The most critical thing I have witnessed is the spirit of fear coming upon believers. Yes, we are being tested and that is a good thing. Those of us who are grounded need to be there for those who not as well grounded. Those who are being tested by the spirit of fear need to... Continue Reading

We live in a culture that often promotes indifference, and many churches have subscribed to this indifference because, they argue, doctrine is difficult, doctrine isn’t attractional, and doctrine divides. It’s true—doctrine does divide true Christians from false Christians.   The proper study of doctrine is not easy. It takes time, a lot of hard work,... Continue Reading

We all struggle with various forms of anxiety. What does your anxiety look like? Is it mild worry? Or full-blown panic? Or something in between? Do your feelings of anxiousness come and go—or are they constant? No matter what your anxiety looks like, the Bible speaks truth and peace into our mind and heart. Scripture... Continue Reading

Often people pursue a greater understanding of the doctrine of providence when difficult times arise. That is why Flavel is a master on this subject. Not only did he face persecution throughout his ministry, but he lived through civil war in England, the bubonic plague, and the loss of three wives (the first who died... Continue Reading

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes this last point clear when he names looking after someone with lustful intent as the equivalent to adultery. Here, Jesus warns us against following certain desires. He tells us that desire can become sin.    We often define ourselves by what we desire most. Be yourself. Fulfill... Continue Reading

The fact that Scripture, particularly the Old Testament, reminds God’s people again and again that he controls all things, including life and death, is full of significance. Jesus’ resurrection is no blip on the biblical radar; rather, it provides a resounding climax to all salvation history, which impresses upon God’s people repeatedly that life is... Continue Reading

As bad as the COVID-19 virus is, there are other problems that sometimes come alongside this general pandemic. General uneasiness. Anxiety. Depression. Loneliness. Drug and alcohol abuse. Increased spouse and child abuse. Pornography. Suicide. How can you best protect your mind, emotions, and body?   In the midst of these severe mitigation efforts—now extended nationally... Continue Reading

The notion of “improving” time is seen throughout the writings of Jonathan Edwards. He gave a great deal of thought to it and chose to live wisely in light of his discoveries. Indeed, Jonathan Edwards sought to “live with all his might unto the Lord.”   Time is a precious commodity that must be treasured.... Continue Reading

For the foreseeable future, we are providing chapel services to the people of Grace Fellowship Church. They are simple and, in their own way, rather unsatisfying. Yet they seem to be what the Lord has for us at this time and in this circumstance. At least, they are the solution we have arrived at for... Continue Reading

One thing seems obvious: The levels of general panic indicate that few of us have been properly prepared for the reality of our own mortality. As a friend pointed out to me recently, when Jesus references the tower at Siloam and the murder of Jews by Pilate (Luke 13), he precludes a simplistic connection between... Continue Reading