Christians are going to have to learn that it is not power that is good or evil, but the wielder of that power. The Book of Proverbs says “When the righteous rule, the people rejoice.” We need to make that principle more than just a campaign slogan, but rather an entire philosophy of governing.   ... Continue Reading

Not only has he offered you life but also he is keeping you in that same spiritual life. The Christian hope is not about making struggling people slightly more comfortable but about making spiritually dead people alive to God in Christ and keeping them there. This is his grace to us. We need ongoing protection... Continue Reading

Some of God’s people in every age are ready to give up on the church, believing that there are no “good” ones near them or maybe even despairing that there are no “good” ones anywhere. But this is not true. David prayed in faith, knowing that his greatest needs.   Among other things, Psalm 142... Continue Reading

Like astrologers of old and today, we are seeking power over our surroundings and our future. To predict the future through a horoscope is to gain a measure of control over it. To sacrifice to a God, known or unknown, as a means to our ends is to do the same. The paradox is that... Continue Reading

Paul would speak to rulers and leaders and, history says, even to Ceasar himself in Rome. God gave Paul insight into where he was headed, and this understanding gave Paul the courage he needed.   If you have questions about how real, how present, how personal and intimate the Lord is, then just read six... Continue Reading

One of the most fascinating things about the creation account is that God created us in His image. Original readers of this text would have had some understanding of the significance of the image of a god. When ancient people placed an idol somewhere, they essentially declared that place belonged to that god, and that... Continue Reading

 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” That is who we are if Jesus is our Saviour and Lord.    Amidst the slop and the sin in 1 Samuel... Continue Reading

Christian joy is: A disposition of the redeemed, who, being empowered by the Holy Spirit, seek to maintain a genuine, deep, inner attitude of good cheer and hope toward all, even in difficult circumstances, but especially toward the people of God in one’s church.   I recently preached a series on the fruit of the... Continue Reading

When we focus too heavily on pleasing people or maintaining the status quo, we risk becoming more like the Pharisees than like Christ. Ministry that truly reflects Jesus will sometimes be controversial. It will challenge entrenched traditions, question misplaced priorities, and push against the comfort zones of the religiously complacent.   Ministry is not a... Continue Reading

Trust reduces our sorrows, and makes us “cheerful in the midst of all difficulties and discouragements.” Manton cites Psalm 13:5, which says: ‘I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.”   “Trust in God.” “Trust in Christ.” “Trust the Bible.” We hear this word often as Christians as we are... Continue Reading