Marie Durand (1711–1776), the Famous Prisoner of Faith — Introduction
Marie is a heroine of the Christian faith.
Conservative French Protestants, fiercely loyal to their religious and cultural roots, viewed Marie Durand as a heroic Huguenot, the ultimate example of a faithful Calvinist holding fast to her sixteenth-century Reformation heritage. Evangelical Protestants in general have presented Durand as an example of steadfast faith in Christ under severe persecution. My life was a tissue... Continue Reading
Pastor, Preach Theology
Preach the Bible’s Theology, Not Your Own
Theology cannot be overlooked in preaching. Theology must form the core of our preaching. In fact, it will. Whether that’s intentional or not is up to us. Preachers must start with the text of scripture, extract its theology, and then present it to the audience, helping them apply it to their lives for salvation or sanctification. ... Continue Reading
Reverence
Assuming a Humble Posture
If we examine our own devotion to our Lord in how we walk through each day, do we really entrepō Him as we should? Instead of putting ourselves to shame and completely bearing ourselves to God, entertainment is demanded. If the “worship style” is not exciting or upbeat enough then we get bored and look for another... Continue Reading
Three People to Thank
Gratitude is both vertical and horizontal.
Whenever we treasure the gift of an earthly relationship and we thank God for it, we should consider how we can give back. For whom in your life do you thank God? Have you thanked God for them? And have you told them that you are thankful? We should thank God for his good... Continue Reading
Strengthened by God’s Love and Peace
Even a man of great faith and commitment to God at times needs to be strengthened. How much more do we?
It is these truths—God’s love and His presence and control over circumstances–that brought strength to Daniel’s soul, even affected his body, and gave him courage to go on. He was not ready to receive this vision, one that would somehow take its toll on him. He said to the angel, “Let my lord speak, for... Continue Reading
Ministering to Addicts
We must be compassionate and courageous as we come alongside one another.
We must pray, confess, confront, admit, intervene, befriend, and love. As the family of God, we must not give up on those who struggle with addictions as we depend on the transforming and renewing work of the Holy Spirit through the gospel of Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world. As a pastor, I... Continue Reading
I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow
Praise God that we have the promise that we may come to Him to “receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).
He refines me and causes me to loosen my grip on this world that I might cling more closely to Him. He causes me to stop trusting in myself and causes me to trust more fully in Him. He answers the prayer for growth that I might say with the Psalmist, “Whom have I in... Continue Reading
Get the Basics Right
What are the core things any church, of any size, can do well?
The Big Picture for Small Churches (which is brilliant, by the way), John Benton helpfully boils it down to these five things: Quality presence, Quality welcome, Quality teaching, Quality hospitality, and Quality prayer. These are the basics as far as churches go. Basics that any church can do well. I was watching a bit... Continue Reading
Why Christians Must Walk Humbly before the Lord
We must draw near unto God and we do that in His Word and in Prayer. It takes both.
How do we fight against these attacks and have a focus that is Godly. The answer is that we must wear our armor, use our armor, and pray at all times. Victory over Satan and his hosts in the great spiritual warfare in which we are engaged demands unceasing and diligent commitment to prayer. Prayer... Continue Reading
Yesterday and Today and Forevermore
What a joy that we serve a God who does not change.
We taste the bitter drink of doubt and fear when we begin to suppose that our God is fickle and changing, given to the whims of emotion as we are. We stumble upon the waves of this world not because our Lord ceases to be who He is, but because we, like Peter, cease to... Continue Reading
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