poolsandpastures
Thoughts on the Gospel, Life, and Ministry
Tag: Discipleship
Living Water for Outsiders — John 4:1-38
Jesus offered living water to a woman at a well in Samaria. This unexpected and outlandish encounter shows that Jesus offers living water to outsiders in the same way He provided it to the religious leaders of His day. Here’s our explanatory video. John… Continue Reading “Living Water for Outsiders — John 4:1-38”
The Son Must Increase — John 3:22-36
In video 4 of our John’s Gospel in 40 Days series, we cover chapter 3:22-36 and John the Baptist’s witness about Christ Jesus. He insists that he must decrease so that Christ can increase. Here’s the video. John 3:22–36 John the Baptist Exalts Christ… Continue Reading “The Son Must Increase — John 3:22-36”
True Worship, True Birth — John 2:13-3:21
The third reading in our John in 40 Days series is John 2:13 3:21. In these famous verses, Jesus encounters the opposition of the Pharisees for the first time and receives a fateful visit from Nicodemus. Here is a video to explain this passage.… Continue Reading “True Worship, True Birth — John 2:13-3:21”
Come and See — John 1:35-2:12
The second reading in our John’s Gospel in 40 Days series is John 1:35-2:12. We’ve titled it, “Come and See” because Jesus issues an invitation to come and see, come and experience life with Him. It’s a gracious invitation and divine command to come… Continue Reading “Come and See — John 1:35-2:12”
The Word Revealed — John 1:1-34
The first reading in our John’s Gospel in 40 Days series is John 1:1-34. We’ve titled it, “The Word Revealed,” because John clearly tells us that God reveals Himself to us in Jesus Christ. To see Jesus is to see God. Here’s a 5-minute… Continue Reading “The Word Revealed — John 1:1-34”
Overcoming Anger: Embrace Humility and Trust God
The author reflects on a trip to Nashville for their 20th anniversary, encountering Hurricane Helene’s aftermath along the way. They discuss a sermon on anger, explaining that frustration arises from attempting to fix ourselves and our circumstances. The solution involves humility, trusting in God, and actively seeking improvement while acknowledging our limitations.
Praying More Robustly
I am making plans for our congreation’s upcoming Wednesday night fellowship dinners and bible lessons. Our children and youth will continue working through the various catechisms of the Church, and our adults will study prayer. To help me organize our lessons on prayer, I’ve enlisted… Continue Reading “Praying More Robustly”
Will You Follow Him?
I wrote the following article was written for the March/April edition of ARP Magazine, a publication of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. May it be an encouragement and a challenge to you. My task is to write an article on the Moderator of our… Continue Reading “Will You Follow Him?”
Thankfulness is Necessary — A Pastoral Note
We, like the lepers, act as if we deserve God’s good works in our lives when we don’t. This arrogance, intentional or not, is an affront to the glory of God. We glorify him when we recognize our need for him, depend upon him, and thank him for his goodness to us.
Church Planting and the Future of the ARP Church
Between June 14-25, Christian Education Ministries hosted our denomination’s (ARPC) summer conferences for middle and high school students at Bonclarken (the ARP’s conference center). I understand those were two great weeks, and our Lord worked powerfully among the students. After the conferences were finished,… Continue Reading “Church Planting and the Future of the ARP Church”
poolsandpastures 