Martin Luther employed the Lord’s Prayer encouraging disciples to use each clause as a hook on which to hang thoughts of their own. From each clause of the Prayer, he recommended making “a garland of four twisted strands” by, (1) identifying the truth(s) taught, (2) expressing thankfulness for all the good gifts suggested, (3) confessing... Continue Reading

For those of us in Christ as we look at the sorry state of the vast multitudes of humanity who are lost in their rebellion against the knowledge of God, we should realize what a blessing it is that our God had mercy on us and drew us to Himself, justifying us by grace through... Continue Reading

Disobeying God is our responsibility. We degenerate, we cease to think straight, we speculate, and our hearts are clouded in ignorance, and man created in the image of God creates images of his own—of animals and even of himself. By not honoring God or thanking Him, man becomes futile in his actions and darkened in... Continue Reading

Because our teaching elder brothers are part of the flock, worthy of double honor, and under a heavier ministry burden as full-time teachers/preachers, ruling elders need to be doing the good work of caring for these men. And because teaching elders occupy a unique place in the flock, their care should also be unique.  ... Continue Reading

Only Calvinism actually affirms what Scripture teaches about God’s grace in both its universal and particular applications. Regarding its particular application, God actually applies a grace that actually saves from sin. Paul wrote to the Christians at Ephesus (2:8-10): “For by grace you have been saved; and this is not from you, it is the... Continue Reading

 The more contentment expands within the soul, the less our unrequited dreams suppress our confidence in God’s sovereignty. We trust God’s goodness is intentional, not accidental. We adapt our desires to the unfolding of God’s will. We respond to our spouses in ways that say, “Yes, this is hard and unexpected. But God is faithful,... Continue Reading

If we’re not careful, social media can turn our natural desire for attention and approval into an environment where we seek those by being controversial, making extreme statements, stirring up anger, or the “playing to our base” at an individual level. I ran into those same pitfalls previously when I blogged, and in hindsight, regret... Continue Reading

Christians understand that we have a duty of faithfulness to the truth, regardless of the perversions of law. It may mean exclusion from much of society, loss of jobs, friends and family, religious institutions, freedom to speak the truth, fines and even for some incarceration. But we know that our trials will finally redound to... Continue Reading

If we are laying our heads on any pillow in these days, it is the pillow of God’s character, and especially God’s goodness. We keep saying it: “God is good.” We may be saying it with sorrow and bewilderment and something less than full faith. We might be saying it as a question: “God is... Continue Reading

Why can’t we expect non-Christian movements, even the best of them, to end racism of the heart? Because of the sinfulness of humanity. With regards to skin color, the Bible says that sooner can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard his spots than those who are accustomed to doing evil do good (Jeremiah... Continue Reading