As we consider acceptable and authentic worship, we must also note that it’s possible to possess the right tenor yet have the wrong spirit. In one of the most important passages regarding authentic worship, Jesus said to the Samaritan woman: “The Father is seeking such people to worship him. . . . Those who worship... Continue Reading

Is that bigger house really a good idea if it takes us out of the reach of a good church? Is that school catchment area really the place to go if it means we can’t access a good church once we’re there? It pays to think about our spiritual life before we decide to make... Continue Reading

We were formed for fellowship, designed to live in communion with God and his people. The triune God created us out of the deliberate overflow of his own eternal delighting fellowship and love. Salvation is forgiveness and fellowship, acquittal and adoption, righteousness and relationship.   When I announced I was writing a book on union... Continue Reading

The primary focus in worship is remembering in Whose presence we are and what He deserves.  We can’t give the level of worship the angelic cherubim and seraphim give, but they represent models and standards of what worship involves—undistracted and undistracting worship (cf., Isaiah 6: 4-6, Ezekiel 10: 1-22).   Dr. Carl R. Trueman wrote... Continue Reading

What man could not do, God did, by sending His Son to ransom men for God. Christ died for sinners, and Christ rose victoriously from the grave. Who has given more than God? Who has loved you like God?   “For God so loved the world…” Could you finish the phrase? I’m sure you could.... Continue Reading

Jesus sends us into our calling in the same manner that He was sent to earth. By understanding what Jesus was sent to do, we can understand how to fulfill all the different facets of our calling.   Pray for Your Church: Members (3) So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the... Continue Reading

Spurgeon is right that true worship does not forget that the veil is torn, and we are beckoned to come to God as a child draws near to a father. Corporate worship needs to be blended: solemn reverence for God and affectionate joy in God.   If you spend enough time in a church, the... Continue Reading

Our preaching must center on Christ–on both His first and second comings. The reality of His first advent, culminating in the resurrection, provides hope for His second advent as conquering King. The only way to prepare for His kingdom is to believe the gospel.   Preach the kingdom? Is that the same as preaching the... Continue Reading

If we spent more time praising God, we would not indulge the flesh, which produces a cacophony. We wouldn’t have time to complain and find fault. Instead, we would be filled with the Spirit, who makes us sing.   What makes good music? My father was a lover of great music. As a young boy,... Continue Reading

“I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27).   How good are you at self-discipline? The chances are that you are reading this article on a mobile device, and mobile devices may discourage self-discipline more than anything else in our world.... Continue Reading