The doctrines of grace show us what we are and what we truly deserve. They therefore humble us, bring us low, puncture pride, eliminate self-righteousness, drive us from self-sufficiency, and silence all boasting. As the Apostle said: “No flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Cor. 1:29).   The doctrines of grace are not just... Continue Reading

“The central emphasis on fruit in the New Testament has to do with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This is the fruit of a changed life, a changed character, a character that is strengthened and nurtured by the source of holiness, Christ Himself.”   “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes... Continue Reading

Yet it was Mom herself who reassured me the most. Through she was sleeping a great deal following surgery, our interactions had some bright spots. When I asked her at one point if she was afraid, she replied, “No, because God is with me.”   One of the heart wrenching decisions I had to make... Continue Reading

“Cohabitation came to be seen by many as a sensible form of premarriage testing or even as an alternative lifestyle. The loosening of sexual relationships is reflected in our use of the term ‘partner,’ which is primarily an economic term.”   Last week, I recommended five resources that help us understand how sexuality functions in our... Continue Reading

“The congregation’s vote was accepted by the church’s governing body of elders, and now must be approved by the presbytery’s regional governance group, the Presbytery of the Peaks, which meets Thursday in Lynchburg to consider First Presbyterian Church’s request. If the Presbytery of the Peaks approves, both groups will begin the church’s “gracious dismissal” process,... Continue Reading

“It is of no small significance that the LORD ordained the King’s house and the Temple to be built on a mountain in Jerusalem. This act symbolized the exalted nature of God’s heavenly dwelling. The earthly king of Israel was to be typical of the heavenly King–Jesus.”   I’ve always loved mountains. I’ve lived in... Continue Reading

“The traditional doctrine of hell is currently undergoing significant challenges from both within and without the church. Many question the reality of hell outright, while many others opt toward annihiliationism—the belief that the damned won’t suffer eternally but will instead have their consciousness extinguished at some point.”   The doctrine of hell is the most difficult aspect... Continue Reading

“We are live as those who have been redeemed. The logic of Peter’s instruction is clear. Our future salvation is not contingent upon our behavior now. It is not even contingent upon our cooperation with grace. Our present life is, however, to be shaped by that future favor of which we are now in possession... Continue Reading

“There is a tremendous desire for the parent to rejoin their child in heaven; the best thing you can do for a grieving friend is sit quietly with her in the waiting room. It’s not much, but with a burden they are carrying alone they need not be alone in their grief.”   When my... Continue Reading

“His commands always come with freeing, life-changing truth to believe. For example: “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other [that’s the command], just as God in Christ also has forgiven you [that’s the life-changing truth].”   Christianity means change is possible. Deep, fundamental change. It is possible to become tender-hearted when once you... Continue Reading