Tag Archives: Pastoral Ministry

Through God We Live

“yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.” – 1 Cor. 8:6

It is through the Lord Jesus Christ that we live.

Exiled at Home: COVID-19 Quarantine

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” – 1 Pet. 1:1-2

Look, I know this is weird. We are all feeling it. The last place we want to be on Sunday is at home. We love Christ’s bride. We love our church. But the church is more than a building; it’s the people.

Right now we are “exiled,” as it were. During this time, I stand with Peter and pray grace to you and peace be multiplied!

Yours in Christ,

– Pastor Patrick

Soli Deo Gloria!

Which of Them Will Love Him More?

“‘There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?‘ Simon answered and said, ‘I suppose the one whom he forgave more.’ And He said to him, ‘You have rightly judged.’”- Luke 7:41-43

Those who have been forgiven of much, love much.

We Are Members of One Another

“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” – Eph. 4:25

The elect are part of the same body. We are united, allied, and federal.

As a believer, you are not alone, separate, or divided any more than a person’s eye is disconnected from their body.

No, you are suredly connected.

Due to this connectedness, we are commanded to put away lies and instead: speak truth in love (Eph. 4:15).

In this Post-Modern age of moral relativism and pluralism, we must speak truth with our neighbor.

That truth will be met with ever-increasing hostility.

That truth is thus: Jesus of Nazareth, fully Man and fully God, died for our sins, was buried, arose after three days, and is now seated in Heaven where He rules forever and intercedes for believers (1 Cor. 15:1-8),

Anything else does not save. Anything else is not the truth. Anything else is a lie.

All Godly Will Suffer

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” – 2 Tim. 3:12

This is not an isolated concept found in just one verse.

Also note: Rom. 8:16-18; Eph. 5:11-12; Phil. 1:29; 2 Thes. 1:5; 2 Tim. 2:3; Heb. 13:12-13; 1 Peter 2:19-21; 1 John 3:13; 1 John 3:16-18; Rev. 2:10

Fruit Inspectors

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self-control. (Gal. 5:22)

All of these characteristics can be in your garden if you let God grow them.

In contrast to this fruit are the works of the flesh. They can equally be in your garden… if you water and feed them.

In Matt. 7:15-20, Jesus says you know a tree by its fruit. Even a child can grasp that concept.

Fruit presupposes life, growth, and cultivation.

How’s your fruit? X-Ray your heart. Inspecting the fruit in your life is a healthy (although painful!) habit to practice. In a sense we are all fruit inspectors.

Does your fruit pass inspection, or fail it?

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What Comes Out When You Get Tripped Up? Fruit or Works (Gal 5:16-26)

Ever been seated at a restaurant and a waiter goes by with a tray full of bowls? You can’t see what’s in those bowls but everything is nice & neat. Everything is in order… until they get tripped up. Then what’s inside comes tumbling out!

What comes out when you get tripped up?

What’s inside your bowls: the fruit of the Spirit or the works of the flesh? (Gal. 5:16-26)

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