Red Letters: Nicodemus

Series : Red Letters

Scripture : Various

God desires for us to grow spiritually. We see in Nicodemus that he went to Jesus at night and then grew every time we see him throughout the book of John. The end result is that he risked everything for Jesus and we are to do the same. Risk our reputation for Jesus and see what the Lord will do with that.


Notes 

Inspiring Leadership

Fresh Journey

I cannot explain it, but I feel like a new chapter in my walk with Jesus is opening. One that is going to be filled with growth, discovery, fruit, and focus. I kinda feel like I am rediscovering new avenues to following Jesus. Now, some of you are thinking, "what is he talking about? Is Bruce into something off the wall and not Orthodox?" I will answer your questions and concerns with a resounding - NO!

Recently in my life, I have come to the conclusion that I really do not know that much. You are probably thinking, "It is about time Bruce, I could have told you that years ago." As funny as that may sound and how much we can joke about that - and it is funny. What I mean is this. I have served several churches in my career and have been on numerous interviews for various positions within the church. At some of these interviews, I was not true to who I was and what I believed. I tried to say what the church wanted to hear when it came to my own personal Theology. Of course I did not receive an offer to partner with those churches - a good thing! There were times, however, that I was true to my personal Theology and it did not line up with the perspective church. I did not receive and invitation to these church either - also a good thing.

I have always leaned into a Reformed or Covenant Theology personally. I have a great education path that I would not change for the world. But here is my recent personal revelation - I do not know as much as I should regarding a Reformed / Covenant Theology. I know the basics, but I am being challenged to go deeper by the Lord. So, in a way I am at a cliff ready to immerse myself in such a rich and biblical Theology.

My journey now has a new freshness about it and it is exciting. Along the path already are great organizations that have shaped me and will continue to shape me. I think of ministries such as PRMI / Ligonier / Monergism / The Gospel Coalition / RCA to name only a few. These are linked to the right. Check them out

Exciting days are ahead of me and also for Grace Church. The amazing thing is that I have been praying for this to happen. Who says that God does not answer prayers - only in His timing! So, here we go. Let the journey continue...

Disciple: Goes Out

Series : Disciple

Scripture : Matthew 10: 5-15

When Jesus looked at the crowds that were following Him - He had compassion on them. He then told His disciples that the harvest is plentiful and to seek the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers. Today, a disciple of Jesus goes out and serves the community and also verbally shares the Hope found in Jesus. The two go hand in hand. When you serve and share, you will receive opposition to the message of Jesus - that is OK because we are not responsible for the results - Jesus is. All we have to do is to be faithful to the message, because there is a huge harvest field in front of us. A Christian goes on a mission trip, but a disciple is a missionary. This is how. 


Notes

Disciple: Breaks Bread

Series : Disciple

Scripture : Acts 2: 42-47

Community. Fellowship. These are not just "buzz" words around churches, they should be a way of living that penetrates every level and area of a local community of faith from the small groups, to the ministry teams, to the Sunday Morning worship and even on the Governance level. Community and fellowship is much deeper that just sharing a meal together or participating in a fun event and creating a welcoming atmosphere. It is about accountability, love, nurture, and living out the "Biblical One-Another's" A disciple of Jesus should look others and not just focus on themselves. 


Notes

The Biblical One-Another’s

Love one another (John 13: 34)

Be devoted to one another (Romans 12: 10a)

Honor one another (Romans 12: 10b)

Accept one another (Romans 15: 7)

Teach one another (Romans 15: 14)

Greet one another (Romans 16: 16)

Serve one another (Galatians 5: 13)

Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6: 2)

Be compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4: 32)

Submit to one another (Ephesians 5: 21)

Forgive one another (Colossians 3: 13)

Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5: 11)

Spur one another toward love (Hebrews 10: 24)

Live in harmony with one another (1 Peter 3: 8)

Offer hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4: 9)

Kingdom Contributer