Pastoral Letter on Worshiping in a Pandemic
“A Pastoral Letter: to all the saints who are feeling guilty and may be tempted to take unbiblical measures to assuage their spiritual hunger and self-imposed guilt.”
During these strange and sad days when we are under the dark cloud of this pandemic, let us not pummel ourselves and riddle ourselves with false guilt and false grace. This pandemic is God’s providence for us. He knows well our limitations and restrictions. He has given all we need for these days, namely His... Continue Reading
Does Christianity Have an Answer?
Wright leaves us only with the Christian tradition of lament in times of distress.
Wright is right to warn Christians against specific claims about the coronavirus that go beyond the clear teaching of Scripture. And he is certainly right to say we are lamenting. Yet is it really true that the Christian faith gives no answers about the coronavirus? The reality is that God’s Word does give a vital message, including answers... Continue Reading
Thoughts on Psalm 133
This Psalm obviously expresses a desire and praise for unity with the people of God.
I can remember the hot days of summer in Texas when a hose in the face felt incredible! Verse 3 gives a similar illustration. Hermon is a mountain to the north of Jerusalem that rises to about 9000 feet and is known for its lushness. It would be covered with snow and dew all year... Continue Reading
The Ordo Salutis: Adoption
Previously we were his enemies and orphans, and now we are adopted by God.
We were dead to the things of God, and then suddenly he made us spiritually alive. Upon hearing the gospel message, we became aware that we were sinners and needed a savior. And then the empty hand of faith, a gift in itself from God, reached out to Christ, trusting in what he has done... Continue Reading
A Creedal Crescendo – Crucified
Jesus went to the cross as the sacrifice to deal with sin’s debt.
Christ’s saving work is testimony to the Father’s love and wisdom. In answer to the question, “Who killed Jesus?,” the ultimate answer is not Judas who betrayed Him, not the Jews who conspired against Him, not the mob that chose Barabbas over Jesus for release, not Pilate who gave Him in His innocence over to... Continue Reading
Thoughts on Psalm 27
Even if the worst this world has to throw at us comes upon us, the Lord is with us and, in the end, he will provide for every one of our needs.
We have been isolated in such a way that we may feel abandoned by the closest to us. We have so much trouble and uncertainty at this moment that we are probably all being attacked by various fears that come in all shapes and sizes. Life seems to be falling apart around us. And yet,... Continue Reading
Clip the Wings of Wisdom
The Spirit must do His work or there is no salvation.
Many hear the gospel, but only those who whom the Father gives to Jesus will come and believe. No one else will. All given to Jesus by the Father come to Jesus. They will never be cast out. The will of the Father is that Jesus will lose none whom were sent to Him. Then... Continue Reading
How Are You Walking?
I pray that as followers of Jesus we are leading others to walk in the fear of the Lord.
Jeroboam’s decisions as a leader affected the eternity of an entire nation. Rather than serving and worshiping the Lord, he led others to worship gods of his own making. He walked down a path of false worship and destruction and the people walked in his ways. Following his example propelled them into deep sin. If others... Continue Reading
Jewish Feasts and Festivals
Paul understood that these festivals were a shadow of Christ (Col. 2:16–17).
Those in Christ are merely “sojourners” and “resident aliens” traveling in this fallen world until they reach their final homeland (1 Peter 1:4; 2:11). Zechariah 14:16–21 depicts the return of Christ as the time when the international people of God will gather at Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Booths. This final festival anticipates the... Continue Reading
Should We Live Stream The Lord’s Supper?
For now, we are not called to feast but to fast.
The Lord’s Supper is one of the greatest blessings that Jesus Christ has given his church. Our inability to celebrate the Lord’s Supper for a season can only be, should only be, cause for sorrow and tears. For now, we are not able to celebrate this remembrance of the Lord by “tasting” and “seeing” his... Continue Reading