We see a pattern in scripture and church history: when God raises up prophets, they meet fierce opposition from religious establishment and those devoted to the idols they critique; but true prophets stand firm and soon many begin to follow.   On the Perils of a Winsome Ministry Introduction Pastors have a very difficult job.... Continue Reading

While it’s true that talking and planning and strategizing and analyzing has much value, what is also important is for people to just take action. Or at least it’s true when it comes to jobs like foot-washing which offer no notoriety or adulation; jobs that comes with a willing acceptance of dishonor. But jobs that... Continue Reading

Many can testify that they find Christian fellowship a special means of grace. As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17). In fact, even the weakest may sharpen the strongest, just as the whetstone can sharpen the knife. He that tries to promote holiness in others shall reap... Continue Reading

The biblical Hall of Fame looks like a mistake. But it’s no mistake. God’s chosen Hall of Faith-ers reminds us that, unlike worldly fame, heavenly fame is all about the Creator, not the creature. And he receives great glory through even our faltering and finicky faith.   My sister is part of the Pima County... Continue Reading

Welcome to our Brave New World where Christianity is now a threatened species. And it will keep getting worse if we do not wake up real soon and start taking a stand.   Well, that did not take long. A brand new CEO has been forced out in record-breaking time. Not even 24 hours into... Continue Reading

Most us still imagine society as a community of reasonably intelligent, reasonably independent individuals capable of managing their own affairs. Many of those in our expert class profess the same; but down deep, in the secret crevices of their hearts, they have a hankering for the cattle-management model Aldous Huxley captured so vividly in Brave New... Continue Reading

In practice we don’t always hate the world (sinful rebellion) as our enemy.  In practice, we don’t always act as if God is our friend.  If we did, we would always want to do his will.     Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wishes to be... Continue Reading

We are called, as part of the abiding process, to submit to the pruning knife of God in the providences by which He cuts away all disloyalty and sometimes all that is unimportant, in order that we might remain in Christ all the more wholeheartedly.   The exhortation to “abide” has been frequently misunderstood, as... Continue Reading

If the church is to fulfill her calling to know and glorify God, we must return to sound theology, and this must begin with a proper understanding of who the triune God is in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ.    In its most basic sense, systematic theology, or dogmatics, is the orderly, comprehensive... Continue Reading

Scripture is about God and His glory, and we can trust its inerrant revelation about Him precisely because He is without error and has inspired the Scriptures.   The physical act of writing out letters and then physically sending them in the mail to others is part of a bygone era. These days, fingers strike... Continue Reading