Biblically Based, Christ Centered, Caring Community in Annapolis, MD
In the annals of human history, few moments are as pivotal as the institution of the New Covenant. This profound spiritual shift, centered on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, marks a radical transformation in how humanity relates to God. As we delve into this topic, we’ll explore the rich symbolism, […]
As we approach the table of communion, we often partake in a ritual that has become familiar. But have we ever paused to consider the rich tapestry of meaning woven into this sacred act? Today, let’s embark on a journey that takes us from the dusty streets of ancient Egypt […]
In the bustling streets of Jerusalem, as the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread approached, a sinister plot was unfolding. Religious leaders, those entrusted with spiritual guidance, were conspiring to arrest and kill Jesus. Meanwhile, in the quiet town of Bethany, an act of profound devotion was about to take […]
As we embark on a new year, many of us find ourselves caught up in the flurry of predictions and resolutions. Experts and analysts across various fields confidently forecast what the coming months will bring, despite their track record of being consistently wrong. Even in Christian circles, there’s often a […]
Life often presents us with challenges that test our faith and resolve. In the face of adversity, it’s natural to feel discouraged or overwhelmed. However, what if we could find joy in these difficult moments? This seemingly paradoxical idea is at the heart of a profound spiritual truth: trials can […]
In the tapestry of biblical narratives, few threads shine as brightly as Zechariah’s song of praise, known as the Benedictus. This profound outpouring of joy and prophecy offers us a window into the heart of God’s redemptive plan and invites us to ponder the depths of His tender mercy. Imagine […]
In the midst of life’s chaos and uncertainty, we often find ourselves searching for a way to express our deepest emotions and experiences. Perhaps there’s no better example of this than Mary’s song of praise, known as the Magnificat, found in Luke 1:46-55. This powerful hymn of worship not only […]
As we enter the Advent season, our hearts turn to the miraculous story of Christ’s birth. While we’re familiar with traditional carols and modern holiday tunes, there’s a set of songs often overlooked – the very first songs of Christmas, recorded in Luke’s gospel. These songs, sung by those who […]
In the realm of faith, there are certain fundamental truths that we must revisit time and time again. Just as professional athletes practice basic skills daily, believers need to regularly remind themselves of core spiritual principles. One such essential concept is justification – a cornerstone of Christian theology that profoundly […]
Deep within the human heart lies a longing for a good and noble king – one who embodies truth, beauty, and goodness. We see glimpses of this ideal in beloved stories like The Lord of the Rings, the legends of King Arthur, and C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. These tales […]
In the realm of faith, there are certain fundamental truths that we must revisit time and time again. Just as professional athletes practice basic skills daily, believers need to regularly remind themselves of core spiritual principles. One such essential concept is justification – a cornerstone of Christian theology that profoundly […]
In a world increasingly polarized by politics and cultural divisions, how should followers of Christ navigate their dual identities as citizens of both earthly nations and the kingdom of God? This question is not new – it has challenged believers for millennia. Yet in our current climate of heightened tensions and tribal loyalties, it’s more crucial than ever to reexamine our primary allegiance and how it shapes our interactions with the world around us.
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at crossroads where we must choose between pursuing worldly success and embracing a higher calling. The story of Simon Peter’s encounter with Jesus by the Sea of Galilee offers a powerful illustration of this pivotal moment.
In a world often dominated by fear, uncertainty, and division, there’s a powerful message of hope that transcends all boundaries – the good news of Jesus Christ, the exalted Son of Man. This truth, rooted in ancient prophecies and fulfilled in ways beyond human imagination, offers a perspective that can transform our outlook on life and the world around us.
In the bustling streets of ancient Jerusalem, a group of disciples marveled at the magnificent temple before them. Its massive stones and ornate architecture were a testament to human craftsmanship and religious devotion. Little did they know that their admiration would spark a profound teaching about the nature of God’s […]
For decades, Christians have pored over the words of Mark 13, Matthew 24, and Luke 21, searching for signs of the end times. Books have been written, movies produced, and countless theories proposed about how these passages foretell future events. But what if we’ve been reading them all wrong?
As we have traveled through Mark’s Gospel, I have mentioned a number of times of the importance of reading each Gospel individually but also reading them together. Recently, a friend shared the graphic below with me, and I thought it gave a good snapshot of why this is so important.
On Sunday we looked at Mark 11:1-11, which is Mark’s account of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. This event began the final week of Jesus’ life, which we often call Holy Week. In After Hours for this week, I noted that this week is given huge emphasis in each of the four Gospels:
Last week I looked at Question 73 in our catechism – how the sacraments work. But there is one final question – what are the sacraments given to the Church? How do we know?. That is the focus of this question.
Last week I looked at Question 72 in our catechism – what is a sacrament. This week I want to use Questions 73 to look at how the sacraments work. What happens when we receive a sacrament? How exactly do we receive from God via the sacraments? That is the focus of this question.
Last week I looked at the importance of the local church from Question 71 in our catechism. Over the next three weeks I want to use Questions 72, 73, and 74 to look at sacraments. This is important because sacraments lie at the heart of worship. We believe that worship, discipleship, and the life of the individual believer and the Church are centered and built upon Word and sacrament. Most people have some understanding of the Word, but less on the idea of the sacrament. So hopefully these posts will help us understand this essential topic.
Recently we had several people introduced as new members of BRCC. This is such a time of joy for them and the whole church! I taught a bit about the importance of the local church that Sunday, but I thought it would be good to dive more in-depth in this post. To do this, I am simply copying Question 71 from our catechism. I hope this helps us understand this foundational doctrine.
On Sunday we had three young people baptized, beginning their life as disciples of Christ! This is such a time of joy for them, their families, and the whole church! I taught a bit about water baptism on Sunday, but I thought it would be good to dive more in-depth in this post. To do this, I am simply copying Question 75 from our catechism. I hope this helps us understand this foundational doctrine.
This week’s post is a recent post on The Gospel Coalition website. It is a good, brief article on why we can have faith in Jesus and His resurrection, and how that faith is based on evidence. You can access the original article here. I also dealt with this topic in this week’s After Hours video.
In this series of articles I am sharing parts of an article written by Trevin Wax on the Gospel Coalition website. In that article he gives a brief introduction to the various branches of the Christian Church. The original article can be accessed here. Presbyterianism Name: The word “Presbyterian” comes […]