You are fighting for the heart and soul of your fellowship. When the dust of the politics has settled, when differences are ironed out, when the pleasantries and politeness run their course, every friendship is left wanting: Either we will go deeper, keep things as they are, or move away (emotionally or even physically). Please... Continue Reading

We must see and understand that it is not the skill of the leaders that gives them the right to call us to follow them. It’s not their ability. Not their track record. It’s their position. Their authority is intrinsic to their position. And where there is authority, there is to be submission; where there... Continue Reading

I rigorously try to disprove myself. And if I cannot then I will, still with trepidation, pose my insight as a possibility. I do that because I’ve been convinced by the Proverbs that, it’s better not to exalt yourself before men and then be thrown down (Proverbs 25:7). If the insight is true than it’ll... Continue Reading

And, of course, there are things that are always true that Christians should celebrate even in the tough times. Jesus remains king. Our sins are paid for if we trust in Jesus. We have a local church family that loves us. We have a glorious inheritance. Nothing can separate us from the love of God,... Continue Reading

Remember that the presence of the Lord is found among his people particularly through the Spirit who dwells among us. Therefore, the fulfillment of Zephaniah 3:17 today is in the Holy Spirit’s presence among his people. The Spirit not only led the disciples into all truth, and he not only helps us to pray better than we... Continue Reading

The position of Dothan should remind us of the position of the Christian and the church. The Christian is in the world, surrounded by the world, and Christ’s church is always under siege by the world. The Psalmist speaks of this in Psalm 118, “All nations surrounded me…they surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me…They surrounded... Continue Reading

When we find ourselves in difficult circumstances, the first question we should ask is, “Does my church still exhibit the three marks?” In other words, does it still preach the gospel, rightly administer the sacraments, and perform church discipline? If our answer is yes, then chances are we don’t have a really good reason for... Continue Reading

In other words, because we are justified before God by faith alone in Christ, we are secure enough to expend our lives in the cause of Christ. Heaven is secure. Now what? Let’s change things on earth. The finished work of Christ, and the completed aspect of our justification, liberates us for the ongoing work... Continue Reading

Like the German Paul Gerhardt (and King David in the Psalms), Třanovský can communicate the anguish of human suffering as only those who have descended into their depths can do. In this, he put into words the feelings of most men and women of his time. But he also lifted them up to grasp the... Continue Reading

No less should principled Christians be aghast and opposed to the recent violent acts in Washington.  This time the violence and disruption came from those with whom many Christians are likely to share political convictions (though it appears that several groups were behind the rioting). Despite this, Christians should oppose this rioting with equal vigor... Continue Reading