to his heart. The Apostle Peter says not to be surprised when we face a “fiery trial” (1 Pet. 4:12-13).
Such a trial does not mean that we have done something wrong or that God is somewhere else.
We should expect spiritual opposition in a fallen world, but that push back should push us into our Saviour’s arms.
Peter encourages a mature understanding, telling us not to think it’s strange that the world opposes Christians, but also not to waste our trials.
When you learn that God’s presence is strength for trial, his promises are comfort in trouble, and assurance of his sovereign care provides peace that passes understanding, then cry out to him. He will give you sight of his heart – and nearness to it.
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Bryan Chapell. Devotional. June 2024
5/06/24
We can do all that God requires of us through His strength.
"I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:12-13)
There is an old story about a son who was tasked with removing some stones from his father’s garden. Try as he might, the boy couldn’t remove the boulders. He returned to his father, saying, “I can’t do it.”
The father told him to give it another try. Then, after a few more unsuccessful attempts, the boy said, “Father, I’ve tried with all I have, and I still don’t have the strength to do what you require.” At this, the boy’s father replied, “You haven’t tried with all your resources, because you haven’t asked me to help.”
That’s a good reminder for us all: We can do all that God requires of us through His strength! Apart from Him we can do nothing (Jn. 15:5), but through Him who strengthens us we can do all things.
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Bryan Chapell. Devotional. May 2024
16/05/24
Why This Page?
Ian gathers quotes, articles, excerpts and books to create a space for you to peruse and ponder who Christ is and the everyday impact of his Grace on your life.
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