Life update and encouragement

When I decided to post today, I intended to write something along the lines of “Hey, there. So I moved cross country to Denver! Surprise. Life is full of working and job hunting, so please pray for me and understand why I’m not blogging regularly.”

That was the plan anyway. But with the subject on my mind, along with the anxiety I’ve been battling about finding the right job in Denver, something surprising happened. I remembered the amazing things that happened before I moved here, as well as all the ways God provided for me 14 years ago to allow me to move to Washington, D.C. when I was just out of college and had no very little savings and no connections.

Sermon Recommendation: Never Alone

Days before the resurrection, Jesus told his disciples again that he would be leaving them. Surely this had to be a crushing blow to his dear friends. But he also promised that he would not leave them “as orphans.”

This message from Pastor Matthew Hoskinson of the First Baptist Church of Manhattan examines that passage (John 14) and dives into what Jesus meant as well as the promise of the Holy Spirit that He sent to his followers (including us today). I hope the truth in it ministers to you today.

Bible link: John 14 (ESV) 

Celebrating Reformation 500

Today is the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, recalling the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the Wittenberg Church door. Of course, other reformers came before him and many came after him. But this day in 1517 was certainly a watershed moment in history and the one we most remember.

In honor of that here is a series of messages I’ve been listening to on key theological tenets that the reformation recovered. These particular messages are from First Baptist Church of Manhattan, but there are many churches doing similar series to mark Reformation 500.

Soli Deo Gloria (only for God’s glory)

Sola Scriptura  (Scripture is our authority)

Solus Christus (Christ alone)

Sola Fide (Faith alone)

Sola Gratia (Grace alone)

A Message on Forgiveness from First Baptist Church (NY, NY)

The image only reflects the post in that the church this sermon is from is my favorite church in New York City. I discovered First Baptist Church in recent months and have been grateful to listen to Pastor Hoskinson’s preaching online as well. 

Compassion – Pillar Number Nine

Working through the Pillars of Christian Character series from Grace to You, the next character trait Pastor MacArthur examines is compassion.

Sermon: Character Trait – Thankfulness

This week’s sermon from Grace to You is focused on thankfulness. This is sermon eight in the series on the “Pillars of Christian Character.” Just two more to go!

Joy!

Sermon number seven from the Grace to You series I’ve been working my way through, “Pillars of Christian Character,” is about joy. We know from Galatians that joy is one of the fruits of a spirit-filled and spirit-controlled life. It also may be my favorite character trait.

This sermon looks at how it should be a part of church life, the command to rejoice regardless of circumstances, what sin does to joy and other biblical passages about this essential character trait.

Pillars of Christian Character: Forgiveness

The sixth sermon in the Grace To You series that I’ve been listening to once a week is all about forgiveness.

Speaking for myself, forgiving others can be a struggle at times. I’m glad I was reminded and chastised through this message. You can listen to it here.

Sermon Five of the Pillars of Christian Character Series: Unity

Following last week’s love sermon, the next in the Grace to You series of sermons from Pastor John MacArthur is focused on unity.

Pillars of Christian Character: Love

Last week some things in my life sort of felt like they were imploding, so I failed to post sermon number three here. It was a sermon about humility.  I did share it on Facebook, but couldn’t find time to write up a post here. Sorry about that.

On to sermon four: Love. And just in time for Valentine’s Day too!