Midweek Reflection

This is a series based on the book Praying the Bible published by Crossway Press and authored by Donald S. Whitney. Today's session focuses on the difference between interpreting Scripture and praying Scripture, how to pray the imprecatory psalms (if at all), and the way a set apart prayer time shapes and informs the prayers we offer "on the go."

The exercise suggested at the end of the episode is:

In this reflection, based on Isaiah 40:10-11, Andrew addresses the notion that for God to be all good He cannot be all-powerful ("omnipotent"), pointing to the Incarnation of Christ as God's climactic display of power and benevolence. 

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://awb1216.wordpress.com/2022/09/14/a-different-kind-of-omnipotence-isaiah-4010-11/

This is a series based on the book Praying the Bible published by Crossway Press and authored by Donald S. Whitney.

If you are local to Newton-Conover, NC and would like a copy of the book, we have limited copies available for free here at the church. If you would like to purchase the book you may do so here:  https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Bible-Donald-S-Whitney/dp/1433547848

The exercise suggested at the end of the episode is:

In this reflection, based on Isaiah 35:1-4, Andrew considers how the Incarnation of Christ signals God's entry into the details of our lives so that He can create new life from within!

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://awb1216.wordpress.com/2022/09/07/gods-attention-to-detail-isaiah-351-4/

How does God's promise to ease Israel's burden and lighten their yoke find fulfillment in Christ? How is that offer available to us as well?

In this reflection, "Answering the Summons," Andrew considers the way Christ offers release and rest from burdens, physical or otherwise, to those who answer His gracious summons, "Come to Me."

What is God's reaction to the "gifts" we offer at the expense of intimacy with Him? How is the hatred God expresses in Isaiah 1 a product of God's love? 

In this reflection, "Casting Our 'Gifts' in the Garbage," Andrew likens God to a person who longs for their spouse to stop doing so much for them and instead be more intimate with them. He observes how, in Isaiah 1, God does do the unusual in expressing His hatred of the worship He had given Israel to practice, but that is only because God does not want our gifts. God wants us.

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://awb1216.wordpress.com/2022/08/17/casting-our-gifts-in-the-garbage-isaiah-110-18/

Is the judgment of Christ to be feared? Only by those who harshly accuse others.

In this reflection, Andrew builds upon a previous sermon preached on John 7:53-8:11, describing how God, in the "lifting up" of Jesus Christ, pronounces not just life for those who are drawn to Jesus, but condemnation against the deceitful voices that keep us from Him.

If you would like to watch the sermon based on John 7:53-8:11, you may do so by following this link: https://youtu.be/2JOGbVqZJUE

Enjoy!

What does it mean to be pitied by Christ? How is Jesus' pity the driving force behind the love He shows for us?

In this reflection, "The Pity of Christ," Andrew considers how God, in Christ, responds to our need in pity, and how, when appreciated for what it is (and not how our culture perceives it), the pity of Christ is a liberating phenomenon.

God seeks us out. How can Lent be a season of embracing that reality?

In this devotional, based on Ezekiel 34:11-12, Andrew considers God's promise to seek his people as a shepherd searches for his sheep, and reflects on how Jesus, the good shepherd, satisfies this promise even unto death.

What does King David pray for in a time of crisis? What is the role of memory in bringing God closer?

In this devotional, Andrew reflects on Psalm 63:1-8, considering how, during Lent, the physical and spiritual unite in prayer, and how, during the Lord's Supper, God satisfies our souls with a physical and spiritual meal.