Perseverance in Pastoral Ministry
Often it is only by persevering through severe trials that divine blessings come to rest on a pastor’s labors.
It is extremely valuable, if not essential, for a pastor to accept a call to serve a church with a willingness and desire to spend his life in that place. This is not to say that the Lord will never move him to another place, but such an attitude will always put the burden of... Continue Reading
A Biblical Case for Natural Theology
Natural theology remains a probable argument in contrast to Scripture which provides infallible and divine truth.
Nature provides sufficient evidence to know God, morality, and providence exist. It also means that people can acquire practical wisdom and use common notions to discern right from wrong. Everyone affirms the law of non-contradiction (a first principle of reason) and that murder is wrong (a first principle of morality). Everyone can further acquire knowledge... Continue Reading
What I Learned from Visiting Paul’s Prison Cell
Seven lessons that point us to a hope in suffering that is grounded in the truth of the gospel.
I’ve read 2 Timothy many times, but after visiting the prison where Paul penned this letter, the words now seem to jump off the pages. The letter carries a weight I had never before noticed. In it, Paul sheds light on suffering and how we must view our trials as believers in Christ. We are... Continue Reading
What Is the Significance of Clouds in the Bible?
Scripture utilizes clouds to symbolize the presence of God.
The Scriptures everywhere utilize the imagery of clouds to signal the immediate presence of God in time and space. This is one of those biblical-theological themes that has not often been given due consideration. Surprisingly, the Scriptures have much to teach, by way of illustration or allusion, about the symbolic and redemptive-historical significance of clouds.... Continue Reading
Johannes Bogerman and His Powdering Speech
President of the Synod of Dordt
Johannes Bogerman had been a pastor since 1599, serving in various cities of Holland and Friesland, his homeland. There, he defended the teachings of the Reformation against the views of Anabaptists, Socinians, Jesuits, and Remonstrants who tried to influence his congregations. “Dimittimini exiteI” (“You are dismissed, get out!”) With these imperious words, Johannes Bogerman... Continue Reading
Hell Interrupted—Part 1
The doctrine of Hell has fallen on hard times.
The Gospel itself is undermined to some degree when Hell gets the short shrift. Though some consider extinction of self-consciousness a weighty sentence for earthly wrongs, it pales in comparison to never-ending conscious torment. The good news is only as good as the bad news is bad, and in Scripture eternal happiness and everlasting joy... Continue Reading
Accusing An Elder
Do not receive an accusation except in front of two or three witnesses that can do something about it.
The worst thing to do is simply talk about it, rejoice secretly in the “hidden knowledge” and go tell the next person, in confidence, of course – adding your own juicy tidbits to make it sound just a little better. THAT is what Paul is forbidding. Don’t hear it, don’t receive it at all –... Continue Reading
Stop Feeling Your Feelings
We should never make our bodily feelings any test of how sincere we are, how devoted we are, or how authentically we are worshipping.
Certainly we should never make our bodily feelings any test of how sincere we are, how devoted we are, or how authentically we are worshipping. Churches or Christian leaders that encourage a pursuit of what amounts to bodily undulations as a litmus test of faith, joy, or love have effectively imprisoned their people in the... Continue Reading
The Time to Pray is Before the Shooting Starts
I’ve noticed a disturbing trend among Christians. We are not a praying people.
We spend so much time worrying about the world our kids and grandkids are growing up in, so many hours scheming and planning ways to shelter them, and so little time talking to the One who can actually change things. If you want to know the truth, it isn’t the youth of today or the... Continue Reading
Integrity in Christian Leadership
The lesson is simple: even with solidly conservative theology, we sadly often find moral compromise in our ranks.
As leaders, we will often face situations that reveal what is in our hearts. When we are pricked, our people will see our hearts, and they need to see us bleed integrity—either true holy character or humble repentance. If there is one thing that the Protestant evangelical world needs right now, it’s men and women... Continue Reading