Glory of Christ Fellowship

In three days from now, 2019 will give way to 2020 and the first year of a new decade will begin. As those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and eternally adopted into his family, let’s choose to aim our lives in the right direction by resolving to be rich in the word of Christ! As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:16-17). The word here for “dwell” means “to establish a house or a residency,” so that Paul is urging all believers to allow the word of Christ to establish a residency in our souls and therefore in our way of life. In order to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, we’ll have to commit ourselves to hearing it, reading it, studying it

John Chrysostom (ca. 347-407) was a fourth- and early fifth-century pastor and bishop who sought God with all of his heart for over forty years, and who exercised great influence over the church for many centuries. He was indeed a hero for whom we should be grateful to God, but he was a broken hero. From the time John was young, he was given to extremism which psychologically stems from insecurity, and theologically from a gross misunderstanding of the gospel. On the one hand, John lost his father as a small child and he spent much of his childhood seeking the approval of adults. When he decided to seriously seek after God, his instinct was to go to extremes to gain God’s approval. On the other hand, John’s extreme pursuit of God shows that, in his younger years, he didn’t understand the gospel. For two years he chose to live in a cave where he denied himself all but the sheer necessities of life. He refused even to lay down because he thought this was the only way to obey Jes

Talking about sex with your kids can be intimidating and awkward. Yet, they are wondering about it whether you address it or not. And if they are wondering about it they are also finding answers to their questions one way or another. When we look at Proverbs chapters 1-9, for instance, we can see that the Bible envisions parents having very open, candid, detailed discussions about sex wth their young teens and that these discussions are a key part of discipleship. We should ask, if parents will not instill a biblical theology of sex and sexuality into their kids who will? The cultural consensus is happy to instill their worldview of sex into our kids but is this what we really want? That brings me to this blog post. Here are 15 ways that our kids will pick up wrong ideas about sex (and how to respond to them biblically). If you are not actively engaging your son or daughter and shaping in them a biblical worldview these are most likely the ideas they are picking up, like it or

What does the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have to do with Mary and Joseph? Being Christmas time and all, it seems obvious that our attention would shift to the young newlyweds...excuse me, they haven't tied that knot quite yet. In fact, this fact is part of what got them into such hot water...or maybe we can say they came under fire?  In the book of Daniel we know that God helped the three youngsters when they were thrown into the furnace. God was with them. However, sometimes it is easy to forget that the reason  they were thrown into the furnace was for the same reason: because God was with them. They took a stand for God and wound up in the fire.  Now we can see a connection to Mary and Joseph. They got engaged and somewhere between signing up for their gift registry at Target and deciding whether or not to have a dance at their reception they found themselves up to their necks in controversy. What was it, you ask? It was Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:2

John Chrysostom (ca. 347-407) was a fourth- and early fifth-century pastor and bishop who sought God with all of his heart for over forty years, and who exercised great influence over the church for many centuries. He was born in Syrian Antioch (modern-day Turkey) and raised by his mother, Anthusa, for his father, Secundus, had died when he was a small child. Anthusa loved the Lord and taught John to love him as well, but she longed for him to have a successful career of one sort or other, and thus saw that he obtained a classical education and formed connections with prominent people. For a time, John pursued a career in law, but at some point the Lord gripped his heart and he devoted himself instead to the monastic life. This was disappointing to his mother, but John felt that he had to obey the Lord, and obey he did! Not one to be half-hearted, John spent two years living in a cave where he denied himself all but the bare necessities of life. As Robert Payne notes, he “denied

Isn’t it exciting to learn of good news of something out of the ordinary? Don’t you just want to be the first to share this with everyone? There is great joy in having news to share. This type of experience almost makes us feel like children again, nervously racing around, trying to tell everyone we know before someone beats us to it. Luke tells us that the angels went to the shepherds first. Thus, we are put into the shoes of the one receiving good news rather than the messenger of good news. However, have you ever stopped to think about God’s excitement in sharing the news about the birth of His Son, Jesus? I really haven’t stopped to think about this before. Who is he going to tell first? We know the answer, of course, it was the shepherds of Israel. There they were, tending sheep in the mundane, very un-glorious and un-lucrative career of shepherding sheep. Now they were, for once, the chosen ones. If it were the political leaders of the day sharing news the shepherds would

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting” (1 Chronicles 16:34). Thanksgiving is a time when we, as Americans, pause to reflect on our nation’s history and “give thanks” for a pilgrim people who dared to venture into a strange land, for a native people who had already lived here for centuries, and for a time when they peacefully gathered around a table and enjoyed a common feast. It is a time when we give thanks for a similar feast and family gatherings and football games and a four-day weekend. It can also be a time when we pause to reflect on what life could be like if we lived with an attitude of thanksgiving. To help us develop this way of life, I want to address three questions today. First, what does the Bible mean when it instructs us to be thankful? Without going into the details of the original languages, when the Bible instructs us to be thankful, it is encouraging us to see and savor the glory and greatness and goodness of God, a

