The self-righteous spirit seeks to establish commerce with God, where a good done or a bad avoided moves God to accept us favorably. It is an old evil. It is asking God to boast in the works of sinful man. We never draw God’s favor by pointing to something within ourselves.   If I could... Continue Reading

What is a truly transformed life in Christ? It is not one that is produced via a man devised program. It is one that is the fruit of becoming a living sacrifice in which God develops the mind of Christ via his plan of mind renewal.   And do not be conformed to this world,... Continue Reading

Gazing itself isn’t necessarily wrong, as long as we evaluate the object of our gaze. When we see something we like—when we see something we love; something that resonates deep within us—we don’t just look, we fix it with our stare, observe and contemplate it.  This is the thing that, if jeopardized, we will defend... Continue Reading

“The Dallas GA has given this study committee a monumental task. This team will serve us well,” Donahoe said. “And the role and importance of the advisors cannot be overemphasized. We’re grateful for their willingness to participate, and for the wisdom, insight and experience they will bring.”   Howie Donahoe, moderator of the 47th General Assembly,... Continue Reading

Pastors were charged with rebellion, treason, and defamation of the Roman Catholic Church. They were sentenced to death, and told they could forego punishment by converting to Roman Catholicism. About two-thirds of them took this way of escape, even if only on paper, and fled to other countries.   One of the worst examples of... Continue Reading

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil inspires awe. What makes it special is the divine prohibition against its fruit: “Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat” (Genesis 2:16–17). Alone among the trees of the first orchard, it presents humans with an option: either they can... Continue Reading

Every time we see the rainbow it ought to remind us that this is the day of salvation, and to motivate us to urgency in evangelism. Our task is to urge men and women to be reconciled to God while there is still time, because we know that this era of grace will not last... Continue Reading

Too often, pastors evaluate success by applause, size, and immediate outward results. After all, these are the measures often thrust upon pastors by their congregants. There is a frequent accusation in a pastor’s conscience that preaching the gospel is not enough.   As I was busy rushing from one place to another, I noticed a... Continue Reading

The very reason we pray is because of God’s sovereignty, because we believe that God has it within His power to order things according to His purpose. That is what sovereignty is all about—ordering things according to God’s purpose. So then, does prayer change God’s mind? No. Does prayer change things? Yes, of course.  ... Continue Reading

Pastoral care and discipleship are time consuming and by all appearances, inefficient—so use that to your advantage.  Given all the other duties pastors are expected to fulfill, making them feel harried and overwhelmed is hardly difficult.   My Dear Twaddle-Tweeze: Good intentions!  I’ll never cease to remind you that the road to Perdition lined with... Continue Reading