Christian Liberty
Christians with hearts aflame for God come in all shapes, sizes, and practices of liberties.
The doctrine of Christian liberty can be abused by careless Christians who misunderstand and/or misuse the doctrine. Paul comes to the rescue here. Note his words in Galatians 5:13: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Peter... Continue Reading
Two Pastors, Two Fathers, Two Sons
A Father’s Day Tribute to Fathers
In 1957 Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith wrote a Father’s Day proposal accusing Congress of ignoring fathers for 40 years and singling out only one parent, mothers, for honor. President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. In 1972 President Richard Nixon signed it into law as a permanent holiday. ... Continue Reading
Missionary Envy
Each calling has its own advantages and disadvantages, its blessings and its struggles.
When your missionaries come into town, know that their struggles are real. They are broken sinners in need of the message they are bringing to others and they need encouragement. Missionary envy is real. Remember that they have their own issues of envy with you, just like you might envy them for their courage, their... Continue Reading
I Tweaked a Spurgeon Quote, Am I a Politically Correct Sell-Out?
I’ll tweak a quote from the Prince of Preachers if it means we better hear the voice of the King of Kings.
There is a difference between being cautious and sensitive and changing words which could needlessly provide offense. It’s not unmanly or cowardly to work towards this. It’s being pastoral and caring. It’s an effort to meet people where they are. Where we have a problem is when people begin changing the meaning of a text... Continue Reading
Stay Faithful to Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:1-15)
Stay faithful to Jesus by clinging to the gospel and resisting false teaching.
What does Satan use to draw people away from Jesus? False teaching. Lies about God. It’s what Satan used in the Garden of Eden, and it’s what he continues to use today. Notice what Paul says about the serpent: he uses cunning or trickery. He’s very good at getting us to believe things that are... Continue Reading
4 Misconceptions About Resurrection…And the Truth
Since Jesus is the firstfruits of those who are yet to come, if we trust in Christ, we too will one day have transformed, resurrected bodies.
What is resurrection? As my father and I state in the updated Evidence that Demands A Verdict, resurrection is a return to physical life. But it is not a return to the present physical existence with all its limitations. Resurrected bodies are transformed, incorruptible, and eternal (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). Not long ago, I was... Continue Reading
Why Do We Need Sound Doctrine?
How do we produce mature believers? Sound doctrine.
Just as you physically grow by eating and drinking, our Lord wants us to nourish ourselves on the words of sound biblical doctrine. This is how Christians are to be equipped for the work of the ministry––by learning to abide in the Word. You become like John describes in 1 John 2:14, “You are strong... Continue Reading
Living in Important Times
This Sunday counts in terms of who you teach and how you teach, your prayers for the souls of the saints and the unsaved are of increíble moment.
The New Testament is clear that the local gatherings of believers are the means by which God does his work of building the kingdom. Being a member of a biblical church, fulfilling the commitments which that entails, joyfully joining our voices with brothers and sisters from the same vicinity is a powerful and persuasive tool... Continue Reading
Hard Questions Will Only Serve Him: A New Dawn for Christian Apologetics
In the area of sexuality, as in every other area of apologetics, Jesus lies at the heart of the answer.
We believe that marriage is one man and one woman for life because it models Christ’s love for his church (Ephesians 5:22–33). We believe that the scientific method works because the universe is sustained by the all-powerful word of God (Hebrews 1:3). We believe in love across racial and cultural difference because one day people... Continue Reading
Architectural Metaphors for the Christian Life
When Jesus comes to establish our lives on the only sure foundation, we would be fools to build anywhere else (Matt. 7:26).
No matter how fine the materials of a ministry appear, the important question is, Will it last? Durability is the key. Paul’s sustainability test was much more an assessment of the worker himself. Does he trust the Master’s means, or is he wise in his own eyes? Ministry built by faithful workers committed to an... Continue Reading
