Boldness for the Gospel
What is the nature of boldness in evangelism?
First, we must attend to the ordinary means of grace (Word, sacraments, prayer). Our understanding of the love of God for us and our corresponding love for Him will grow as we continually exercise these Spirit-ordained means. Second, we must gather with the saints regularly to stir one another up to love and good works (Heb.... Continue Reading
5 Things You Should Know about Being a Parent
Parenting is an important calling that God has given you.
Each day, as you live with your children, you are presenting a view of reality. You are showing them that you believe that God is good and the rewarder of those who seek Him. By loving God and others, you model the truth that the law of God is good. As you make a priority... Continue Reading
Angels in Awe: The Story They Longed to Understand
The angels were intensely interested to know how and when the Christ would come, suffer, and be glorified.
Peter tells us these mighty and terrifying beings were extremely curious about one thing: how and in what time the Christ would come. No wonder it was an angel who delivered the news to Mary in Luke 1. No wonder the myriads of angels rejoiced before the shepherds in Luke 2. No wonder the angels rejoice... Continue Reading
Can These Bones Live?
So God commands Ezekiel in verse 4-6, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD."
Ezekiel was called to prophesy and to preach, but God was the One who brought dead sinners to life by His sovereign power. Similarly, though we do not hold the office of prophet, preachers are called to proclaim God’s Word. We are called to preach about who God is and who man is; we are... Continue Reading
The Hardest Thing You’ve Ever Done
Being ultimately responsible for your identity will crush you.
Why would something that sounds so freeing be crushing? Well, let’s say your whole identity is built on what you can achieve or do. Perhaps you want to be smart, successful, and make lots of money and your identity is wrapped up in that. Now, compare yourself to everyone else who is also embarking on this... Continue Reading
May I Share the Gospel With You?
We have broken God’s law, and we will have to stand before Him when He judges all mankind.
None of our good works could save us from the wrath to come. God will read from books containing all that we have ever done, and He will judge us based on what is written in the books. It will become plain on that day that there are none good, no not one. But God,... Continue Reading
4 Principles for Doing Biblical Theology
A healthy way—perhaps the best way—to do biblical theology is to follow the lead of the apostles and examine how the apostles wed the Old Testament to their discourse.
Once we’ve detected the Old Testament quotation or allusion and explored the Old Testament background, now we must take a step back and ask the million-dollar question: How is the apostle using the Old Testament? New Testament writers don’t interpret and apply the Old Testament the same way each time. Most contemporary readers assume the... Continue Reading
How Important Are Your Prayers to God?
We are the agents of His activity and it is all accomplished through prayer.
Prayer is not a side issue. A nice panacea for us when we’re in trouble. A little mantra we chant to make us feel better. Prayer connects us to the God of heaven and can thus do anything God can do. It is not “A” work; it is “THE” work of the believer. We are... Continue Reading
The Quickest to Anger Are Often the Slowest to Forgive
Misplaced or unjustified anger makes us think and act irrationally. In fact, sin is so devious it can even trick us into thinking we are due forgiveness, when in reality we should be seeking it.
Forgiveness is a difficult doctrine, both to understand and to practice. There will, unfortunately, be situations in all our lives that will require us to extend extraordinary forgiveness to another person. And when those times come, the Lord will be near to help us process our pain and grief, and his Spirit will gently and... Continue Reading
Thank God for His Mercies to Your Nation
During this election season when many are especially focused on the state and future of our nation, let us cry out in prayer to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
“In your loving concern, set over us a good government that practices justice and opposes corruption. Give us governmental leaders who will be a terror to all those who do evil, and will praise and protect those who do good.” 1 Kings 10:9; Rom. 13:3 “Lord, thank you for planting us on a fruitful... Continue Reading
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