Perhaps one of the most remarkable (and often overlooked) examples of apostasy is Saruman in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. I’ve been re-reading the books lately in my coronavirus quarantine, and I was struck anew by the role he plays in the overall story.   There’s been a lot of chatter the last couple years... Continue Reading

Our future is not really about us leaving the earth. It’s about heaven reuniting with earth and God living here, healing and restoring everything that’s broken, and bringing life and healing to the world.   We began a series on the storyline of the Bible way back on March 1, which was in a different... Continue Reading

The members of the pastor’s family are in one sense not ordinary church members because of their unique familial relationship to the pastor. Yet, when it comes to the church’s expectations of them, they should be treated as ordinary members.   Pastoral ministry today is especially challenging. The most recent figures show that 50 percent... Continue Reading

As Christians, we are to trust the Word, because behind it is the character of a holy, just, omnipotent, and omnipresent God. The Word of God will never change, but the hearts of men change as they respond rightly it.   The sufficiency of Scripture is a crucial tenet of the Christian faith. By Scripture,... Continue Reading

Despite the fact that we are involved in a battle against enemies who seem, at times, immune to our attacks and unlimited in their resources, the glorious truth is this: the victory has already been won—on a cross outside of Jerusalem 2000 years ago.   The longer I am a Christian, the more I realize... Continue Reading

If we find deficiencies in our practical holiness, we have to ask ourselves, “What am I loving?” because I am growing to resemble something that is not God. Therefore, we are to love God more. So then the next question presents itself: how do I increase my affections for God? This is nearing the heart... Continue Reading

I haven’t been in ministry long, but I’ve already seen many cases in which people with great talent fall due to lack of character. On the other hand, I’ve seen many godly people overlooked in spite of their faithfulness and godly character simply because they weren’t as talented as others.   My son walks around... Continue Reading

The phrase “health and wealth gospel” captures the two sides of this phenomenon. It’s this latter promise that has been exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Prosperity gospel preachers all over the world claim that Christianity, when well understood and applied, is meant to give you a long life of health and a lot of... Continue Reading

There is nothing wrong with debating those who express doubts. However, it is a complete waste of time to continue to cast pearls before swine. Who is this? These are those in unbelief. We must give them the truth, the Gospel, but when they reject it, it is time to move on. Did our Lord... Continue Reading

Crawl out of your dark, dank, musty cave of sin, and let the Sun of righteousness disinfect you, warm your soul, clean your mind, mature your conduct. The cure isn’t behavior modification, it’s the fruit of a relationship with the Light of the World that drives out the darkness.   When I was a young... Continue Reading