Category: Pastoral Ministry

Remembering the God Who Saves

When Israel went out from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion. – Psalm 114:1-2 Psalm 114 celebrates the mighty acts God did to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt to a… Continue Reading “Remembering the God Who Saves”

Universal Praise From a Catholic People

Universal Praise from a Catholic Church “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.” – Psalm 113:3 The Psalmist lifts our eyes beyond the borders of our own congregation, nation, or generation in Psalm 113.… Continue Reading “Universal Praise From a Catholic People”

Belief and Following — John 20:30-21:25

John leaves us with a decision at the conclusion of His gospel. Believe in Jesus, follow Him, and live eternally, or don’t. The choice is yours. John 20:30–31 The Purpose of This Book [30] Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of… Continue Reading “Belief and Following — John 20:30-21:25”

Life from the Empty Tomb — John 20:1-29

Jesus’s resurrection brings life to those who follow Him. There is blessing for those who believe without seeing. John 20:1–29 The Resurrection [1] Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and… Continue Reading “Life from the Empty Tomb — John 20:1-29”

It is Finished — John 19:16-42

At the conclusion of his life, Jesus uttered, “It is finished.” His work on earth was done. The moment had come to offer His life for His people. John 19:16–42 [16] So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. The Crucifixion So… Continue Reading “It is Finished — John 19:16-42”

The King on Trial — John 18:25-19:16

The irony of John 18:25-19:16 is that the King of Glory is judged by the world He came to save based upon the world’s definition of truth. John 18:25–40 Peter Denies Jesus Again [25] Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they… Continue Reading “The King on Trial — John 18:25-19:16”

One People, One Witness — John 17:20-18:24

The unity among God’s people testifies to the unity of the godhead. We are to witness to God’s glory by the way we love and support one another. John 17:20–26 [20] “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will… Continue Reading “One People, One Witness — John 17:20-18:24”

Glory Revealed in Prayer — John 17:1-19

Jesus’s glory is revealed in the prayer he prayed for his disciples at the end of his life. Eternal life is in knowing Him as Lord. John 17 The High Priestly Prayer [1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes… Continue Reading “Glory Revealed in Prayer — John 17:1-19”

Sorrow turned to Joy — John 16

Sorrow will come, but joy is on the way. We will have sorrow in this world, but God will turn it to joy. John 16 [1] “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. [2] They will put… Continue Reading “Sorrow turned to Joy — John 16”

The True Vine — John 15

Real life and fruitfulness flow only from remaining connected to Christ. Our eternal life has real and present consequences in this life. John 15 I Am the True Vine [1] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. [2] Every branch… Continue Reading “The True Vine — John 15”