Our church has been going through the book of Ephesians. We’re at the part where the Apostle Paul gives final instructions (more like marching orders) to his readers: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the full armour of God, that you may be able to stand …
Category Archives: Trials
Two truths to hang on to when your pastor leaves
A few weeks back, I was asked to preach Acts 18 as part of Howick and Papakura Baptist’s teaching series through Luke’s account of the early church. The preaching commitments had been organised months beforehand. But in God’s providence, I preached Acts 18 at Papakura Baptist the week after it was announced that their Pastor, …
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Please pray for our church
In God’s providence, this year has turned out to be a real rollercoaster for our home church (Howick Baptist). In March, our Associate Pastor Joe Fleener announced that after seeking much counsel and prayer, he had accepted a call to plant a church in Rolleston. I had the privilege of serving alongside him to help organise …
Haste thee on from grace to glory
Artwork by Cheryl Chong. Lyrics from the hymn Jesus I My Cross Have Taken (the Indelible Grace version is our favourite). We gave a print of this to the Fleener family as a goodbye present. I (William) think it’s a hymn lyric that captures the hope of eternity that helps us to press on in …
What does sin have to do with my four dead girls?
Tim Keller shares a practical example of gazing at Jesus Christ for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding: “Horatio Spafford was the best divorce lawyer in Johnson County who lost everything he had in the Chicago fire of 1871. Only two years later, he sent his wife, Anna, and their four daughters on …
Continue reading “What does sin have to do with my four dead girls?”