While all Christians are called to live faithfully, salvation is completely the work of God alone. Just as sometimes children disobey their parents and are disciplined accordingly, God disciplines us because we are his beloved children in Christ and our status never changes, and he will use our failures to teach us through the work... Continue Reading

I read a lot of history, but it is not the lives of the Roman emperors, military generals, and world leaders that most interest me. The stories I want to hear are the stories that have only been written in heaven, in the books God will open on the last day. I want to hear... Continue Reading

As I gazed out at the beautifully chaotic landscape of ice and falling branches, this truth about God stood out in sharp relief. Paul observes that believers groan under the effects of the fall; and creation groans with us (Romans 8:22). God’s amazing creation under the curse of sin and death does not please him.... Continue Reading

Many notable Christian figures tend to possess certain natural gifts that commend them to positions of leadership. Regrettably, polished speech, infectious charisma, and a pleasant appearance can often conceal a significant amount of theological and ethical deficit for the less-than-faithful ones. Given the prominence of Paul’s letters in the New Testament, we might assume that... Continue Reading

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3: 23,24).   Hopefully, you have grown in your understanding of the Christian life, so that you no longer believe that it’s... Continue Reading

It’s remarkable that despite such pervasive resistance, Pamphlet’s desire for Christian unity and mutual accountability drove him to pursue inclusion in the Baptist association. His leadership was instrumental in showing that good faith and an iron will could help other Christians to consider the implications of their evangelical doctrine on social and civic life.  ... Continue Reading

Why should I not be willing to be offended, just as Christ was “and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). The next time you are offended—by anyone or anything—pause and pray for discernment, for... Continue Reading

You are not responsible to make the word effective. You are not tasked with forcing belief. You are invited to remain faithful to the simple work of letting God’s word be heard. He knows how to use it.   Some days it feels as though words are cheap and listening hearts are rare. “So faith... Continue Reading

My memory was shot. I could remember nothing. I genuinely believed I was beyond repair. Then a crazy man began to disciple me and challenged me to memorize Scripture. I gave him every excuse in the world. I had documented medical proof that I could not do it. But I tried anyway. I made a... Continue Reading

Church leaders are called to be shepherds of the flock. Shepherds do not put sheep through a rigorous physical training program. Instead, shepherds lead their flocks to still waters and lie down in green pastures. Like Christ, our one true shepherd, pastors as undershepherds are to guard and protect the flock as they dwell in... Continue Reading