Within a few years of beginning my ministry, I taught a series on the Book of Job that was quite eye-opening. See, most Christians go to this book looking to commiserate with him in one way or another, thinking the main doctrine taught is suffering. But it isn’t. It is faith. Suffering is nothing more than God’s […]
Look around. What do you see? Well, in America, I see a world filled with the trappings of pleasure. Oh, sure, they are slyly marketed as pathways to joy, but it’s all a ruse, my friend. You and I have been suckers since the day we were born. I thank God every day that He
Pleasure Without Joy Is a Ruse Read More »
I recently heard Pastor Robert Charles Sproul say that a good way to think about joy is to view it as an acronym; “J” for “Jesus”, “O” for “others”, and “Y” for “you”. He said the order is very important if you’re ever to understand what joy is and where it comes from. If Jesus
What Makes for Joy? Read More »
I remember when the two airplanes flew into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 (aka 9/11). We Americans were shaken to our very core. We were incensed, appalled, and scared. Do you remember the effect this even had on church attendance? In the weeks following 9/11, churches were reporting record high attendance. It
What Did 9/11 Teach Us? Read More »
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. – Proverbs 15:14 It’s election season as I write this. As always, otherwise civil people are now at each other’s throats and it’s ugly. I usually avoid talking about politics simply because it’s often like lighting a short
Dogma, Bias, and the Humility That Breaks Both Read More »
There’s a reason why movies about heroes tend to be box office hits. We really like the idea of heroes. We aspire to be heroes. As a result, we’re our own worst enemies when it comes to resting. Maybe this wouldn’t be a problem if we were machines. Since we’re not, we must know our
So, you say you have problems, huh? That may be true. What kind of problems do you have then? Are they life-threatening, substantial, medium-grade, or just irritating little buggers that never seem to die off? Problems can run the gamut, and, in some ways, we are born for trouble. For affliction does not come from
So, You Say You Have Problems, Huh? Read More »
I literally love the people in my church. And I’m not talking about the impersonal love that I’m commanded to exercise, either, the one the Bible clearly states we all ought to have for others. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without
The Value of Church Family Read More »
It’s hard work to raise a child. Parents know this from firsthand experience, but I’d argue that this is pretty much a universal sentiment that all can agree on, so this blog applies to everyone reading it. However, before we all nod our heads, there’s a qualification which needs to be made here. Given the
Surviving Kids Versus Raising Them Properly Read More »
Some might say that 53-years-old is “too young” to die. While by most accounts it is sooner than expected, I’d like to share another perspective for you to consider. I find it helps me whenever my heart settles on this sentiment. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. –
My Daughter-In-Law’s Mom Read More »