Basil of Caesarea (ca. 330-379) was a fourth-century scholar, bishop, and leader who, along with several other prominent figures, shaped the life and thinking of the church for many generations. His parents were genuine lovers of Jesus who taught him the ways of Jesus, and who also funded a world-class education that both shaped Basil and gave rise to his life-long nemesis: pride. But God was faithful to humble his pride and render Basil useful in his Kingdom, so as we look at his life, what lessons do we learn? Of the many that can be enumerated, I will offer three. First, building a godly heritage in our families matters. At least some of Basil’s grandparents were genuine lovers of Jesus who, in fact, suffered for the sake of his name. Additionally, both of Basil’s parents were genuine lovers of Jesus who sought, day by day, to invest this love into the lives of their children. And because they were faithful to do so, Basil’s sister, Macrina, was well prepared to discern the dea

Basil of Caesarea (ca. 330-379) was a fourth-century scholar, bishop, and leader who, along with several other prominent figures, shaped the life and thinking of the church for many generations. His parents were genuine lovers of Jesus who taught him the ways of Jesus, and who also funded a world-class education that both shaped Basil and gave rise to his life-long nemesis. Perhaps the primary manifestation of brokenness in Basil’s life was his unbearable arrogance. In the course of his studies it became apparent to all that he possessed unusual skills in reason and rhetoric, and this fact was not lost on Basil. Indeed, he was rather impressed with himself and unafraid to flaunt his skills and exalt his grandeur. This kind of brokenness may seem relatively tame to us, but let us remember that Satan himself fell because he turned his eyes from the gracious Creator who had granted him such favor and toward himself as if he was the source of his own beauty, power, and skill. Pride is

Talking about sex with your kids can be intimidating and awkward. Yet, they are wondering about it whether you address it or not. And if they are wondering about it they are also finding answers to their questions one way or another. When we look at Proverbs chapters 1-9, for instance, we can see that the Bible envisions parents having very open, candid, detailed discussions about sex wth their young teens and that these discussions are a key part of discipleship. We should ask, if parents will not instill a biblical theology of sex and sexuality into their kids who will? The cultural consensus is happy to instill their worldview of sex into our kids but is this what we really want? That brings me to this blog post. Here are 15 ways that our kids will pick up wrong ideas about sex (and how to respond to them biblically). If you are not actively engaging your son or daughter and shaping in them a biblical worldview these are most likely the ideas they are picking up, like it or not.

Basil of Caesarea (ca. 330-379) was a fourth-century scholar, bishop, and leader who, along with several other prominent figures, shaped the life and thinking of the church for many generations. His father was a well-to-do lawyer but more importantly a passionate follower of Jesus. His mother was the daughter of a well-known Christian martyr, and thus her love for Jesus was neither theoretical nor superficial. She knew what it meant to suffer for the sake of Christ, and along with her husband, taught her many children to take up their cross in the cause of Christ. Basil’s family was wealthy, but more so, they were wealthy toward Christ. It should come as no surprise, then, that Basil was well educated, studying in the most important academic centers of his day. He spent six years in Athens where he met life-long friend and ministry partner, Gregory of Nazianzus, and where he became unusually skilled in reason and rhetoric. On the one hand, his notable skill was an important part o

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. - James 1:19-20 These are two short verses that say a whole lot. Let me offer some insight that might help us battle sinful, unrighteous anger.  The Assumption: There is an underlying assumption to what James is saying. What is the assumption? James assumes that the angry person is trying to accomplish something for which they determine that their anger will achieve.  The Deception: Based on the previous point it is important to realize that the sinfully angry person is deceived. How are they deceived. Good question. There are at least three ways a sinfully angry person is deceived.  First, the angry person is deceived in their thinking. They think they will accomplish the right goal. This is why James outlines the goal and that is the righteousness of God. In other words, the angry person is deceived into t

Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 328-c. 390) was a fourth century pastor, bishop, and author who, along with several others, stood strong against the tide of Arian heresy. So far I have written briefly about his life and ministry, as well as some of his shortcomings and sufferings. This week I want to address the question, What can we learn from Gregory’s life? First, God is in total control of the circumstances of our lives, and he works them together for his glory, the good of others, and the joy of our souls. Gregory was born into a pastor’s family who would one day press him to enter into the ministry. He was educated at the best schools in the world which prepared him to stand against the intellectual forces that arrayed against the gospel. While traveling to Greece by sea, he was caught in a storm of God’s making and pledged himself to the service of the Lord. In Athens, he met a man who would become a life-long friend and partner in ministry, Basil of Caesarea. Though he was resist

