I May Come to the Garden Alone, But Stay (in part) Because of Who’s There
It’s not social psychology or pneumatology. It’s both/and, a win win.
Our dependence (if that’s not too strong) on other believers need not be at odds with the work of the Spirit. After all, the Spirit is also behind providence, which are God’s most “holy, wise, and powerful, preserving and governing all his creatures and all their actions.” Is it okay for conservative Presbyterians to... Continue Reading
Take a Tip from Lt. Columbo
Learning to ask questions like Lt. Columba to advance discussions.
There are literally hundreds of fun ways to do this, and it offers tremendous advantages. For one, it’s interactive, inviting the other person to participate in dialogue. It’s a good tactic to use at work, too, because no “preaching” is involved. The Columbo tactic allows you to make good headway without actually stating your case. ... Continue Reading
Our Deepest Need
“Your sins are forgiven.”
Christ’s forgiveness is broad and general. It is not like the paralytic offended Jesus earlier in the day and now Jesus is forgiving him. Christ offers him something so much better by pronouncing upon him wholesale forgiveness for his sins. The account of the healing of the lame man in Mark 2:1–12 includes a... Continue Reading
Questions Regarding the Stated Reasons for the Revoice Conference
There is an inadequate engagement with the need for "renewal of the mind" as regards homosexual desires.
The adoption of terminology for self-identity that cannot be sanctified and inevitably brings in the whole “LGBTQ” baggage (“sexual minority,” “gay,” “transgender”). This terminology is normally associated with self-affirmation rather than sin and switches the obligation of the church from a call for repentance and restoration to a call for inclusion and diversity that celebrates... Continue Reading
When A Preacher is Not Feeling It
A pastor needs to step into the pulpit on fire with the Word of God.
The pastor needs to once again humble himself before the cross, see where Christ is proclaimed within the passages, and rejoice in the Word of God. The pastor needs to truly feel the passion of the truth he is about to speak. It needs to be internalized, drive him forward, and spill out over the... Continue Reading
12 Principles for Disagreeing with Other Christians
There are usually people on either side of you on any given issue and you yourself likely have a stronger conscience on some issues and a weaker conscience on others.
If we thought more about our own situation before the judgment throne of God, we would be less likely to pass judgment on fellow Christians. On that day we’ll be busy enough answering for our own life; we don’t need to spend our short life meddling in the lives of others. In these matters where... Continue Reading
Sharpen Your Axe!
Wisdom, rightly understood, is the acknowledgement of God’s existence and the willingness to cede to his authority.
The wise person is not the one who has accumulated lots of facts and can destroy everyone else at Jeopardy, but the one who has submitted himself to the will of God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” No wonder then that elsewhere Solomon says: “The beginning of wisdom is this:... Continue Reading
The Greatest Cure for Pastoral Burnout Is Christ Himself
“When you find a chilliness upon your souls and your former heat begins to abate, ply yourselves with warm clothes and get those good books that may acquaint you with such truths as may warm and affect your hearts.”
The writings of the Puritans have warmed and affected my heart over the years. Below, you’ll discover some Christ-centered excerpts from what George Whitefield called “good old puritanical writings.” I gladly share these quotes in hopes that weary and discouraged pastors may behold Christ Jesus in his beauty, be strengthened by the grace that is... Continue Reading
Five Reasons Your Volunteers Quit
Help make serving a blessing rather than a burden.
What happens when a volunteer quits? Before you see another volunteer walk out the door, ask the right questions. Here are the top five reasons volunteers are quitting, and what to do about it. Do you have a volunteer problem? Hopefully not. Many churches go through times when they just don’t have enough hands on... Continue Reading
The Most Dangerous Place to Live
The Subtle Perils of the Past
God does not mean for our hearts to live in yesterday. He gives us fresh mercies each day to enjoy (Lamentations 3:22–23). But passing these, we can travel back in our minds to relive that season’s happiness. Yesterday, hopes were high and life was worth living. Today proves too disappointing. So, with glazed eyes and... Continue Reading