I suspect that there are two fundamental reasons why we do not pray more, which are to some degree related, one theological and the other experiential. Theologically we do not really believe that prayer makes a difference. Experientially we do not enjoy praying.   It is indisputable that many Christians, and indeed many gospel ministers,... Continue Reading

When we study the Word of God, in order to obtain the correct biblical interpretation of a passage such as Galatians 5:1, we must remember to always maintain context. This will give us the correct meaning of a passage. It is quite an easy thing to rip a passage of scripture out of context in... Continue Reading

The vast majority of professing believers at the beginning of the sixteenth century in Christian Europe understood that Almighty God has a holy hatred of sin; that He will condemn sinners who die in state of sin to an eternity of miserable punishment in hell. To be justified before Him required righteousness.    It was... Continue Reading

If Paul’s suffering did not add merit to what was lacking in Christ’s sufferings, what did it add? The answer to this difficult question lies in the broader teaching of the New Testament in regard to the believer’s call to participate in the humiliation of Christ. Our baptism signifies that we are buried with Christ. Paul... Continue Reading

In my ignorance, I would wander from time to time, but He never failed to fend off the enemies of my soul with His rod. If necessary, He would even use His staff to chasten me. When my foolish legs began to wander, He did not hesitate to wound them. Then in my weakness, He... Continue Reading

The highest privilege and greatest honor in pastoring is not standing in the church pulpit but praying by the hospital bed. It’s not being accorded the highest place but carrying out the least-seen service. It’s not broadcasting the truth to thousands, but whispering it to one. The holiest moments of pastoring are the ones that... Continue Reading

We read: “for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything” (1 John 3:20). This is an incredibly encouraging verse for those of you feeling bogged down with guilt and shame. Your heart might condemn you but God is greater than your heart. The last three words are... Continue Reading

Amy Carmichael (1867-1951) was a Protestant Christian from Ireland who served faithfully as a missionary in India for fifty-six years. She and a group of fellow Christians once ministered in an Indian village where they met a young boy from a Hindu family. Sometime earlier the boy had approached his own dad with a spiritual concern:... Continue Reading

The primary application of the Good Shepherd metaphor is to the flock. The primary beneficiary of Jesus’ shepherding, His care, His provision, His protection, is the church collectively—I individually benefit in so far as I am a part of the whole. His blessings are realized within the flock as He fends off wolves and thieves... Continue Reading

James says that we’re unaware of what tomorrow brings, and that our lives are too insignificant and short to think we can control the future. I’d be tempted to conclude that our efforts don’t matter. But that’s not where James goes. “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or... Continue Reading