The doctrine of original sin teaches that people sin because we are sinners. It’s not that we are sinners because we sin, but rather, we sin because we are sinners; that is, since the fall of man, we have inherited a corrupted condition of sinfulness. We now have a sin nature. The New Testament says... Continue Reading

It is not easy to sacrifice time with extended family when the ministry that God has called you to do is far away from the festivities. But, you can give thanks in all circumstances. In addition, there are great rewards. “…there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for... Continue Reading

Last Sunday, I heard a sermon on Jonah’s refusal to take the message of God’s forgiveness to the godless and cruel Assyrians of Nineveh. When the preacher described the Assyrians as the ISIS of the ancient world, I realized I could no longer stand simplistically in judgment of Jonah’s seemingly selfish attitude. This clear comparison... Continue Reading

“Treating people with dignity may require treating them as individuals with individual needs. A beloved family member whose interests are looked after—that constitutes dignity,” Diekema said. He insists the risk of a slippery slope doesn’t necessarily mean action should be avoided.   (WNS)–Many parents have lamented their children growing up, with a joking wish they... Continue Reading

It takes time for a pastor to lead a congregation to accept his own doctrinal evolution. And then there is the decision to break with the denomination. That requires significant grooming. I wonder if any former PCA pastors would be willing to share publically how long they continued serving in the PCA after their change in... Continue Reading

“The seminary’s role in this act of entrusting is to deepen the student’s engagement of God’s word and his ability to articulate it in the contemporary vernacular. Rigorous theological study and research can seem superfluously cerebral if it is not directed toward a profound encounter of the character of God.”   Sometime over the last... Continue Reading

All three preachers refuse to begin their sermons with cute anecdotes or even any sense of “hook”: they all begin their sermons simply by examining the exegetical context of their passage. They give historical, grammatical and literary background to the text. There’s no promise of practical help, no catchy story, no curious questions raised. They... Continue Reading

“I eventually gave up trying to get things done. Midway through the afternoon I finally came to a point of surrender. I surrendered my plans for the day, admitted my weakness, and the how my simplest plans are beyond my ability.”   I woke up Monday with a million things to do. Midway through the... Continue Reading

We see clearly that our walking in the light isn’t perfect—not even close. We will never reach perfection on this earth. That’s why repentance is such a beautiful gift from our God. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1... Continue Reading

Timothy himself was dealing with being ashamed of Paul’s sufferings. Onesiphorus on the other hand pursued Paul, searching for him, and then when he found him he refreshed him. What is this if it is not a remarkable work of grace?   Ministry in the life of the church is both a blessing and a heartache.... Continue Reading