The pulpit must teach in a way that builds a larger and deeper understanding of God beginning with Genesis and explaining the true nature of the Christian life as lived by the Holy Spirit. However, sadly there is little emphasis on the Holy Spirit except for a passing mention and almost nothing about Christians being... Continue Reading

We tend to assume that we’re not hypocrites. But Jesus said, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Beware, because this is a common trap, especially in modern America. Our culture is so steeped in hypocrisy that we don’t even notice it.   Luke 12:1-7 (ESV) In the meantime, when so many... Continue Reading

Missionaries on the field must carefully emphasize God’s distinctness from creation, Christ’s authority over every spiritual entity, and both the emptiness and danger of magical practices that attempt to connect the user with the divine.   When we think of the Great Commission, we often focus on reaching the lost and preaching the gospel. Yet,... Continue Reading

Jesus is called the word of life, the source of all goodness, fulfillment, and satisfaction. To know Him is to know true life. This must have been one reason the resurrection was such good news. The disciples’ joyful fellowship was restored! This is what they had. But what about us?   How can you love... Continue Reading

The truth of God’s care is one that we need to work hard to appropriate to ourselves. You are not a burden to God; He cares for you. Allowing this to sink into the very depths of our being will transform us. Our natural tendency since the garden of Eden is to think that God... Continue Reading

We have all been in the situation where something we have been waiting on in all joyous expectation just doesn’t come to pass, and regardless if we know why that happened we are left almost feeling empty, done by, and left out in the cold. The Holy Spirit is here to tell you that you... Continue Reading

Today’s man is told to sit down, shut up, and apologize. Fathers are sitcom buffoons. Masculinity is labeled toxic. Boys are drugged for being energetic. Husbands are mocked. Strength is suspect. Authority is oppressive. In the name of progress, we have castrated the culture. And now the sons of Adam wander through the ruins, searching... Continue Reading

Only God can take a man who is enthralled with the things of this world and make him enthralled instead with Jesus.  Only God can make a rebel into a willing servant.  Only God can take a man who finds the law grievous and make it his delight.  Only God can make a man trade... Continue Reading

Wine is a biblical sign and symbol of blessing, over and over again in the Old Testament. It is also, often, a sign of cursing, so there is some ambivalence in the symbol. However, we’re meant to see this as a positive, even exciting development in Genesis 9. The man of rest, Noah, has achieved... Continue Reading

The honor of being God’s servant is scattered throughout the Scriptures. Moses was named a servant of the Lord, who even mediated, much like Job, between God and those who had done foolishly (Heb. 3:5). Christ himself is referred to as “my servant” who would be pierced for our transgressions (Isa. 52:13).   I had... Continue Reading