Theology for the Glory of God
Robust theology must produce vibrant doxology.
The more we apprehend God’s intrinsic glory, the more we will ascribe glory to Him. The greater our knowledge of God, the greater will be our worship of Him. A high view of God will invoke high praise for Him. The person who grows to know God more deeply will praise Him more fervently. ... Continue Reading
How Can Jesus Live in a Sinner Like Me?
He still longs to enter into the life of sinners. He still loves sinners.
He’s shown himself to be one who, although without sin and perfect in every way, can dwell with sinners. So now, with us as his people, it’s true, we are very sinful. But take heart, he hasn’t changed. He still longs to enter into the life of sinners. He still loves sinners. And because of such... Continue Reading
Why You Shouldn’t Give Up on the Church
The exodus from the church stems from a lack of understanding of the true heart, function, and mission of the church.
God has gifted us by his Spirit for the benefit of the local church (1 Cor. 12:7). Your local church is the place where God intends those he has rescued from diverse backgrounds to be “baptized into one body” (1 Cor. 12:13). Our friendships with Christians outside the context of the local church are good... Continue Reading
If Your Question Begins “How Much…” It is Probably the Wrong Question
Jesus is not interested in a couple of hours on a Sunday. He doesn’t want part of your salary. He wants you.
Instead of reaching for ‘how much…’ questions, we are better asking, ‘what does Jesus deserve from me?’ We should take the focus off what we will do for Jesus, as though we are paying him back, and instead ask ourselves what Jesus deserves from us. Again, any answer that falls short of our whole selves... Continue Reading
Feed My Sheep
With respect to the things of God, for the most part, we are like sheep—somewhat dense.
A shepherd is not called to offer pop psychology. Self-help only heals the wound of the daughter of Zion lightly. The only thing under heaven that will nurture the sheep is the Word of God. That is the food God’s people desperately need if they are going to grow. “Come and have breakfast,” Jesus... Continue Reading
Prayer Tips: Keeping Attentive
Prayer is often one of the most difficult spiritual endeavors, a challenge caused by varying circumstances and reasons.
Keeping attentive in prayer isn’t simply about carving out some time in one’s schedule. Rather, keeping attentive in prayer must stem from a heart always in communion with God and a mind always prepared for battle. It is these two characteristics of a believer that should drive an attentive and diligent prayer life. They... Continue Reading
Biblical Beliefs Take A Nose Dive
What has led to this dramatic decline in traditional Christian beliefs and values in such a short period of time?
If the Christian church is to have any hope of reversing this decline in biblical beliefs, it must make solid biblical theology a central focus of its preaching. Biblical theology is not something that can be absorbed via osmosis – it must be taught, intentionally and incrementally. A newly released American study draws attention... Continue Reading
Finding Our Champion: A Biblical Theology of David and Goliath
Goliath becomes a part of the serpent’s warfare against God’s purposes and people, and thus it is fitting that he dies from a head wound.
We can see ourselves in the Israelites, who are inspired by David’s victory to join in the fight and plunder (1 Sam. 17:52–53). Not only are we meant to be recipients of the great substitutionary work of the man “in between,” we are also meant to join in his fight. With apologies to Malcolm Gladwell,... Continue Reading
Divine Therapy
Where there is religious choice, congregants are always in danger of tilting towards being customers, and churches towards being spiritual boutiques, presenting themselves as the answer to particular needs or desires.
Being overwhelmed by a vision of a great God at the center of all things is ultimately the only antidote to confusing the needs of ourselves as creatures with the meaning of life. While the pathologies of our culture—from materialism to sexual confusion—each have their own distinctives, the solution is ultimately the same: a vision... Continue Reading
Elders Matter — The Mars Hill Debacle Is Proof
Without a biblical ecclesiology in place, the visionary leader is able to get his way through manipulation and guilt, and if necessary, will remove any and all who oppose him.
If elders and ministers are to rule the church in the name and with the authority of Christ, treating their fellow sheep as divine image-bearers, then it should be perfectly clear that their primary job is to ensure that God’s word is properly preached, that God’s sacraments are properly administered, and that in everything they... Continue Reading
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