Pastoring People Through Slow Change
The process of change in Christians is usually very, very slow.
Part of the pastor’s job is to help Christians regularly refocus on the gospel. To a friend who is bitter, we encourage them to, “…forgive, as God in Christ forgave you,” (Eph. 4:32). To the husband who is passive: “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her,” (Eph. 5:25).... Continue Reading
Teasing Out Idolatry in Narcissism
Instead of worshipping the God of the universe, narcissists make themselves the god of their own universe, creating a reality centered entirely on them.
For those living with or around a narcissist, while there are ways to minimize harm, the greatest need is the transformation of the narcissist’s heart—not a change in how you relate to him. By the Lord’s grace, the true God has been known to change self-worshipping people at least a time or two: consider Manasseh... Continue Reading
Lost – Minister’s Letter Oct 24
Our world thinks that it knows better than previous generations.
Luke 15 is a chapter for our day. It speaks to the religious, and irreligious; the one who knows he’s lost, and the one who doesn’t. It makes us face up to the reality of our lives. It shows us the terror of what it is to be lost and the glory of what it... Continue Reading
Why Psalm 23 Is My Favorite Psalm
Psalm 23 paints a vivid picture of the tender loving care of my Lord.
We don’t wander the wilderness, left to our own devices to find food, rest, and safety for ourselves. We have a faithful Shepherd who is watchful over all of these details in our lives. These are things everyone longs for, and it’s important to remind ourselves often that these are realities for Jesus’ sheep. The Lord is my shepherd;... Continue Reading
When Kings Take Counsel Together
The World May Not Rule Itself Without Christ
When our rulers and men of wealth, the mighty in the land, take counsel together to substitute human authority for divine authority, when by their lies they throw all things into chaos that they might impose an order of their own making, this Petrine counsel is the counsel we must take. We must fearlessly adhere... Continue Reading
How Then Shall We Pray?
Like the Psalms, we can insert our own words, burdens, and desires into the structure of Jesus’ prayer, while at no point straying from God’s intended will for how we are to address Him.
Father, we thank you that, though the world is evil, the Lord Jesus has overcome the world; He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and we joyfully submit to Him and await His coming with groans unutterable. Grant us grace to live by faith and not by sight. Equip us to... Continue Reading
The Practice of Accepting Disappointment
No one ever can fully meet your hopes, desires, and expectations. And you can’t meet theirs.
God’s gifts are good and are meant to be enjoyed. Yet none of them can deliver all that they promise. Each of them brings a level of satisfaction but also a level of disappointment, a sense of beauty but also a sense of longing for more. We need to be wary of that longing for... Continue Reading
Three Truths for Those Who’re Tired of Suffering
Paul didn’t downplay suffering. It can wear us out.
Suffering trains us to become more fully dependent on God. When things are falling apart we learn to give ourselves more to the one who holds the universe together (Hebrews 1:3). As death looms we learn to entrust ourselves to the God who raises the dead. Feeling powerless points us to the omnipotent God. When you are... Continue Reading
How to Love Your Wife As Christ Loves the Church
A husband’s love for his wife is empowered by the gospel.
Through the aid of the Spirit, the Word of God, and the local church, Christ can enable any Christian man to love his wife, regardless of the circumstances surrounding his marriage. In light of this, men, let us work hard to love our wives as Christ loves the church. In the latter half of... Continue Reading
Jesus, What A Beautiful Name (Song of songs 1:2-4)
Which matters more to us, the beauty of appearance or the beauty of godliness? Which do we spend more time cultivating?
We want to cultivate the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, and we want to display the fruit of the Spirit that is self-control. Stop offering excuses. There is no behaviour so compulsive that Christ doesn’t offer the power to overcome. he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear,... Continue Reading
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