"...So it seems that God will most definitely accomplish this in the culmination of all things. So why do we need to be involved then? This reminds me of the story of William Carey. He was a lay Baptist pastor in 18th century England who went on to become known as the “Father of Modern Missions”. It was believed by most in the Church at that time that the Great Commission was only a command to the apostles and that those in other “heathen” nations were of no concern to them."
Read More"...it is essential that we face the call in Christ to train ourselves for godliness and recommit ourselves to the spiritual disciplines that help to produce in us this godliness that is of value in every way. There is a long list of spiritual disciplines that many find valuable for the production of godliness in their lives but there are 3 specifically that as pastor at Mercy Hill church I would like to see us commit ourselves to in 2017..."
Read MoreThe Lord’s Prayer begins with one of the most well-known lines in all of Scripture. For some, these words present a familiar comfort. For others, they carry little more significance than the rote, bedtime prayers of their childhood. Yet, Jesus begins His instruction on prayer by saying that we are to “pray like this”. Of all the concepts and truths with which Jesus could have begun His prayer, why did He begin like this
Read MoreBecause the people had rejected God and had turned away from His Word they were exiled out of Jerusalem and out of all the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Psalm 147 is a song the people sang in the days of Nehemiah. They rejoiced and were in awe of their God who brought the nation back to the Promised Land and to Jerusalem. God did not just bring them back but built them up again as seen in the story of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, in spite of many enemies and obstacles. God did it!
Read MoreIn these final words of Paul in his letter to the Roman church he summarizes his message in an exultation of praise to God that the mystery of Christ has been made known to the nations and that this mystery foretold in the Old Testament prophetic writings results in their faith and obedience and “… glory to the only wise God.”
Read MoreIsn’t it amazing how God hears the cries of His Church and answers prayer? God be praised! I’ve seen God faithfully answer prayer in my own life and in so many lives at Mercy Hill. He is faithful to His Church. But how does He do it? How does God chose to answer those prayers many times? Sometimes it’s through the miraculous and unexplained, but more often it’s through the stirring of His Church that needs are met...
Read MoreOur focus today is on ministries. All too often, ministries in churches can just be seen as departments in an organization. To some degree, this is true. Usually a ministry has a leader, a team, and a specific focus that serves as a branch to a larger organization.
Read MoreToday we are continuing our week of focused prayer by praying for governments and authorities. At times, praying for those in governmental authority may feel pointless, especially when those we are praying for don’t know God or share our personal political views. But regardless of what our own feelings may be, Scripture directs us to be in subjection to the governing authorities...
Read MoreThe word “leadership” brings with it a fascinating dichotomy in perspective. There is the classic idea that leadership is about bringing rescue to those in need, demonstrating courage in the face of danger, or taking charge of a desperate situation. That view brings to mind names like Abraham Lincoln, George Patton or Aaron Rodgers. And while no one would argue that, in their given contexts, these men demonstrated tremendous leadership abilities, the passage above hints at a very different view of leadership altogether
Read MoreThe practice of repentance is a central discipline of the Christian life. One of the most consistent messages of Jesus Christ throughout His ministry was to call people to repentance. In fact, imploring people to “repent or perish”. As followers of Christ this isn’t an odd call because to come to our salvation one of our first acts of faith was to repent, but so often we do not make the act of repentance a consistent discipline of our Christian walk, which is a pity...
Read MoreThis passage, along with many others, shows the great tension found in church leadership. Elders in the church are to be people of character, maturity, compassion and courage having a responsibility before God for the spiritual condition of the church. But ultimately church leaders are like any other member of the church. They are people striving to serve as the body of Christ for the body of Christ. Far from being supermen they are simply stewards who have a responsibility to care for the church. A true leader is to be a disciple of Christ and is to follow his example to serve and sacrifice for others.
