In considering the many biblical passages that speak of a future evaluation of believers’ lives, the overwhelming emphasis lies on the side of rewards.  This is not surprising, since Jesus paid the penalty for our sins in his atoning death.  Since there will be no tears, mourning, or crying in heaven (Rev. 21:4), Christians may... Continue Reading

From the standpoint of one who believes in the Old Testament God, I find God to be amazingly consistent, and the very farthest thing from arbitrary. I will say this: just because God does not always explain His reason for doing such and such a thing, does not mean that a reason is non-existent. He... Continue Reading

Friendliness in itself is not holiness; it is sometimes a mask for hidden agendas and a palliative for a conscience that hides other iniquities.  “I may be a monster, but at least I am nice to strangers and puppies,” the hedonist and serial killer might say.  However, in the kingdom of Christ selfishness is not... Continue Reading

What the church of the Lord Jesus has and needs is the worship of the Triune God through the preached word and the administration of the sacraments around which she praises and prays. When churches start to think that they must look like a smaller version of the civil government in all its programs or any business... Continue Reading

The Reformation churches have some wonderful slogans that are chock full of important truths. Sometimes, however, these slogans can be misconstrued, misreported, and misunderstood. With the possible exception of sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone), none of these slogans has been mangled more often toward greater mischief than ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda (the church reformed, always... Continue Reading

Remember Jesus was able to live 33 single years, tempted in all points like as you are, and yet without sin. He is therefore able to sympathize, support, and strengthen you when are tempted. He is THE SINGLE. He lived a life of perfect singleness and died a death of perfect singleness – experiencing the... Continue Reading

Tragically, the church can also be a place where abuse is enabled by well-meaning but woefully misinformed clergy. Lindsey and I have known of clergy who have said to victims of abuse, “Jesus’ wounds were redemptive – they saved the world. Your wounds can be redemptive and save your relationship.” Similarly, we know of pastors... Continue Reading

Dr. Piper mentions Driscoll’s “flaws.” Again, this is not the issue. I don’t know of anyone who criticizes Driscoll for having flaws. All of us, without exception, have flaws. The problem is that the word flaw trivializes what was happening at Mars Hill. Plagiarizing, bullying, foul language, global missions funds being used for local projects,... Continue Reading

Honor others above yourself. Don’t look down on others who are less intelligent, even if it’s the pastor or the worship leader. Understand that everyone has different gifts. There are people who won’t read three books this year, but they are pure gold around the hospital bed, in the youth room, under the hood of... Continue Reading

After nine years, Doug Phillips was forced to (voluntarily) resign from his position as President of Vision Forum Ministries and he subsequently lost his business when the homeschool world was rocked with the revelation that Doug Phillips, the man who held himself out as the one to emulate in having the “perfect” godly family, was... Continue Reading