In 2 Timothy 2:16–18, Paul gives the most insightful reasoning. Here we get the content of the “babble”: The resurrection has already happened. Paul wants Timothy to avoid this idea because it spreads like gangrene, leads “people into more and more ungodliness,” and upsets their faith. The principle is that sometimes the way to stop... Continue Reading

Folks will often say, “Come to Jesus and He will take all your troubles away!”—I’ve found the opposite to be the case. Indeed, my life before Christ was relatively easy and carefree in most respects. And when I became a Christian, Christ did in fact take away that which formed the raw substance of my... Continue Reading

I think that our technological age, in part, has made it so that we feel like we should be able to solve problems with great efficiency.  Solutions to our problems—obesity (GLP-1s), lack of energy (energy drinks), financial insecurity (gambling and prediction markets)—seem as convenient as ever. But sometimes efficient solutions can sometimes be deceiving. Of... Continue Reading

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from... Continue Reading

Habakkuk cries out to God, protesting what God is going to allow—but he never gives up on who God is. If the God that Habakkuk trusted was like the gods of the nations—gods who could be defeated, gods who could turn against you, gods who never claimed to love their people—none of this would be... Continue Reading

Jesus still sees need, still provides abundantly, and still uses weak disciples to carry His gifts to the world. His compassion is not limited, and His grace is still enough for every task He gives.     Jesus is not only powerful; He is compassionate. That truth shines clearly in the feeding of the multitude.... Continue Reading

The word “leisure” stuck out to me the most, prompting me to rethink my approach to the Word. I viewed meeting with a friend over coffee or lunch as a leisurely activity, so why couldn’t I transfer that anticipation to my meetings with God?   The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace alone,... Continue Reading

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.  But our God wants to be gracious towards you and give you peace.  He tells us that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but would rather that we repent and live.  Who are these people that God... Continue Reading

If we delight in the Lord, then our hearts are going to want the things we ought to want. Practically, I might think, “I hope God gives me a successful trip this weekend, but I’m good with whatever pleases Him.”     It’s okay for us to want things. Because we do doesn’t necessarily mean... Continue Reading

The pastor is to set the example–not only for the whole congregation–but for the elders who serve with him (on the church session).  This means, he is to model Christ; and set forth that pattern to everyone else.  And since the men on the session are “closest” to him, with regard to the life of... Continue Reading