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Showing posts from 2017

My Favorite Authors of 2017

Here is a list of my favorite authors of 2017: Rankin Wilbourne  Steve Brown Jared C Wilson Elyse Fitzpatrick  Scott Sauls Sinclair Ferguson Paul Tripp Michael Horton Jeff Vanderstelt  Jessica Thompson

You Are Not Condemned

“ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1)

Tweets and more tweets

Here are some of my favorite tweets from the last few weeks.  This is one of the blessings of social media where we can hear the gospel from people all over the world. If you like the tweet, go and follow the person on Twitter.  Christ is the standard for everything a Christian should think about God. If something we think about God violates what we know of Jesus, what he taught, and how he acted, then that thought lies. @DrSteveWBrown Improvement of the world through political & social reforms is both necessary & possible. But it is carried out under the terms of Christian freedom, not according to the prescriptions of biblical law. (Martin Luther) “Sometimes the Lord shows us something that seems so wrong so we can change it. Other times, He shows us something that seems so wrong so it change can change us.” (C.H. Spurgeon) in Steal Away Home @aaronivey @_matt_carter  Bad News: Liberals and Conservatives are both sinners. Good News: Jesus wasn't either and came to

New Book Friday

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Christmas has come and gone.  So, every year after Christmas I share new books that I received as gifts.  I love to read and appreciate the gift of books.  So, here is the first installment of New Book Friday for (almost) 2018.

What does it mean to be "in Christ"?

For 2017, the phrase I am focusing on is "in Christ."  Each week, I will post verse(s) that includes the phrase "in Christ". I look forward to growing in understanding of what it means to be "in Christ." 2  You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2  and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3  Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4  No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5  An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6  It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7  Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8  Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9  for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a

Names of God: Rabbi

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. The names of God are important because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is.   Rabbi Rabbi means teacher. 38   Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” (John 1:38) What it reminds me?  Jesus teaches us.  As a lifelong learner, I am excited to learn more about Jesus each and every day.  I love discovering how deep the gospel is.  I am thankful that Jesus reveals and teaches who He is. What a great God that wants His people to know Him.

Verse of the Week

My Aunt Kay Jean suggested I start sharing a verse of the day.  I liked her suggestion but decided instead of a verse of the day, I would share a verse of the week.  Be reminded of who God is from His Word. Since yesterday was Christmas, I decided to share the Christmas story from Scripture today from Luke 2:1-20: The Birth of Jesus Christ 2  In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2  This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3  And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5  to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,  who was with child. 6  And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger,

Merry Christmas from the Martins

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Merry Christmas from my family to yours! I am thankful for this verse as a reminder of the great gift Jesus is to the world. 10  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

Sermon Notes from "Gospel Realized"

Introduction : Merry Christmas! Today as I begin, we are going to watch a video of kid’s telling the Christmas story.   Review- A Church community -God’s plan to redeem, restore, reconcile the world in Christ through the church. A community not alone Empowered by the Holy Spirit -It’s not pull yourself up by your bootstraps, do more, try harder, but be changed from the inside out. It’s all about Him. Transformed- Not self-help, self-esteem, leadership principles, steps or tips to improve yourself , but look up and see how God begins to change you by Holy Spirit. See Romans 12:2 & 2 Corinthians 3:18- 18  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. By the gospel —today’s passage is Read Luke 2:8-20 The Gospel (vs. 10-11) ·          What is the gospel?   It can be used as an adjective—gospel music, gospel conferenc

Gospel Playlist

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This is a regular feature now that replaced "Playing on the Radio." I will be sharing songs from my "Gospel Playlist" on my phone. The gospel is good news.  It reminds us what Christ has DONE for us.  As I share, I hope it will be an encouragement to you today.  Song today is:  O Come To the Altar by Elevation Worship

Friday Discipleship

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As we prepare to enter the Advent Season and move toward Christmas, I would like to share resources that have been helpful for my family during the holidays.  As always, they are available at your local Christian bookstore and if you are near Wichita, go to my favorite one, Faith and Life Bookstore in Newton.  You can order online here This resource might only be available online.

Tweets and more tweets

Here are some of my favorite tweets from the last few weeks.  This is one of the blessings of social media where we can hear the gospel from people all over the world. If you like the tweet, go and follow the person on Twitter.  Jesus is always holding fast to you even when you aren't holding fast to Him. @EvanHeadrick  The God who has Genesis 1 on his resume can handle anything you will face today. @WePreachChrist Here's something to rest in: all of the work that needed to be done to make us pleasing to God, forgiven by God, and close to God - has already been done by Christ. @ZachMaldo “assurance is nourished on a clear understanding of grace and especially union with Christ and the justification, adoption and regeneration that are ours freely in him” Ferguson via @PatAbendroth "It's my job to keep standing there with my arms wide open waiting for you to maybe some day fall inside if you needed it. And if you do, I’ll love you, and if you don't, I’ll

You Are New

“ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

What does it mean to be "in Christ"?

For 2017, the phrase I am focusing on is "in Christ."  Each week, I will post verse(s) that includes the phrase "in Christ". I look forward to growing in understanding of what it means to be "in Christ." 1  Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2  To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3  I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4  As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5  I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7  for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of po

Names of God: Immanuel

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. The names of God are important because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. Immanuel Immanuel means God with us. 23   “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,      and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:23)   What it reminds me?  God is with me always.  This used to cause fear because I believed God knew all of sins and was wanting to punish me.  Now, it a great assurance because I know God is for me and cares about me because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.  He is with me empowering me to love Him and others.  You are never alone

Verse of the Week

My Aunt Kay Jean suggested I start sharing a verse of the day.  I liked her suggestion but decided instead of a verse of the day, I would share a verse of the week.  Be reminded of who God is from His Word. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;      his mercies never come to an end; 23  they are new every morning;      great is your faithfulness. 24  “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,      “therefore I will hope in him.” 25  The Lord is good to those who wait for him,      to the soul who seeks him. 26  It is good that one should wait quietly      for the salvation of the Lord . (Lamentations 3:22-26)