Episodes
We do not call for help if we don't perceive a problem. An undetected brake problem or cancer growing secretly, and we do not go to the mechanic or doctor. Ps. 32 may be hard to hear, but it informs us of a problem we already have. We are born into sin. When we recognize our need and confess it to God, only then can we rejoice and be glad. With God there is forgiveness!Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might think that "Help!" would suffice. In this 5-message series, Dr. John walks through Psalms 28-32 to teach us how to pray when assailed by trouble. A ca...
Psalm 31 has the unique distinction of being quoted by both Jonah and Jesus - from the belly of a fish and the cross. It is a Psalm declaring that God is our refuge. There is no question about the quality of God's shelter. It is only a question of whether we will trust Him. Can we say today like David, "I trust in You O Lord, my times are in your hands?"Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might think that "Help!" would suffice. In this 5-message series, Dr. John walks through Psalms 28-32 to teach us how to pray when assailed by trouble. A call for help is a...
Rather than denying trouble, the Psalms readily admit that difficulty and danger will come. The Psalms do not overlook the pain and stain of our sins. But there is hope. Dr. John points to Psalm 30 as a song of transformation. Our tears are changed into joy. Our losses become advances. Our sins are forgiven. God is the Redeemer of life! A good reason to break into dance!Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might think that "Help!" would suffice. In this 5-message series, Dr. John walks through Psalms 28-32 to teach us how to pray when assailed by trouble. A c...
Worship may seem out of place during a crisis. When things are falling apart, this is the time for solutions and actions. But Psalm 29 demonstrates the centrality of worship - especially when things are hard. Ascribing glory to God in troubled times keeps us focused aright and plants hope against our fears and worries. Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might think that "Help!" would suffice. In this 5-message series, Dr. John walks through Psalms 28-32 to teach us how to pray when assailed by trouble. A call for help is a start, but there is so much more.
Before you call for help, it's vital to know who you are calling to. Calling a plumber to fix your taxes may not help much. In Psalm 28, David calls to God who is the Rock of his life. David calls to the Lord who is filled with mercy, compassion, power and justice. God is David's refuge - even as He is yours.Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might think that "Help!" would suffice. In this 5-message series, Dr. John walks through Psalms 28-32 to teach us how to pray when assailed by trouble. A call for help is a start, but there is so much more.
Enemies, threats and fears have this in common. When you stare at them, they get bigger. Psalm 27 is a call to shift our focus from what might shake us, to the unshakable presence of God. We are to seek His face and find shelter and courage. More so, we find that we are loved. Psalms of Intimacy With God: A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection and provision. The most vital relationships of life are meant to be intimate connections of heart. So too with our relationship with God. In this 5-message series, Dr. John points to the Psalms as bot...
To be vindicated is to be found innocent of accusations. In a deceitful world, unfounded claims and slander can be found. In Psalm 26, David prays for vindication from his enemies. He does not trust in his own perfection but in the eternal justice and righteousness of God. Psalms of Intimacy With God: A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection and provision. The most vital relationships of life are meant to be intimate connections of heart. So too with our relationship with God. In this 5-message series, Dr. John points to the Psalms as both in...
Times of sunshine and times of storm can direct us to the presence of God. Both have the power to create a sense of gratitude and reliance upon God. In Psalm 25 David lifts his soul to God in a context of trouble. He discovers not only the deliverance, but the steadfast love of our Lord. Psalms of Intimacy With God: A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection and provision. The most vital relationships of life are meant to be intimate connections of heart. So too with our relationship with God. In this 5-message series, Dr. John points to the P...
An infinite God cannot be reduced to a single description. The Scriptures use various images and titles to portray His grandeur. The title of "King" meant much to ancient ears, but we may struggle with the term today. Listen as Dr. John points to the majesty of our Lord and the grace He extends to welcome us into His court. Psalms of Intimacy With God: A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection and provision. The most vital relationships of life are meant to be intimate connections of heart. So too with our relationship with God. In this 5-mess...
What is familiar can be taken for granted. Psalm 23 is the most well-known of the Psalms. Many can recite it, but many also can miss the nature of the relationship David describes with his Lord. Listen as Dr. John walks us through familiar ground to a deeper appreciation of God's grace to us all.Psalms of Intimacy With God: A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection and provision. The most vital relationships of life are meant to be intimate connections of heart. So too with our relationship with God. In this 5-message series, Dr. John points t...
