Satan identifies us by our sin, and we often join him in doing so, but God identifies us in Christ. God identifies us as holy and calls us to be holy because He has declared us holy on account of the holiness of Christ. As Paul writes, God “chose us in [Christ] before the foundation... Continue Reading

At the darkest moment, she ran her fingers across the grain of the wood bench. The beauty of its intricate veining and brown tones began to sing gently. He used to love working with wood and always said it was one of God’s finest creations. That is when she felt the warmth of the sun... Continue Reading

Sunday mornings are a special time in a church’s life. Yet they can also become routine. As elders, we must remember our Sunday gatherings are teeming with sacred opportunities. We can rejoice with those who rejoice, strengthen those who falter, welcome in the lost, improve our many ministries, spark new ideas, and partner as a... Continue Reading

In the small things, in the little details, in the commonplaceness of life, character shines out. I never try to find out what a preacher is when he is preaching. It is when he is in his home and when he thinks there is no one there to critically watch him, that is the time... Continue Reading

Paul’s call to Timothy to preach the word in-season and out is a word to remind the gospel proclaimers that the gospel is always relevant to the life of men and women, to sinners of all stripes, and we can’t live in a world where the Church is full of the white lie. We must do... Continue Reading

Seven words that explain the posture of a man who is humble and contrite and who trembles at God’s word. Seven words that show dependence, not sufficiency. Conviction, not arrogance. Seven words that show real faith and repentance.    Seven words. Seven words that showed the heart of a man who went home justified. Seven... Continue Reading

The themes of purpose, communication, sending, nations, and salvation all point to God’s mission. As someone said, “If you take mission out of the Bible, all you’re left with is a front cover and back cover.” Truly, the whole Bible is a missionary document.   As you have read through your Bible, maybe you have... Continue Reading

In verse 11:1, the author of Hebrews says that we can trust that God’s salvation, protection and provision are still there for us, even though they may appear to be “things not seen.” In spite of their apparent absence, we are told to trust that they exist. Why? On what basis? On the basis of... Continue Reading

If you find that being conformed to Christ is difficult, do not lose heart. You are not alone. Sanctification is hard work. And yet, challenging as it is, you can rest in God’s precious promise that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ”... Continue Reading

Let us anchor our emotions on God and His promises. Nothing can pluck us out of His hand. Nothing can separate us from His love. He holds us fast and He keeps us close. He is our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. He is our heavenly Father who knows our needs even if we do not... Continue Reading