Pragmatism Isn’t the Problem
The problem isn’t only external. The problem lurks in our own hearts.
Faithfulness in ministry may mean displeasing a colleague, a mentor, or a training group that embraces more pragmatic methods. If our solitary aim is to please him who enlisted us (2 Tim. 2:4), we will do well. Faithfulness is its own reward. In The Devil’s Dictionary, the satirist Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) defined dishonesty as “an... Continue Reading
Stop Assuming Jesus Is in Your Corner
People from a wide variety of beliefs hold that Jesus was, at the very least, moving the same direction they are.
No one, most especially his disciples, spent any time around Jesus without being made to feel uncomfortable. That’s a good test of whether we have encountered the Jesus of the Bible: Am I challenged and convicted, as well as loved and saved? If ‘90s trends are truly back, it’s about time we dusted off... Continue Reading
Strange Lyre: The Idols of Intensity and Extemporaneity
Ironically, when we pursue intensity in worship, we have shifted the focus from God Himself to a supposed experience of God.
Errors are only compelling to the degree that they contain some vital truth, now heavily distorted. The truth is that both extemporaneity and some form of intense spiritual experience are part of true, living Christianity. The problem is when the experience of intensity is sought for its own sake, and when the method of extemporaneity... Continue Reading
J. I. Packer on “Impressions”
God ordinarily guides his children in their decision-making through Bible-based wisdom.
Those who are being “led by the Spirit” into humble holiness will also be “led by the Spirit” in evaluating their impressions, and so they will increasingly be able to distinguish the Spirit’s nudges from impure and improper desire. J.I. Packer’s essay, “Guidance: How God Loves Us,” in God’s Plans for Us (Wheaton: Crossway, 2001),... Continue Reading
What Can God Do With Broken Hearts?
His specialty is bringing much from little, beauty from ashes, strength from weakness.
God delights to use what has been broken. He delights to display his power through what is weak, to display his strength through what is small, to display his glory through what has been shattered. God has a special place in his heart for the weak, the weary, the downtrodden, the broken. “Come to... Continue Reading
What Is the Kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God will be ruled by God’s appointed Messiah, who will be not just the Redeemer of His people, but their King.
John Calvin said it is the task of the church to make the invisible kingdom visible. We do that by living in such a way that we bear witness to the reality of the kingship of Christ in our jobs, our families, our schools, and even our checkbooks, because God in Christ is King over... Continue Reading
Our Suffering Profits Us and Benefits Others
God is the potter, and we are the clay. He will use the pain of suffering to mold us.
There is no power in our strength, but there is much power in our weakness—God’s power—made infinitely more visible and glorious against the backdrop of our frail humanity. I am convinced that the more trials we endure, the more opportunities God will give us to comfort those who will have to walk where we have... Continue Reading
We Need Old Hymns: God Moves in a Mysterious Way
Pure Gold for Suffering Saints
The world is groaning, we are groaning, but God is protecting us, forging our faith on the anvil of affliction because of his love for us and because of a passion for his own glory. Charles Spurgeon once said that God’s sovereignty is a doctrine for rough weather; “God Moves” is a hymn for stormy... Continue Reading
Jesus’ Ministry to a Lipreader
Jesus’ ability and intentionality to adapt the communication of grace to this one particular man is astounding.
We should learn to minister to others around us with Jesus’ kind of intentional and purposeful compassion. We need to “speak the language” of our hearers so they will know the love of Christ and most effectively hear his word. Even preachers can learn from the account a little something more of how to minister... Continue Reading
Steady on, Christian
What is your only comfort in life and death?
Your comfort is found in your belonging to Christ. Hairs may fall from your head, but they will not do so apart from the will of your heavenly Father. It is He who loves you, not the CDC or anyone else. So be steady, find your comfort in Him, and then live for His glory.... Continue Reading
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