Money Matters
On judgment day, it won’t matter how much you possessed on earth but Whom you possessed.
Jesus didn’t mince words when He asked, “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:25). You can have all this world but still not have the One who holds the world. Building bigger barns and fattening your soul with the comforts of this fleeting... Continue Reading
Three Biblical Signs of Spiritual Immaturity
Like any kind of growth, Christian maturity happens slowly over time.
As we mature in faith, certain perspectives we had about God often do develop, but the spiritually immature are marked by instability. With each new book or blog post they read, they change their views whichever way the wind is blowing. As we grow up in that gospel, the waves and winds of weird doctrines... Continue Reading
The God Who Disturbs Our Consciences
He brings uncomfortable truths back into the light—so that we can find cleansing and redemption.
I was preaching from the story of Joseph in Genesis 42. It might be ancient history, but we were drawing lessons for today—for God still works in similar ways. He often pokes at our consciences, or uses circumstances and trials to bring our guilt before our own eyes. Or sometimes He even uses the unsuspecting... Continue Reading
Cultural and Theological Stockholm Syndrome
With each small compromise we drift further from biblical reasoning.
Cultural and theological Stockholm syndrome is, in biblical terms, “friendship with the world” (Js. 4:4). We must remain vigilant to remain faithful to our redeeming, ransoming, and returning king. Like King David, we must express our love and loyalty for God in the celebration, joy, and privilege of receiving and obeying his word (see Psalm... Continue Reading
Five Reasons Pastors Should Not Allow the Psalms to Be Sung in Church
If you opt for the novelty of singing the Psalms, you are abandoning the proven track-record of modern worship music.
You have worked hard at truncating Christianity into an individual, pietistic, “feel-good” religion. If you allow the Psalms to be sung, you are going to have to recalibrate your theology. Navigating pastoral ministry is tricky business. One of the most challenging aspects may be deciding on the songs to sing every Sunday morning. A... Continue Reading
Is Hope a Blessing or a Curse?
It was believed by the Greeks that hope was the most pernicious of all evils because it prevented people from accepting their fate.
Hope isn’t an evil to be caged; it is a boon and blessing for citizens of heaven. Hope is the home language of the Christian, and we need to stay fluent if we want to be useful to the Lord in this life. According to Greek mythology, all evil is the fault of one... Continue Reading
Seven Letters Seven Dangers: Pride
Sinful pride shows itself in many ways.
Do you see, Theophilus, how pride can find its way into all manner of churches? And to what does this pride lead but divisions between those who ought to be united and to an ugliness that cannot attract unbelievers to Christ. Dear Theophilus, Greetings in Jesus’ name! May his grace abound to you through... Continue Reading
Worship in Spirit and Truth—Not Spirit or Truth
The truth we know and believe about God stands at the very heart of worship and separates the true and living God from worthless idols.
Just as the heart is engaged in worship, so must the mind be engaged. More than an intellectual comprehension of the truth about God, the mind is engaged in the worship of who God is, how God saved us, and why our lives should be consistently reflecting the glory of God. When Jesus passed... Continue Reading
You Don’t Know How You’ll Influence Someone
We can be unknown heroes, unsung influencers, for the glory of God.
We don’t know the myriads of causes and effects that will come from what we say and do. We don’t know the chains we’re linking in others. And even for us personally, we don’t know how our actions are forming ourselves to be different people a decade from now. Johann von Staupitz. Have you... Continue Reading
Canons Of Dort (29): The Reality Of Sin And Grace In The Christian Life
Even the elect are utterly dependent upon the grace of Christ (sola gratia) for our perseverance and for our preservation.
Our sins never turn the covenant of grace into a covenant of works. This is perhaps the greatest truth to learn here because this is the very lie that The Accuser uses to try to trap us in our sins, to try to convince us that God cannot and will not save such great sinners.... Continue Reading