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

The Lord desires us to live for His glory, and this is good news for us because we find our ultimate joy in doing so. Your best response to your Shepherd is satisfaction in His provision, gratitude for His restoration, and trust as you walk carefully and diligently in His steps no matter the path... Continue Reading

Shepherd the flock! Remember that these difficulties are not interruptions in your pastoral work but are the pastoral work itself. One final concern: Be sure to keep what you hear to yourself alone and any notes or files secure. Do not use the stories you hear as illustrations in your messages or as gossip.  ... Continue Reading

The gospel shouldn’t be a rarity; it should be a normality, and when shared frequently with and to others, good news can become normal—in the best sense. While Christ alone does the work in human hearts, he wants them to hear the message from our mouths.   Bravery began for me in the depths of... Continue Reading

Out of all the innumerable sounds in heaven and earth, God pays special attention to the voice of his people. Psalm 34 is not simply a theological statement of this fact—it is the personal testimony of David, when he was a fugitive running for his life. He celebrates his own experience of God hearing his... Continue Reading