Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Re:Presenting Christ



"Better"... that is the one word that sums up the book of Hebrews. Twenty-five times the cluster of words, 'greater', 'better', 'more' appear in Hebrews' 14 chapters. The book, which really functions and reads more as a sermonic letter, reveals how much greater Christ is than... well than everything! The Supremacy of Christ is a powerful biblical truth that Christ reigns over all. This doctrine is a deep and crucial one that every follower of Jesus must understand and be convinced of. It has practical implications for our lives. Understanding that Christ is above and over all impacts our worship, our understanding of suffering, our understanding of the cross, our decision making, even our understanding of the history of the world. Just to name a few.

This letter was originally written within the first few decades after the resurrection of Jesus. The writer of Hebrews provides encouragement to a weak, scared, confused and intensely persecuted church by pointing them to the truth of Christ's Supremacy. He heads off their fear fed temptations to turn away from Christ, back to false religion by reminding them of the greatness of the One that saved them.

So, if you are a Christian who is questioning your faith; or if you're not a Christian and wondering what's the big deal about Jesus; or if you're simply unfamiliar with the doctrine of the Supremacy of Christ then this preaching series will be of great benefit to you. The series, RE:PRESENTING CHRIST, continues each Sunday from February 20 through Easter (April 24).

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

One Outstanding Student Loan

With our 16th Anniversary just days away I thought I'd re-post this in her honor. This was written to my wife Kristy upon OUR graduation from Asbury, 13 years ago.

From May 22, 1998
At times I am overwhelmed with gratefulness for the wonderful person I have married. This time in my life, when the sentiments are running high, I can’t help but express in words how much you mean to me. These past three years of our marriage have been nurtured in a place we have both grown to love. We have had celebrations –September 20th, and we’ve had disappointments- like when the couch wouldn’t fit! But through it all we have maintained our sense of humor and been willing to adapt to each situation.

As I prepare to walk the stage this Sunday I want you to know that you will walk with me. You, probably more than me, earned this degree. You deserve to be celebrated. It takes an extraordinary person to delay his or her own plans and dreams for someone else’s, like you have for me.

So as we look at paying back the monetary loans, let me assure you that I realize that there is yet one other outstanding debt to be paid. I hope that this down-payment of gratitude is a good start to my lifelong payment plan: a plan that includes honoring you, serving you, and never forgetting the hard work you have done to make this graduation from Asbury so meaningful.


I LOVE YOU,
Terry
May 22, 1998