Alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States behind number two, tobacco, and number one, poor diet combined with physical inactivity. How should Christians respond to this situation? Temperance has been and will continue to be a topic of debate, but the ministry of the church is to teach people to be... Continue Reading

The next decade is going to be a challenging time, as we face continued cultural pressure, and as the cadre of Gen-X leaders approach retirement and will need replacing. We need to learn the lessons of mistakes made in the past, but also to continue to sustain and develop our strengths.    I enjoyed listening... Continue Reading

While the debate about whether to baptize infants or not has raged for five centuries, we can and should seek unity as brothers and sisters in Christ.  Baptism actually unites us by identifying us as part of the visible people of God, so let the world see our unity rather than division as we approach... Continue Reading

In an increasingly relativistic culture, it is imperative that we remain committed to God’s truth. It is an indispensable asset and a precious commodity—one that transforms our minds, increases our wisdom, affects our speech, guides our steps, anchors our emotions, equips our ministry, and informs our worship.   Speaking the Truth in Love Among the... Continue Reading

As Proverbs says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” We all need a good word. We all need the hope of Christ. It is suffering that binds us together in that need.    When I think about what has made my faith stronger, my first thought... Continue Reading

The notion that Jesus did not judge people for their sins is historically absurd. What he did do that the Pharisees didn’t was to communicate that God has a generous offer of forgiveness and empowerment for those who repent and believe.   There is no “good news” in the “He Gets Us” Superbowl commercial. Indeed,... Continue Reading

God’s promises are often associated with life or death and conditioned on whether his covenant partner obeys….Representing Abraham and Israel, Jesus actively obeyed and secured Old Testament promises for all who are in him.    Four Ways Jesus Makes Every Promise “Yes” When Jesus fulfills the Old Testament Law and Prophets, he is actualizing what... Continue Reading

I hope the people who supposedly had a powerful encounter with God at Asbury aren’t chasing after signs and wonders (Matthew 12:39). I hope they’re not chasing for a new high. Though the churches near Asbury haven’t been impacted by the “revival,” I hope somewhere, at a church, they’re listening to ordinary preaching that produces... Continue Reading

Once allowances have been made for terminally ill children, the question will inevitably be asked, “What about physically suffering children who aren’t terminally ill?”…This is how the culture of death works its slow poison. This is how voices of death are elevated as kind and compassionate, while voices of life are drowned out as inhumane,... Continue Reading

The apostle Peter found victory over his fear and insecurity in God’s grace. He learned to trust the Lord on the journey of being like Jesus, consecrating himself to God. Is there a closet, a door in your heart that has been closed to God, locked, an area of your life, a fear, that you... Continue Reading