Jesus’ Gracious Invitation During one of the Jewish feasts Jesus had been teaching publicly but at the end of the feast He stood and cried out, probably in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty let Him come to Me and drink.” [John 7:37, NIV] He, of course, was using a figure of speech. The kind of thirst He spoke about was not for water from a physical well but the longing for refreshment. It could have been a desire for a particular trouble to end. Perhaps it would be a frustration with evil in the world. It could be a personal need or a desire for the community. This was not the only time Jesus made such a claim. He knew He had been sent into the world, the Son of God, to endure our suffering so that He could overcome it for us. We still suffer while we live in this sinful world, but Jesus graciously invites us to come to Him for refreshment. None of us is able to gain that refreshment on our own. But He in His power and glory has overcome every kind of trial that we can face. We hope you are thirsty today—thirsty enough to be driven to Jesus for refreshment. He gives the refreshment of unfailing living water. If you have not yet come to Him we urge you to do so and invite you to speak with Pastor Martin or another Christian about having your deepest longings met by Jesus Christ.
In the church of Jesus Christ, it is necessary that we do more than just get along with other. You many not need more than that at your job, but the church must function more intimately. The church is to function like a body with many parts being...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
The people of God are to be separated to Him. They are devoted to Him knowing that they have come from Him and that He is providing for them. But it often happens that as sinners, God’s people forget who He is and what He has done for them. The...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Despite the fact that there will be a Day of Judgment in which all must come face to face with God, many are sitting in judgment on His law. They think they can choose to obey or disobey it as they please. But since the perfect God has given this...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
It has often happened in history that God’s people have wanted to make improvements on the worship of God. But this has historically led to problems for God’s people. Rather than improving God’s worship they have detracted from what He wants of...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
There is only one way to God and that is through Jesus Christ in His righteousness. That is a controversial statement in our society and many would consider it to be bigoted. But the truth is not always politically correct and we need truth more...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Begin with the Altar Animal sacrifice on an altar is abhorrent to our society, but it was a regular practice of many religions throughout history. In it they recognized that sin had to be atoned. The world’s very first family offered sacrifices of...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Separated to God There were many times in the life of Israel in the Old Testament that God’s people would serve other gods along with the Lord. The Lord God made it clear to them, however, that this was wrong. They were to worship Him alone....[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Our primary duty in life is to praise God. He is our Maker, and though our first parents sinned against Him, and thus we became sinners, He has provided for our redemption. He did that by providing the acceptable sacrifice. All our life needs to...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Animal sacrifice on an altar is abhorrent to our society, but it was a regular practice of many religions throughout history. In it they recognized that sin had to be atoned. The world’s very first family offered sacrifices of animals as well as...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
