How Do You “Study” the Bible?
An easy “step by step” guide that will aid and enrich your time in Scripture.
Once you stand up from your study, your goal is not to leave those truths in the Bible, but to carry them away inside of your heart for a life time. One of the best ways to solidify truth in your heart is to meditate on it throughout the day. Biblical study is also not... Continue Reading
God is our Refuge and Strength
We all need a refuge, and because we do, Psalm 46 is good news.
We might look at Psalm 46 and see God as a stronghold when times are tough. When the money is lean or the health isn’t right. When the relationships are falling away and the future is uncertain. But we must also look at it and recognize that all of us were once under the just... Continue Reading
Meditation on Preparing to Enjoy the Lord’s Day
It is a blessing appointed for man, not a burden which man must observe and endure.
The blessings of the Lord’s Day are received by faith, as are all the blessings of redemption. So shake yourself free from the worries, work, and worldliness of this present age. Lift up your heads and behold your God. Delight yourself in the Son and the gift of his grace. Be filled with his Spirit,... Continue Reading
The Salt of Seasoned Speech
Choose right words spoken the right way at the right time for the right reasons.
We have been saved by the “word of life” that brought us to Christ; therefore, Christians need to speak words of life even in the most challenging situations. Jesus said, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ ” (Matt. 5:37). Speak truth truthfully and lovingly even when addressing difficult subjects. Do not choose words that destroy,... Continue Reading
The Lost Awe of Majesty
Why I Love an Overlooked Attribute
Majesty, in particular, is emotive, or affective. It indicates greatness in sight or sound that is also wonderful. Bigness that is beautiful. Imposing size that is viewed with delight, imposing power received as attractive. While having significant overlap with divine dominion or lordship, majesty does more. Dominion and lordship are more technical and prosaic; majesty rings more poetic, with the awe of worship. In 1977, California pastor Jack... Continue Reading
From Everlasting to Everlasting
Book Review: Will Dobbie’s From Everlasting to Everlasting: Every Believer’s Biography
I found From Everlasting to Everlasting a particular pleasure to read, almost like the pleasure of reading a novel that was especially meaningful in my childhood. It was a joy to be reminded of the wonder of how God saves his people and to reaffirm how so much depends upon rightly ordering these steps. It was a... Continue Reading
Law and Gospel in Moral Reasoning
God loves His law by which He rules us as much as He loves His gospel by which He saves us.
The only hope of being delivered from the tyranny of ever-changing, man-made standards of righteousness is to be clearly committed to and advocates of God’s one, unchanging standard as summarized in the Ten Commandments. Without this, Christian moral reasoning is lost and virtue and righteousness will be dictated by the most effective mob. But, understanding... Continue Reading
One Word That Explains Why Your Salvation in Christ Is Secure
Understanding the word imputation is essential to resting in Christ.
Next time you are plagued by feelings of guilt, fear of God’s anger, or a sense that you don’t measure up to his standards, recall that Christ has already met those standards on your behalf—“irrevocably, immutably and indefectibly” (Fesko, p. 278). And remember this verse, whose truths flow from this perfect imputation of Christ’s perfect... Continue Reading
Triage in the Trenches
When Do Second-Tier Issues Divide?
In doctrinal terms, certain doctrines (first tier) are essential for the life of the church. If you deny such a doctrine, you lack life; you’re outside the Christian faith. Other doctrines (second tier) are essential for the health of the church. If you deny such a doctrine, it doesn’t mean you’re spiritually dead, but instead... Continue Reading
Sanctification: Christlikeness Amid Suffering
Sanctification as a Whole—Both Purification and Endurance
Sanctification is a process. Give yourself the freedom to grow rather than expecting yourself to have arrived because you’ve understood some things. This is another way to protect your heart in the process of growing so that you experience sanctification as the gift God intends it to be. Sanctification may come across as a fancy... Continue Reading
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