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Writings on Christianity

God’s Rule Over the Nations and the Greater Zerubbabel (Haggai 2:20-23)

God’s Rule Over the Nations and the Greater Zerubbabel (2:20-23) 20 The word of the LORD came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, 22 and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. […]

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Writings on Christianity

Jesus, the Greater Zerubbabel

Andrew Hill is helpful in explaining Haggai 2:23 and how ultimately Zerubbabel pointed forward to Jesus, the Greater Zerubbabel. Haggai 2:23:“23 On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen […]

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Writings on Christianity

A JOYFUL GOSPEL

How do we find and experience true and lasting joy? What is the relationship between joy and questions about God? GOD: THE GOD OF EVERLASTING JOY The one true God—who made everything, who rules over everything, who orders all things—is a God of everlasting joy. Unlike us, God is uncreated and eternal. There never was […]

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Writings on Christianity

An Acrostic Poem on God’s Love

A Poem on God’s LOVE A word about my God of love:Before there was a world, you were love.Caring and tender,Dependable,Everlasting love.Full and forming all that it touches.Gracious and glorious,Heart melting and holy,I sing of your love and enjoy it afresh each day.Joy like no other,Kindness of a Father,Love of a Savior,Multiplying wonders.Never ending love,Opening […]

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Writings on Christianity

A Better Adam (Part 4) Sermon Outline

Here’s the outline from a sermon I preached on Romans 5:20-21 “Jesus, the Better Adam” at Cross of Christ Fellowship. Romans 5:20-21 “Jesus, the Better Adam” (Part 4) INTRO: Imagine it is the year 1939 and we live in Paris, France. After church, we can enjoy a nice French pastry and go for a walk […]

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Writings on Christianity

A Better King than FEELINGS

Follow your heart. You are most true to yourself when you are embracing your desires. Your feelings and emotions most accurately identify the real you. It is wrong to deny what you feel most deep inside. I think this is a fair summary of how many in our culture approach life. Feelings are king. It […]

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Writings on Christianity

A Better Adam (Romans 5:12-14)

Here’s the notes from my sermon on Romans 5:12-14, that I preached at Cross of Christ Fellowship, our church in Naperville, on 9/19/21. You can hear the sermon here. A Better Adam (Part 1): The 1st Adam and the Hope of Another (5:12-14) Intro: This week I saw something that my wife and my children […]

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Writings on Christianity

Because Jesus is our Redeemer, We Live Differently

Does theology make any difference in our everyday lives? Does it actually change how we live? YES. I believe a right understanding, a right perception of the truth of who God actually is, and what has actually occurred in the gospel has incredible relevance for our everyday lives. It changes how we live. It brings […]

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Writings on Christianity

A Catechism on Suffering

A Short Catechism on Suffering: Q. What is suffering? A. “Having what we do not want to have or not having what we do want to have” (Elisabeth Elliot’s definition) Q .Why is there suffering in the world? A. Because of the sin of our first parents Adam and eve, our sin, and the sin […]

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Writings on Christianity

Jesus: Offensive to the Religious and Secular

If you have listened or read much of Tim Keller, you know that he does a great job of reminding us how the gospel is different from self-righteous religion and from irreligion. I find this to be a helpful contrast to keep in mind as I read through the Scriptures and think about the Christian […]