“It’s not enough to speak of grace. We must define grace as Scripture does. Rome makes much of grace and faith but she does not define them as Scripture does. Grace is not a medicinal substance with which we are infused in the sacraments. Faith is not a meritorious, saving virtue wrought in us by grace... Continue Reading

“According the latest Department of Defense statistics on religion, there were 12,360 Southern Baptists among the US military’s 1.3 million members on active duty as of December 2014. There were also 12,764 atheists—an advantage of 404 over Baptists.”   Likely presidential candidate and former Southern Baptist pastor Mike Huckabee recently urged Christians to stay out... Continue Reading

“People say prayer changes things but the truth is it doesn’t. God changes things.  We live in dependence on a loving heavenly father ‘in him we live and move and have our being’ and that, as a congregation, humbles us. A congregation that makes a priority of praying together can never be proud.”   I expect in your church... Continue Reading

“The first warning sign has to do with authority. God does call men to lead within the church, but the problem arises when there is a fundamental misunderstanding concerning the purpose of authority. Pastors do have authority to govern within the local church, but rooted in loving service, not in domination.”   Supreme authority, infallibility,... Continue Reading

“There are ardent, veins-popping-in-their-forehead, opponents to the gospel today. They do not wear the uniform of a highly trained, elite force. But they write op-ed columns, hold forth in lecture halls, and occupy seats of power. Do we sometimes think that the gospel is not powerful enough to prevail?”   What better symbol of Roman strength... Continue Reading

“The largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States, PCUSA has garnered much controversy over its growing acceptance of homosexuality and gay marriage. Decisions at their General Assembly meetings over the past few years have annually prompted scores of churches to vote to leave the denomination.”   A Presbyterian Church (USA) regional body located in California... Continue Reading

“The local church is the historical manifestation, under the new covenant, of this massive, blood-bought assembly. It is characterized by certain marks and order, yet behind it all lies the love of God, the love and sacrifice of the Son, and the life-giving and transforming power of the Spirit.”   Most of us, I’m sure,... Continue Reading

“When a person comes to Christ and repents of sin, this turning around makes enemies out of former allies. And while this aftershock eventually led to Bible studies and many opportunities to share the gospel, it also destroyed friendships and allegiances. The exclusivity of Christ has rugged consequences.”   Tabletalk: Your book is titled The Secret... Continue Reading

“The Lord is not saying to his disciples, make sure you never pray in public. He is not ordering, never ever pray over your meal when you are in a public place. He is not advising, ‘never stand up and pray at Prayer Meeting,’ and he is definitely not saying, never have a prayer in your... Continue Reading

“Yes, some people come out of the gate like gangbusters, turn wholeheartedly from sin, and begin to share the gospel like zealots. But others, like myself as a young believer, though they have the spark of grace, put forth a lot of smoke and change very slowly.”   A bruised reed he will not break,... Continue Reading