Since you listen to the news and participate in our society, you know that the Christian compass and moral fabric of our day are being abandoned. Truth has become flexible resulting in a famine of trust. What are we to do? Dr. John points to Psalm 12 as encouragement and hope. God, who is righteous, will preserve His righteous people. God, who is just, will judge between the right and wrong. The world cannot spin out of His grip. Believe that today.Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters ...
An athlete is surrounded by those who watch from the bleachers. What if they booed instead of cheered? Will the athlete listen to their jeering and give up? Dr. John points to Psalm 11 as our needed encouragement when surrounded by those who hope and work for our failure. Despite the many voices which mock, there is One Voice to hear. He rules. He sees all. He promises justice. In God we take refuge.Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the...
Crime shows portray wickedness through deeds of destruction and cruelty. But evil has many faces. Today Dr. John points to Psalm 10 which speaks of wickedness as arrogance, independence, rebellion and oppression. Wickedness preys on the helpless, assured that God does not see. But the King of Heaven sees all and is our assurance of help to the helpless and justice to the wicked. Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in t...
Victories are a cause for celebration! A graduation, job promotion or becoming cancer free - all reasons for joy. Dr. John points to the celebration of King David in Psalm 9 as a template for our successes. David sees God as the Victor and recognizes that there are more battles to come. Gratitude erases pride and confident hope paints the future. Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a celebr...
Where on earth do you see the glory of God? You could point to the stars in a clear night, to the flash and rumble of a storm or to the heights of snowy mountains and the lush of a flowing river. But in Psalm 8, David points to the mirror. The glory and majesty of God is reflected in all humanity and perfected in Jesus Christ. Today, marvel at that.Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a cele...
Trouble comes from different places. There are the troubles we bring upon ourselves or the troubles sent from God for our discipline. But Jesus promised us that we would face troubles from the world. Dr. John points to Psalm 7 as a reflection of Jesus' promise. God has overcome the world. Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a celebration of the promise of the ultimate victor of the Messiah,...
Being disciplined is never pleasant; yet it is a necessary part of the parent/child relationship. It is also a necessary part of being a child of God. In Psalm 6, David prays under the heavy hand of God. Dr. John reminds us that David prays as a child confident in the love and mercy of the Father. Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a celebration of the promise of the ultimate victor of the...
What assurance do we have that God hears our prayers? In Psalm 5, David asks God to hear his groaning and cries. The king was confident that God listens to the repentant, humble heart, which relies upon God's steadfast love. David was not disappointed. Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a celebration of the promise of the ultimate victor of the Messiah, Psalms of triumph, security, joy, co...
There are nights when sleep escapes you. Your mind races and your body finds no rest. The events of the day have ruined your night. Listen as Dr. John speaks of Psalm 4 and the secret to a peaceful night. The defence and nearness of God allows us to be at rest.Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a celebration of the promise of the ultimate victor of the Messiah, Psalms of triumph, security,...
There are days that you dread. You may be facing difficult choices, hard circumstances or pressure from people around you. How will you get through the day? Psalm 3 is a morning prayer of King David facing extreme difficulties. Dr. John reminds us that regardless of what we face, beginning the day with God as our refuge offers us hope. Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a celebration of th...
Will there be singing in heaven? Of course! And it will be the best song! It will be a new song, a song from an angelic choir and echoed by the voices of creation. It will be the lyric of history - "The Lamb has triumphed!" It is the song of the Redeemed which we can begin to sing even now. The Triumph of the Lamb: Vol 1: It's natural to want to know the future. But if curiosity is all that draws us to the Book of Revelation, we are setting our sights too low. This book is an unveiling of Jesus Christ. It is a portrait of who Jesus is, but also what Jesus wants to say to His Church in ever...
We think of heaven as being free from pain. Our tears are wiped away and there is no more suffering. But in all this bliss, there remains an eternal reminder of death. Jesus, described as the Lion of Judah, is seen as a slaughtered Lamb standing before God's throne. The sacrifice of Jesus will be an everlasting memory and a cause for unceasing praise. The Triumph of the Lamb: Vol 1: It's natural to want to know the future. But if curiosity is all that draws us to the Book of Revelation, we are setting our sights too low. This book is an unveiling of Jesus Christ. It is a portrait of who Jes...
