Sexual sin is a serious problem in the modern church. It is worse when committed by those who are entrusted with the spiritual care of God’s flock (1 Tim. 5:17-20; Jam. 3:1). When church leaders or church congregations try to play it down, mitigate it, cover it up, and then as soon as possible move... Continue Reading

When Jeremiah doubted, he did not try to solve his problems on his own. Instead, he committed his cause to the Lord. For him, this meant praying that his cause would be vindicated. Our case may be different, but the principle is the same: if we believe that God is with us and has the... Continue Reading

Let’s be those who give the word, not some cheap alternative. People need real encouragement, they don’t need self help tips. We need to give that which is, “like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jer 23:29). God’s word is the encouragement that people need.   Have... Continue Reading

Jesus knows what he asks of us as his disciples. He knows what we’ll have to bear. He isn’t taken by surprise by any of it. And just as he died for all the sins he knew you would commit even before you did it, he chose you to be his before the foundation of... Continue Reading

As we listen and converse with others, we must consider Christ’s ministry and example of humility. He counted others more significant than Himself. Christ’s meek and lowly methodology exudes graces confronts people with an image of themselves. A conversation that is mutually characterized by insults does not give occasion to self-critical reflection. Someone who is... Continue Reading

Paul’s practice of maintaining strong connections with supporting churches provides a model for modern mission partnerships. Regular communication, periodic visits, and mutual accountability can help create a sense of shared ministry between the local church and missionaries in the field.   While looking through an old notebook, I ran across these helpful thoughts.  I’m not... Continue Reading

A developing child or adolescent needs a mature adult, with authority in his or her life to say an occasional NO. They need mom and dad to play Gandolf every once in a while, standing in the path of the dark and sinful desires that arise out of the fissures of the fallen human heart... Continue Reading

Essential Doctrines are doctrines that put you outside of the faith if you deny them. To reject these teachings means you are not a Christian, and the word “Heresy” is usually invoked for this category of error. Examples of essential doctrines are the deity of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and believing in the bodily resurrection of... Continue Reading

What a great comfort we receive in the knowledge that we belong, in both body and soul, to a sovereign God, who is by his very nature a merciful, gracious, loving God. His promises are for the good of His people. We may suffer in this life, and often we do. God does not promise... Continue Reading

It is during common everyday activities that Christian families are encouraged to talk about God and His Word and to consider how doctrine applies to various circumstances that arise. Therefore, let us seize those opportunities to explain and apply the wisdom of God’s Word in our families. Dear believer, just as a plant flourishes in... Continue Reading