When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the... Continue Reading

In the midst of unrelenting opposition, Nehemiah repeatedly looks up. He speaks to the God of heaven who is here with him: “But now, O God, strengthen my hands” (6:9). Here’s the first key to joyful perseverance amid pervasive difficulties: look up to God. Nehemiah is famous for setting his sights heavenward in tight spots.... Continue Reading

The parts of Scripture help us to understand the whole, and the whole helps us to understand the parts. Evangelical culture rightly values Bible study, but I suspect we need to value Bible reading more. We should allow proper space for uninterrupted, extensive reading.   We’re now two months into the new year. If you’re... Continue Reading

Jesus wanted his hearers to make a comparison from the lesser to the greater. If even an unjust and uncaring judge will eventually grant the pleas of someone he dislikes, how much more will a just and caring Father grant the pleas of the child he loves?   One of the most poignant of Jesus’s... Continue Reading

We Christians should not be surprised when the Holy Spirit leads us in different ways at different times. He will not contradict his own principles or character as set forth in the Scripture, but he will not act like a machine, always responding to similar situations in exactly the same ways.   Is God with... Continue Reading

The value of the biblical languages is found in understanding the whole package that the original languages bring (lexical, syntactical, discourse analysis, etc.)–something that a congregation does not need to hear unpacked from the pulpit, but can help a pastor preach the text more faithfully.   Line by line, word by word, the preacher amazed... Continue Reading

Peter’s theology was influenced by his experiences with Jesus, which includes his vision of the transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16–21). Peter’s theological perspective emerged from his direct experiences as a disciple. His witness of Christ’s transfiguration, passion, and resurrection likely contributed to his well-developed trinitarian theology (1 Pet 1:2) and his distinctive view of suffering (1... Continue Reading

Jesus’ prayer life is both a model and a challenge to us. He prayed with deep intimacy, unwavering trust, persistent dependence, and kingdom focus—qualities that often contrast with how we tend to pray.   I hate to admit it, but I’ve been around people whose prayers annoy me. Have you ever had that experience? Perhaps... Continue Reading

Remember the Great Physician who has given us the remedy for sinners―the only remedy―the only Good News! Otherwise, the bad news would crush us all. Sin is the problem―it accounts for all the problems―and there’s only one hope; one cure for sin.   As doctors are in the business of dealing with the sick, pastors... Continue Reading

Generally speaking, the advice I was given before I began ministry is true: Pastor, you will go through a leadership crisis. You won’t be able to escape it. We should prepare for it, and we should also pray for its timing. Pray that it comes at a time when you have the strength to endure... Continue Reading