The Shepherd in Shadowlands
As fearful shadows lengthen, rattled, fearful, sheep mustn't think their Good Shepherd is aloof .
It shouldn’t really shock to see Yahweh’s consistent, loving, trait – Psalm 23:5-6 concludes with good, covenant, loyalty (or chesed) in hot, overtaking, pursuit (as Joseph was taught in Egypt, as slave, in cell, or with power, from blessing which hunts down there can be no escape: the love is always at work for good). ... Continue Reading
The Essence of the Calvinistic Life
The essence of the Calvinistic life is living in such a way as to glorify God.
The seriousness of the Reformed world and life view means that, even when the melody is played in a minor key, it remains a melody. Indeed, to use a metaphor of Calvin, as this melody is played in the church, it becomes a glorious symphony. Calvinistic theology has always placed great emphasis on biblical... Continue Reading
Who Is Jesus Anyway?
If you want a quick snapshot of Jesus’ life, Mark is a great place to start.
While many people may say that Jesus was a good and wise man, he is much more than that. He is God come in the flesh to save his rebellious image-bearers. He has power from the Holy Spirit and was approved for this task by God the Father, and he is a warrior who has... Continue Reading
God Gave You Your Memories
Finding Meaning in the Past
As he remembers God’s parting of the Red Sea, Asaph’s lamentation turns to praise: “Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and... Continue Reading
The Hardest Words to Pray
The cup of the cross on the way to the crown.
Time and again during his earthly life, Jesus had been aware that this hour had not come. Twice he resisted family pressure on the matter, and twice he was protected from the evil intention of his foes because of that fact. But two harbingers of it had just crossed his path, and each was a... Continue Reading
The Sofa Salesperson Who Did Everything Wrong
I realized she was illustrating a lesson I need to learn as much as she does.
She missed the opportunity to sell a sofa and earn a commission, but even more so, she missed the opportunity to put her unique knowledge and ability to work. And I know I’ve too often done the same—instead of being who God has called me to be (and, therefore, admitting the many limitations of my... Continue Reading
When They Speak Against You
That’s not an if, but a when.
As citizens of heaven, we must be ambassadors, as Paul says, God making His appeal through us. And what is that appeal? Believe, for there is a day when Christ will return in judgment. We, as Christians, citizens of heaven, live life with a view toward eternity, making decisions about our speech and conduct based... Continue Reading
What Does the Old Testament Say About Poverty and Riches?
It is time that the believing community reconsider what scripture has to say about the poor, the widow, the orphan, the oppressed, and about poverty itself.
A poor or hungry person must do all that he can to care for his needs, but the believing body is not given a pass and excused from sharing the hurts and needs of these living, wounded souls. We see this from the Torah scripture. According to the count of Rick Warren, a well-known... Continue Reading
If I Share The Gospel, I Might Ruin Our Relationship
Share the gospel today, because that’s what we have been called to do.
I know that every situation is different and that it takes a lot of wisdom, but generally speaking, I think that Christians wait too long to share the Gospel with loved ones. I want to encourage you to consider the following points to see if these are reasons why you haven’t pulled the trigger yet,... Continue Reading
We’re Called to Make Disciples, not Simply Converts
We should take notice of what Jesus did not say in the Great Commission. He did not say, “Go therefore and make converts of as many people as possible.”
The Great Commission is the call of Christ for His disciples to extend His authority over the whole world. We are to share the gospel with everyone so that more and more people might call Him Master. This calling is not simply a call to evangelism. It isn’t merely a call to get students for... Continue Reading