“I’m not sure if James heard a noise about seven minutes into the film, but if he did, it was my hopes being dashed on the floor. You see, James was a hip and modern college dude who had seen far more of Hollywood’s latest offerings than I had. The Jesus film, meanwhile, is on... Continue Reading

In my time of pastoral ministry, I have talked with several hurting pastors who would resonate with the water heater statement. Many pastors work extra-long hours, are unable to “turn off” care for the church when not working, preach while on vacation (to afford the vacation), and have very few outlets for reducing the stresses... Continue Reading

For all that contemporary people apparently crave “authenticity in worship,” if we follow contemporary trends we’ll succumb to the bias of our church leaders or the movements they follow. For example, only 3 percent of modern worship songs mention anything eternal, and they rarely take on themes of God that make us uncomfortable. The Psalms,... Continue Reading

Calling people to repentance is the reason Jesus came (Luke 5:32) and the message he commissions his followers to preach (Luke 24:47). It’s the only way anyone can avoid God’s judgment (Luke 13:3). Given the supremely serious consequences of not repenting, it’s important to understand what repentance is.   Jesus said some surprising things during his ministry.... Continue Reading

Epaphras obviously did not literally pray 24/7. Paul’s “always” means that Epaphras constantly prayed for the Colossians as he had the opportunity to do so. We should look for times to pray for others and consistently make the most of these times.   In closing his letter to the Colossians, Paul gave some greetings, including one from... Continue Reading

For our Lord Jesus, Christian love was more than a mere anecdote; it actually represented a nonnegotiable for discipleship. On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus pronounced: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all... Continue Reading

“How do we receive those benefits which the Father bestowed on his only-begotten Son?” Calvin answers by saying we must first “understand that as long as Christ remains outside of us, and we are separated from him, all that he has suffered and done for the salvation of the human race remains useless and of... Continue Reading

If I were the devil, I would dress up to look like justice, compassion, or equity, or some other ideal Christians would be quick to ‘Amen!’ I would sink my teeth and suck the true, biblical content from those words—not that many of the Enemy’s people know the true, biblical content of those words to... Continue Reading

What makes a place Sin City? What dangers exist in Las Vegas that makes it so dangerous? What if I told you there is nothing unique to Las Vegas not found in your city too? In order to answer the question, What makes a place Sin City, we need to evaluate God’s view of sin.... Continue Reading

The good news of Jesus is compared to a government, possibly a king, declaring amnesty to those who have committed a crime against the state. The question is whether or not the picture of amnesty is the best picture to paint.   Good paintings tell stories. Think of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. It tells... Continue Reading