We commonly think of disillusionment as being a negative thing, of being robbed of our hopes or dreams. But the meaning of disillusion is “to be set free of illusions.” The Latin word illusio means “mocking” or “deceit.” When we’re disillusioned, we’re set free from impressions that mock and deceive us, we’re liberated from confusion about what is real and what is false. In that sense disillusionment is a good thing. Read more...
The Lord gives clear instruction that we are to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Yet to make this petition is to acknowledge that the will of God is not done on earth, or even in our own lives, as it is done it heaven. There, it is done joyfully, immediately, and completely. To make this position with spiritual integrity, we must understand what it is we are asking for. There are sincere questions that Christ-followers have about the will of God.
I. What is the meaning of “The Will of God?” Read more...
Pastor Richard Blake
12th June 2011
Isaiah 50:10-11
There are times in every believer’s life when it seems as if the light of God’s presence is extinguished. In such times, we grope in doubt and dismay. We lack confidence, and our old approach to life doesn’t seem to be working. We seem terribly lost and alone. Even the greatest of biblical saints have experienced this. The words of this text give us counsel for such times as they cause us to reflect on the reality of darkness and what should be our response in such times.
Ascension Sunday is celebrated in many parts of the Christian world today. It comes from the biblical record of the time when Jesus ascended bodily into heaven forty days after His resurrection. This event, though central to the gospel, is one of the most overlooked in the contemporary church. Today, we stand with those early disciples spiritually and find truths that electrify our worshiping and energize our serving.
Times of frustration and difficulty inevitably enter our lives but how we respond to them will determine whether they will be stumbling stones that crush us or stepping stones to productivity and blessing. What then should we do when life is difficult? Paul’s letter to Titus suggests what we should do in such confining and difficult times.
I. Instead of Complaining, Be Creative. Read more...