Deus Misereatur

Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense by N.T. Wright My rating: 4 of 5 stars Whether you are simply wondering what Christianity is "all about," or a newbie in the Faith, or have grown tired and weary in the long trek of following Jesus, this book should be in your hands! N.T. Wright displays the beautiful textures of what makes Christianity Christian, and the Faith fresh. The author tackles most every "big" subject that sets out the parameters of Christianity. Starting out with what Calvin would call the "sensus divinitatis" (the sense of the divine), Wright walks the reader, yard by yard from one end of the playing field to the other. Encompassed in this book are the Christian rites of baptism and the Lord's Supper, the Church and Worship, faith and repentance, the goodness of creation and newness of the new creation, as well as a host of other subjects. And in each major area Wright returns to how these answer the "longing for justic...

{If you find this sermon and series useful and chose to use it, please give credit where credit is due; and let me know. Thanks, Mike} Preparing for the Coming of Christ Zephaniah 1.1-18   [ Audio File of the Sermon ] Mighty God, your servants the prophets – like Zephaniah – spoke of the grace that was to be ours, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories, and so they were serving not only their day but us (1 Peter 1.10-12). Therefore, give us ears to hear in Zephaniah what the Spirit is saying to the Church (Revelation 2.6); for Christ’s sake. Amen. Sometimes sobering words in the middle of gaiety and joviality are important. Though I’d rather talk about things that make our heads swim with happiness and glee, yet happy things are not always healthy or holy. Christmas time is one of those seasons in which the whole flow of the culture serves to muddle up and clog...

Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, the praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ. Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then have nothing else to fear; make you His service your delight; he’ll make your wants His care (Tinity Hymnal #624, v.1 and 6). As a congregation, we give thanks to you, O God, for all your care and sustaining mercies. We ask you to awaken our hearts – hearts often numbed by the rush and rumble of our daily lives – awaken our hearts to be consistently thankful and grateful for the big and simple things we are given. Things like daily bread, children and grandchildren, friends, parents and grandparents, the ability to enjoy the taste of food and wine; and also a church family. Grant us the wisdom and will to promote peace with all people, as far as it depends on us; O Lord, hear our prayer. For Your Church throughout the world, (including Mayfair Baptist Church; Meadowwood Baptist; Meridian Ave Baptist; Metropolitan Ba...

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2.6-7). Abounding with thanksgiving, Lord! That is what we should be, and that is what we are! For what your Son, Jesus Christ, is by nature he has made us by grace – children of God! By uniting us to himself, through his death and resurrection, means that what you once said of him you now say of us: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3.17). Now we can truly say that it is you who (re)made us, and we are yours; we are your people, and the sheep of your pasture (Psalm 100.3). Therefore whatever we do (this Lord’s Day, and through all days), whether in word or deed, we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to you, O God our Father, through him (Colossians 3.17). Glory to you, O God most high! Mike { I hope you find this prayer thought pro...