July 31, 2020
Receiving with Hands Open
July 30, 2020
Revealed
After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 21:1–14). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. Emphasis added.
July 29, 2020
Review: Church Elders by Jeramie Rinne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brief, clear, insightful. Rinne lays out the Biblical role and responsibilities of elders, provides helpful tips, and encourages those men whom God has called to the role of shepherd to do precisely that: shepherd.
Useful for those who already are pastors/elders, and I look forward to using it as a training tool in equipping new elders.
View all my reviews
When Your Prayer Hits the Ceiling
If one turns away from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
July 28, 2020
Forget the Odds
Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few."
The Christian motto should not be "Let go and let God" but Trust God and get going.
July 26, 2020
Sermon Sunday
July 25, 2020
What John's Aiming For
What was the Apostle John aiming for when he wrote the gospel which bears his name? The apostle tells us in chapter 20, verse 31, that everything he has written was so that we might believe, and that by believing you may have life in his [Jesus’] name. Having considered the content of the belief (that the Messiah, the Son of God, is Jesus), we should ask what is the belief itself? What does it mean to believe in Jesus?
Reading through John’s gospel, one thing clear: he is not seeking a mere intellectual assent. Saying, oh yes, that’s what I think! is not the sort of belief he is driving for.
John 2:23-25, Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.
Jesus looks at the belief of those who have seen him do signs, and yet he doesn’t entrust himself to them. Implied in the text is that they are duplicitous, wishy-washy, and that this faith of theirs is short-lived. (cf., John 6:25-29)
The faith Jesus seeks (and thus for which John aims) isn’t a temporary faith, a faith based only on what it can see. It’s a faith that sees what God has done in the past, and subsequently trusts him for the present and the future. This sort of faith is summarized by trusting in Jesus, receiving him for all that he is, and following him. The New City Catechism, in answer to question 30, “What is faith in Jesus Christ?”, answers this way:
Faith in Jesus Christ is acknowledging the truth of everything that God has revealed in his Word, trusting in him, and also receiving and resting on him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the gospel.
This strikes the same note as John’s emphasis on abiding.
John 8:31-32, So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Conclusion
July 24, 2020
Are You Afraid to Die?
Why Was He Writing?
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
July 23, 2020
An Uncomfortable Quote
Imagine you've been driving a small car with a beat-up engine which struggles to go much over 30 mph. Then one day someone gives you a powerful new car with a large turbo-charged engine. A week later you shock them by saying, "I haven't really noticed much difference." But then they discover that you've never driven it over 30 mph. You've got this car that can accelerate to 70 mph in three seconds. But you don't notice the difference because you've never hit the accelerator. Some of us don't "feel" the power of the Spirit because we've never hit the accelerator. Don't make your life so safe that you never have cause to notice the Spirit's work.
July 22, 2020
Burning the Book
July 21, 2020
Acknowledge Him
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
July 19, 2020
Review: Enjoying God by Tim Chester

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of the most spiritually enriching books I have ever read.
View all my reviews
July 16, 2020
Spread Your Bread
July 15, 2020
Review: One Assembly by Jonathan Leeman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First two chapters are good, and I found them persuasive. Third chapter was better, and should be required reading for any church leader. The appendices were also helpful in substantial ways.
View all my reviews
About Me
- C.W. Dole
- Follower of Jesus. Husband of one. Father of four. Pastor at Remsen Bible Fellowship (remsenbible.com).
