From the Pastors

Revival. Certainty. Wisdom. Joy. Understanding. Purity. Truth. These are all things each of us would desire to experience as we head into a new year aren't they? We long for our souls to be revived, to live with certainty and wisdom and a glad heart in the midst of uncertain days. The Psalmist declares, without qualification, that all of that (and more) is to be found in the word of God, the Bible. As we "eat" it there is promise of great reward. God's word is greater than gold. God's word is sweeter than honey (IOW is more satisfying than that thing you so very much enjoy - for me...that first bite of a Godiva Chocolate cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory). God's word warns us, it protects us, it guides us, and in keeping the word of God we have been promised great reward. That reward is both a present reward and a future reward; a present joy and renewal that is a foreshadowing of that joy and renewal that is to come. God's word is, as Moses says, "...our very life."

I wanted to take a few moments to throw out a quick reminder for each of us, at Sovereign Grace Church in Bellbrook, as we continue to engage people following the election. Whether you're engaging via the posting of Facebook articles, Facebook memes, tweets, online discussion forums (or commenting on other's Facebook posts), or conversation with neighbors, co-workers, and family I'm praying that each of us will walk in Christ-like humility and with a significant amount of grace towards ALL people. I urge you to be slow to speak right now, and take time to listen to, learn from and pray and care for others. Remember, fellow citizens of another country,...

At all times and in all places, the gathering of the saints is a means of grace established by God for edifying his people. Christians gather to worship not because it might be helpful to us if all the stars align, not because it might be good for us if our leaders plan the service just right, not because it might be helpful if everyone smiles at us with the perfect degree of sincerity and handles the small talk seamlessly and engages us with just the right depth of conversation that's neither too personal nor too shallow.

Growing up in a Christian home, the Bible has always been an important book in my life. I was in sixth grade when I first felt a conviction to read it on a daily basis. I was also in sixth grade when I first felt a struggle in my heart. The struggle to read my Bible became a legalistic issue almost when it became a conviction. Reading and studying God's word became something that I knew I should do, and when I didn't, I felt condemned. Yet, in the midst of what would be a 27-year struggle, God used his word in my life in powerful ways. God's word taught me and spoke to me through many times and seasons.

...Toward the end of the seminar, he made a very simple statement that had a huge impact on the way I read my Bible. He said, "When you read the Bible, always look for the gospel." That's it, no magic formula, just an admonition to look for the gospel. He had, of course, prior to that statement spent time teaching us how the Bible is God's story of redemption and that it all points to Christ....

The rending of the temple veil and early Jewish sources that report unusual phenomena in the temple around AD 30.

Our friends at Desiring God have put together a morning and evening devotional for Holy Week. Today's devotionals are entitled "Betrayed by one of His Own" and "Mutiny against the Messiah".

Our friends at Desiring God have put together a morning and evening devotional for Holy Week. Today's devotionals are entitled "The Escalating Conflict" and "The King We Needed, but Never Wanted".

Our friends at Desiring God have put together a morning and evening devotional for Holy Week. Today's devotionals are entitled "No Turning Back" and "Jesus Turns the Tables".

Our friends at Desiring God have put together a morning and evening devotional for Holy Week. Today's devotionals are entitled "The Savior's Tears of Sovereign Mercy" and "The Problem of Palm Sunday".