t should not surprise us that the first Psalm to worship in spirit and truth is a song of warning. The heavenly hymnal starts with a negative: You’re blessed if you don’t! It contrasts two courses of life: One is blessed; the other is barren. Which are you on? Wisdom plots but the fool plods on. (from Psa. 1:1-6). The New Testament reminds us of the purpose of the songs we sing (Col. 3:16). It should be no surprise that the book of Psalms begins with teaching and admonishing about the blessed man and the wisdom he seeks and sings about.  Read More

The essence of the Christian life is fellowship because of the essence of the gospel: Forgiven, forever changed, and placed into the family of God! But what is the essence of fellowship? The essence of Christian fellowship is powerful love revealed in compassionate community. A compelling community of believers (the local church) is the place where love is displayed not just discussed because those who assemble are Christian by virtue of regeneration, not mere religion. The new birth (not just beliefs) gives evidence of God’s life in us because of our committed love one to another. Believers one-another well because they are committed to living in unity, fervent charity, and growing in maturity - genuine fellowship built around healthy relationships. Biblical Christianity then is made manifest by demonstration (not mere declaration) of what love is and does. (From 1 John 3:10-19):  Read More

If I were to ask you what is the essence of the Christian life, what would be your answer? What is the essence of our life together as followers of Christ? When the “disciple whom Jesus loved” took up pen and parchment to write about what it means to be “Christian” he did not write about what the gospel says, he wrote about what it does. If the gospel does anything, it profoundly changes one’s life and approach to relational health, because it turns on the light, reveals the problem, and rescues us from what hinders our life and relationships: Sin! So, what is the essence of the Christian life? John argues for fellowship (From 1 John 1:3-7)  Read More

Have you ever found yourself pointing out the errors, defects, failings, or sins of another at church, even making demands upon them and yet failing to see or be honest about your own? Beam in eye meet mirror! What do you do when you look into the mirror and see the nakedness of your pride and harm you’ve done to others? Well, besides having a mess to clean up, first put some clothes on! Start with humility. (From 1 Peter 5:1-12)  Read More

When you think of good hospitality do you not also think of the service received? Good food or a good night’s rest is not enough if “the service was terrible”, right?! As Christians we welcome others into the family of God with an inviting display of hospitality and compassionate care. To understand our role as Christians we must understand our responsibilities as servants, not masters. Believers are gracious givers of God’s care to others in need. Do you fret or feel inadequate about what to give or do when opportunities to meet the needs of others arise? Take comfort. You already have what God expects you to give (From 1 Pet. 4:7-11)  Read More

Have you ever visited someone for the first time and realized all at once that it felt like home? Maybe you knew instinctively that “this is what a home should be and feel like.” There is a warm, inviting atmosphere that says it’s okay to let your guard down and be yourself: Make yourself at home. Speaking to displaced believers in need of refuge from spiritual warfare and cultural hostility toward Christ-followers, God’s word gives an encouraging command that resonates with any weary traveler, wanderer, or worshipper of Jesus who feels a bit out of place: A hospitality command. (From 1 Pet. 4:7-10)  Read More