A Prayer about Knowing and Doing Father of my life, Shepherd of my soul, you have made me, and you know the purposes you have for me in this troubled life. Raise me above the troubles and struggles, so that I may see the purpose you have for me. I won't pretend that it is … Continue reading Prayer Notes #10 — Knowing and Doing
Tag: Gary Chorpenning
Bible Notes #3–Exodus 13:17-18
"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, 'Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.' But God led the people around by way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. … Continue reading Bible Notes #3–Exodus 13:17-18
Bible Notes #2 — Ecclesiates 7:21-22
"Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servants cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself cursed other." Ecclesiates 7:21-22 [ESV] Have a thick skin! Don't take personally everything people say. Don't be quick to take offense. If we are slow to take offense, … Continue reading Bible Notes #2 — Ecclesiates 7:21-22
Bible Notes #1– Jeremiah 8:6-7
This passage contains an interesting and powerful contrast. Sinful human action is like a war horse, charging into battle. What is such a charge like? It is determined and direct. It is forceful, intent on driving through every obstacle. It is directed by a distinct purpose, the fulfillment of the rider's own intention. It is … Continue reading Bible Notes #1– Jeremiah 8:6-7
Backyard Notes #4
He (or she) seems quite at ease and dignified in the photographs of him strutting across our front lawn. I have only the pictures to go by. I was at work during his visit. My son took the pictures. That our imperious visitor was a Cooper's hawk was plain almost immediately. What made his visit … Continue reading Backyard Notes #4
Pastor Notes #18
Vision means being able to see. We have natural vision – eyesight – that enables us to see the physical, material world around us. God also grants his people spiritual vision which enables us to see spiritual realities as God moves in the world. The writer of Hebrews tell us that spiritual vision is an … Continue reading Pastor Notes #18
Prayer Notes #9–Wanting What You Want, Lord, Then Doing What I Want
Savior, thank you for your unfailing presence with me. Thank you for reminding me that everything I do is filled with meaning in you. You know that I struggle against and resist so much of what you lay before me to do, because I don't "feel like" doing it. So very much of my meaning … Continue reading Prayer Notes #9–Wanting What You Want, Lord, Then Doing What I Want
Pastor Note #17–Sexual Discipleship
“When Christ calls a man [a person], he bids him come and die.” That is a powerful statement made by a man who died because of his faith in Jesus Christ and Christ’s calling on his life. His name was Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was a German pastor and theologian, and he was hanged by the … Continue reading Pastor Note #17–Sexual Discipleship
Pastor Note #16 — “Sex With a Purpose”
What is sex? And what is it for? And is your answer any of my business anyway? For all our modern western society’s fixation on sexuality, I don’t see any evidence that we are any less confused about it than our great grandparents. So many books are being published on how to deal with … Continue reading Pastor Note #16 — “Sex With a Purpose”
Pastor Notes #15 — A Theology of Sex
A Theology of Sex Rev. Gary A. Chorpenning We live in an age of sexual confusion. I suspect it might be possible to make the argument that human beings have lived in sexual confusion ever since the Fall in to sin described in Genesis 3. Forty-one years ago the Presbyterian church produced “The Confession of … Continue reading Pastor Notes #15 — A Theology of Sex
Gary Chorpenning's Notebooks 