It is human to seek meaning. In the events and incidents of our lives, we ask, "Why?" We instinctively think of life as having direction and purpose. When John saw the scroll of history remaining closed, he wept loudly. Surely there should be someone who can open the scroll and give us hope! There is. Jesus alone is worthy by His life, death and victorious resurrection. Jesus will bring history to the Father's appointed end.The Triumph of the Lamb: Vol 1: It's natural to want to know the future. But if curiosity is all that draws us to the Book of Revelation, we are setting our sights too l...
The Book of Revelation is fundamentally a book of worship. While it points forward to the victorious purposes of God, it points upwards to the exalted position of God and the response of heaven to Him. In chapter four, we witness strange and wonderful creatures proclaiming: God is worthy, God is holy, God is timeless, God is the source and end of all things. Worship is the language of heaven and earth.The Triumph of the Lamb: Vol 1: It's natural to want to know the future. But if curiosity is all that draws us to the Book of Revelation, we are setting our sights too low. This book is an unv...
If we refer to someone as being downcast, it speaks of their mood and perspective. In a spirit of discouragement, their eyes are focused on what is around them. John wrote to seven churches of what was around them - some of it hopeful, some of it challenging. But now in Revelation 4 and 5, John writes of what is above. Colours and sounds. Angels and Elders. The Throne of God and His glory. There is wonder and power in the plans of God. Just look up.The Triumph of the Lamb: Vol 1: It's natural to want to know the future. But if curiosity is all that draws us to the Book of Revelation, we are...
Every church faces the danger of "institutionalization." It's a long word to describe a church that begins to function simply to exist for their own ends. Keeping the doors open matters more than the calling and purposes of God. Laodicea was deluded into thinking that their status and actions made them rich. God saw them as useless for His Kingdom. Their pretence could only be broken by repentance. Jesus is knocking at the door. The Triumph of the Lamb: Vol 1: It's natural to want to know the future. But if curiosity is all that draws us to the Book of Revelation, we are setting our sights ...
We think of a "door of opportunity" as something that swings open for our response, but be quick! The door may close. Jesus has a different message for the church of Philadelphia. Jesus opens a door that no one can shut. God had placed before the congregation a calling that, while it held challenges, they can trust their Lord as they walk through this open door. The Triumph of the Lamb: Vol 1: It's natural to want to know the future. But if curiosity is all that draws us to the Book of Revelation, we are setting our sights too low. This book is an unveiling of Jesus Christ. It is a portrait...
In these letters to the seven churches, Jesus usually has something positive to say, except for Sardis. To this congregation, Jesus offers no commendation. Jesus does not name any specific sin but declares them to be dead. What made them "lifeless?" Listen as Dr. John explains what was missing. The Triumph of the Lamb: Vol 1: It's natural to want to know the future. But if curiosity is all that draws us to the Book of Revelation, we are setting our sights too low. This book is an unveiling of Jesus Christ. It is a portrait of who Jesus is, but also what Jesus wants to say to His Church in e...
We can be complicit in sin, not because we commit it, but because we tolerate it. Jesus speaks to the church in Thyatira in which a woman who claims to speak for God advocates for immoral truth and practices. While Jesus notes the things that are commendable within the congregation, their passivity about this false prophet was not. We are reminded that within the church, tolerance of false teaching and practice holds the whole accountable for the few. The Triumph of the Lamb: Vol 1: It's natural to want to know the future. But if curiosity is all that draws us to the Book of Revelation, we...
Our society is saturated with sexual themes and expressions. The commands of God are ignored, and immoral practices are flaunted. None of this is new. John writes the words of Jesus to His church in Pergamum, a congregation surrounded by sexual immorality. Today Dr. John explains the context of these believers and highlights the commands of Jesus for them. What are we to do today in our society? The commands of Jesus still ring true. The Triumph of the Lamb: Vol 1: It's natural to want to know the future. But if curiosity is all that draws us to the Book of Revelation, we are setting our s...