Glory of Christ Fellowship

“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 d...

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 a...