poolsandpastures
Thoughts on the Gospel, Life, and Ministry
Tag: Jesus
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.
Under His Wings and Revivals
Stories like this one always buoy my spirit as they illustrate the providence and the grace of God at work in the history of His Church. We still sing this wonderful rendition of Psalm 91 some 130 years after Sankey wrote it. The God under whose wings Sankey found refuge is the same God under whose wings we find shleter.
What Is The Church Supposed to Do?
The earliest Christians lived and breathed in times that were very similar to ours. They were certainly no strangers to the ideas of societal relativism and cultural narcissism. They also suffered from another deadly “ism,” syncretism, which wreaked havoc on their spiritual and religious climate. Yet, they found their balance and we are to learn from them.
The Prayer God Will Always Answer
During our adult Sunday School class this past Sunday, our congregation studied Luke’s version of the Lord’s Prayer from Luke 11:1-13. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray by his example and his words. Luke referred to Jesus’s normal practice of praying alone more than… Continue Reading “The Prayer God Will Always Answer”
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.
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