Working Lights
Your good works are a crucial complement to the preaching of the word.
Christ said that the purpose of letting our light shine in good works is that that they may “glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16b). Ley said, “All good children seek their fathers’ honour,”[12]and so must we, if we are children of God. Poole said, “You are not in your good actions to... Continue Reading
I Believe in the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15)
The distinctive, constant, basic ministry of the Holy Spirit under the new covenant is so to mediate Christ’s presence to believers.
The Holy Spirit has taken up residence within those of us who are followers of Jesus, and he promises never to leave. “In our darkest moment, he’s as real as the breath in our lungs” (J.D. Greear). God is so committed to us that he doesn’t just reveal himself. He doesn’t even just forgive us and... Continue Reading
Belief in a Savior that Leads to a Battle Against Sin
God sent his Son into the world to die a death to sin on my behalf and to be raised up to conquer death on my behalf.
When I feel the weariness of life and my failures, my eyes are on myself – apart from my union with Jesus. Instead, Paul would have me fix my eyes on Jesus and remember that I’m united with him until I believe it deep in my soul again. You see, we are not merely finite people... Continue Reading
Does Increased Access to Knowledge Satisfy More in the Long Run?
There is a knowledge that we can desire that does turn sorrow to satisfaction.
As we look up to Christ, we are reminded that he is the Wisdom of God that came to us to open our eyes. As Paul writes to the Corinthians, And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is... Continue Reading
Why Did Jesus Institute the Lord’s Supper on the Passover?
The greater exodus was preceded by the institution of the Lord’s Supper.
In the later prophetic books of the Old Testament, the exodus would be viewed as the paradigmatic act of redemption. When the prophets looked toward God’s future work of redemption, they compared it to the original exodus and spoke of it in terms of a new and greater exodus. As the book of Exodus... Continue Reading
Why Is the Church So Messed Up?
We must try to be in practice the one church that Jesus says we already are.
What stands in our way? Sometimes it’s pride and arrogance, which are sins. More often than not, however, the issue is truth: the word about Jesus that is supposed to unify actually divides believers. There have been plenty of unified communities throughout history, but unity by itself (political, special interest, or family) doesn’t testify to... Continue Reading
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