Devotional

A Meditation on Christ’s Incarnation

Posted by on Dec 25, 2014 in Devotional

“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” “He is the Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called, chosen and faithful followers.” Revelation 17:14 During this time of year when we naturally think of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the lyrics from this moving hymn (below) will remind you, I sincerely hope, of the simplicity which surrounds the nativity scene of our Lord. His birth place was a rough-hewn wooden stable, populated by farm animals, and with all the sights, sounds, and smells that might be commonly expected in such a place. The hymn-writer states so...

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The Compelling Testimony of the Shepherds

Posted by on Dec 24, 2013 in Devotional

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger’.”  Luke 2:10-12 (ESV) What are we to think of the shepherds who heard the startling words of the angel on that cold night near Bethlehem? If they had no prior expectation of a coming Messiah, then it seems odd that they would have responded in the way they did—with an immediate visit to...

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Relationships

Posted by on Nov 16, 2012 in Devotional, Rev. Serven

One of the most difficult issues in human relationships is forgiving an offense (cf. Gen. 32-33; Prov. 18:19). This is true for unbelievers in the world, and it is also true for believers within Christ’s Church. Christians, though, have a distinct advantage over those who remain in the world—we have the gracious example of the Lord Jesus Christ who forgave us so much (cf. Eph. 4:32; 1 Pet. 2:24-25; 3:18). Beyond that, we also have the Holy Spirit who dwells within each one of us and makes it possible to truly forgive past offenses (cf. 1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19-20). Because of these powerful truths...

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The Bible

Posted by on Nov 16, 2012 in Devotional, Rev. Serven, Theology

What does the Bible say about itself? To me, this is an extremely important question because the texts that can be produced demonstrate the very strong foundation that our faith rests upon. In short, we believe that the Bible is authoritative, infallible, inerrant, inspired, and sufficient to answer all of life’s fundamental questions. Moreover, it is good for us to recall that these texts are God’s very own words and, therefore, they demonstrate the self-authenticating nature of the Bible. Here are a few examples of what the Bible says about itself. – Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret...

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Calvin on the Resurrection

Posted by on Mar 27, 2012 in Devotional

John Calvin (1509-1564)–always one for keen insight into the promises of the Bible–takes note of how the bodily resurrection of Jesus is also “a pledge” of the bodily resurrection for the disciples of Jesus. Therefore, Believer, as you contemplate the person and work our our Lord over these next few weeks, make sure that you also give thanks to God for the certainty of the bodily resurrection that is promised in the Bible for you. Calvin persuasively writes, “Now whenever we consider the resurrection, let Christ’s image come before us. In the nature which he took from...

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Heroes

Posted by on Jan 25, 2012 in Devotional

Definition of a Hero: How would you define a hero? A hero is not a perfect person, or necessarily filled with moral perfection. A hero is not a Greek or Roman mythical champion such as those men you might find written about in Plutarch’s Lives of Noble Greeks & Romans. A hero is not a modern Sports great such as Kobe Bryant, Albert Pudjols, and Tim Teboe. A hero is not a superhero like Captain America, Spiderman, and Superman. Here are two simple definitions: A hero is “a man who exhibits extraordinary…greatness of soul, in connection with any pursuit, work or enterprise” (From: the...

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