Psalm 57 offers us some very useful nuggets of truth that will build us up in our faith and our confidence in God’s love. Teenagers face unique challenges and these promises should become particularly meaningful to them and to parents who are called to love them and shepherd them. Psalm 57:2 Cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.  God Is Most High Teens are often impressed with celebrities and actors and sports heroes. In a strange way they almost find a sense of security in their “larger than life” persona, power and success. Yet, it is God who is most high. This means his power isn’t limited, neither is his wisdom or love or holiness. God will never fail. He will not be a fad that is popular today and then tomorrow, forgotten. God is the God who cannot lose or lie. He is completely holy and we will never find him to be morally corrupt. He will triumph over all of his enemies, no matter how strong or relevant they seem. God is the most high and t

Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 328-c. 390) was a fourth century pastor, bishop, and author who, along with several others, stood strong against the tide of Arian heresy. Last week I wrote briefly about his life and ministry, and this week I want to draw our attention to some of his shortcomings and sufferings. Gregory is indeed a hero of the church, but as we will soon see, he is a broken hero. First, as for his physical appearance and condition, Gregory was a small, bald-headed man who sported a long red beard and matching red eyebrows. Due to constant fasting and other extreme spiritual exercises, he was rarely in good health and almost always in pain. While it is no sin to be less than good looking and healthy, these aspects of his life provided challenges to fulfilling the call of God upon his life. Second, and more importantly, Gregory preferred solitude, prayer, and contemplation to the company of others. Christopher Hall notes that he was “quick-tempered, sullen, unhappy in t

Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 328-c. 390) was born into a family of moderate wealth and influence that resided in the Roman province of Cappadocia (eastern Turkey). His parents were ardent Christians, in fact, his father (also named Gregory) was bishop of the small town of Nazianzus where he built a church and served the Lord for some forty-five years. The younger Gregory, born near the beginning of his father’s ministry, was the second of three children. Along with his younger brother, he was educated in several great centers of learning, including Cappadocian Caesarea, Palestinian Caesarea, Alexandria (Egypt), and Athens (Greece). While on the way to Athens, the ship on which Gregory traveled encountered a violent storm and thus he prayed that if the Lord would deliver him, he would devote his life to the service of the Lord. The Lord did indeed deliver Gregory, and he would eventually use him, along with several others, to protect and prosper the church. At Athens, Gregory met,

I can't take credit for this title or the idea. I came across this article today from a ministry I have connection with called Made To Flourish. They have posted this article and I thought it would be worth sharing with others in our church.  You can find the article here: https://www.madetoflourish.org/resources/your-daily-commute-is-one-way-god-transforms-you/ Praying this helps you get a vision for how your commuting can be used as a place of transformation in your life.  In Christ, Pastor Kevin

Athanasius (ca. 295-373) was a fourth century pastor, theologian, and leader who loved God with all of his heart and stood strong against the onslaught of Arian heresy, even when no one else would stand with him. Over the last two weeks we have considered aspects of his life that were commendable, and some that were unfortunate. We have seen that Athanasius was a broken hero, so now the question is, what can we learn from his life? First, Athanasius sincerely loved the Word of God and the God of the Word. As his good friend Gregory of Nazianzus wrote, “From meditating on every book of the Old and New Testaments, with a depth such as none else has applied even to one of them, he grew rich in contemplation, rich in splendor of life” ( Oration 21.6). This long meditative journey shaped his soul and prepared his mind for the battles that lie ahead, and formed in him a confident and accurate conviction about what the Bible does and does not say. Were it not for this fundamental passion

Athanasius (ca. 295-373) was a fourth century pastor, theologian, and leader who loved God with all of his heart and stood strong against the onslaught of Arian heresy, even when no one else would stand with him. As I mentioned last week, if Athanasius did not stand, the church could well have fallen, and therefore we ought to give thanks to God for him and consider him a hero. However, I suspect that if we were to meet Athanasius, many of us would not like him. He was rough around the edges, to say the least. Christopher Hall calls him a “theological cage fighter” who was simultaneously “courageous, cagy, and cunning” (Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers , 57). Robert Payne concurs, adding that he was implacable, intense, and derisive of his enemies. “There was something in him of the temper of the modern dogmatic revolutionary: nothing stopped him. The Emperor Julian called him, ‘hardly a man, only a little manikin’” (quoted in Hall, 57). Indeed, even his good friend G