Death Does Not Have the Last Word
Far from falling asleep, we are awakened to glory in all of its significance.
When we close our eyes in death, we do not cease to be alive; rather, we experience a continuation of personal consciousness. No person is more conscious, more aware, and more alert than when he passes through the veil from this world into the next. The guns of secular naturalism, when aimed at the... Continue Reading
Vending Machine Jesus
The Bleeding Woman’s Theology
This little story makes a wreck of my theological assumptions. Now, don’t get me wrong. They aren’t entirely wrong. Jesus’ having sought her out is significant. It shows us that He’s more concerned with relationship than a transactional healing. He’s not a distant and detached Savior. As James Edwards as said, “Discipleship is not simply getting our... Continue Reading
Our Microwave Culture
Losing heart when things happen too slow.
Sometimes seeking the Lord and fighting the good fight takes time. We are commanded to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord” (2 Peter 3:18), not spontaneously transform. Jesus tells parables to teach us to “pray always and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Paul instructs us to keep sowing that good seed and not... Continue Reading
The House of Eli and Our Modern Hubris
Those who honour Yahweh are themselves honoured, but those who despise Him will be lightly esteemed.
The great need of our day is thus to heed the wisdom of the psalmist; to kiss the Son lest he be angry, and we perish in the way (Ps. 2:12). We should remember that reality is structured so as to one day give all glory to Christ as Lord (Phil. 2:10-11). Seas and rivers,... Continue Reading
Gospel Truths We Can Count On
We need to get back to basics here.
As always the Christian life is one of balance, while holding onto various core truths and realities. We can boldly and with conviction proclaim the gospel of Christ. But at the same time we must always stay on our knees and seek to stay humble and broken before our Lord. That is the right sort of biblical combination... Continue Reading
A Counseling Commentary on James: Patience – Balancing Responsibility and Compassion Amid Suffering
James turns his attention to helping his friends avoid the regret that comes from post-suffering temptations.
James focuses on not grumbling or judging. In effect, he’s saying, “Don’t take your frustration out on your innocent companions. Yes, times are hard. But when we succumb to rudeness towards our co-sufferers, we multiply our hardship by isolation.” There is an important message in this emphasis: being the victim of oppression does not excuse... Continue Reading
“The God of All Grace” (1 Peter 5:1-14) – Words from Peter to the Pilgrim Church (Part Twelve)
Two different themes in the text – humbling ourselves before God, while at the same time learning to cast all of our cares upon him.
The very realization that God is in control of all things is the sole reason why we should cease from being anxious! How can you cast all your cares upon a God who stands impotent before human free will? But once we humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God who foreordains whatsoever comes to... Continue Reading
Christ Came to do the Will of the Father
Not one of the Father’s expectations went unfulfilled in Christ. When Christ said, “It is finished,” He meant it (John 19:30).
By His obedience to God’s will, even in the things that He suffered, He secured salvation for us. As our high priest, Christ teaches us that we have no other way of dealing with our moral failure and its penalty than to come to God and say, “Nothing in my hand I bring, / Simply... Continue Reading
Dear Pastor . . . You’re a Shepherd, Not an Entrepreneur
Pastoral precision to real people with real names doesn’t quell growth, but instead, it spurs it on.
Love for Christ that is devoted to feeding and tending our Master’s sheep–this was the final lesson for Jesus’s church planting class. Would that we would pay attention. Loving, feeding, and tending the vulnerable prize of Jesus’s passion. This is not the work of entrepreneurs, it is the work of pastors. Greetings to you... Continue Reading
Shepherding Children through Exposure to Pornography
Four negative effects of pornography and a conversation point for each.
While you should take steps to limit your children’s exposure to pornography, you also need to prepare them for it. Sadly, their exposure is inevitable. But I want to encourage you that teaching your children simple truths can springboard you into deeper and more difficult conversations about God’s design for sex and his desired protection... Continue Reading
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