Reading Philippians

In today’s Bible reading, we read the book of Philippians — a favored book of many because it is one of Paul’s most personal and intimate letters and strikes a strong note of encouragement to rejoice in Christ. Of note, joy is not only encouraged, but it is even something that is commanded — a […]

It left its first love

It was a church with an incredibly rich history. Founded by the apostle Paul along with Priscilla and Aquilla, it was first pastored by Timothy. And Jesus’ beloved disciple John was probably its “Pastor Emeritus.” It was the recipient of a letter from the apostle Paul that was rich in elegance and theology (and her […]

As a man thinks…

A quick trip to the local bookstore and even a superficial perusal of the food section will yield a plethora of books on dieting and eating designed to help the reader change his habits of consumption. The tenor of the books? “You are what you eat.” “Eat right to live right.” Or as is commonly […]

A little sleep, a little slumber…

A number of years ago, La-Z-Boy developed a new recliner: it had the “usual” amenities of a six-motor heated massager, a speaker phone, and holders for both drinks and chips. But for those who really wanted to indulge their quest for relaxation, they could also purchase one with a digital answering machine and built-in modem […]

Reading Ephesians

I have often said that my favorite book of the Bible is the book that I am currently preaching. And that means my current favorite is Ephesians — the book we have been reading in the Bible reading plan the past couple of days. Not only is Ephesians a great theological work, offering insight into […]

More about the ark — and the shroud, too

Not only has the ark been in the news lately, but so has the shroud of Turin. What are we to believe and think about these items? And how do they help our faith (or do they)? Al Mohler ponders these relics this morning — and the appropriate response to them by evangelicals. Among his […]

Your soul’s best interest

Our Scripture reading this morning included some of Solomon’s counsel to his son — Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always. Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off. (Prov. 23:17-18) There is a relationship, this wise father advises, between an […]

Has Noah’s ark been found?

I think it was 30 or more years ago that I first heard a report that Noah’s ark was found on Mt. Ararat. Since then other discoveries have been claimed, including one a couple of weeks ago as reported by numerous news sources including FOX News and National Geographic. The question is whether or not […]

God’s love for His own

Romans 7 speaks of the problem of indwelling sin in the life of the believer. He has a new disposition that wants to do good, but he still has the nature of the flesh that does the things he does not want to do (and doesn’t do the things he wants to do). But thanks […]

Dry and thirsty?

Many years ago, my brother and I went on a hiking expedition in the Cleveland National Forest in Southern California. Unfortunately, we were ill-equipped for the day. What began as a cool, refreshing, spring-like morning quickly developed into a hot, parching, dead-of-summer day. Soon I was overcome with the most overwhelming drive to quench my […]

There are Canaanites in the land!

The story of Israel in the book of Joshua is triumphal and victorious. It is filled with obedience, worship, and delight in God. The story of Israel in the book of Judges is sorrow and defeat. Judges is everything that Joshua isn’t. It is a book of disobedience, idolatrous worship, and rejection of God. And […]

Sunday Leftovers (4/18/10)

My first semester of seminary, I took a church history course that was taught by a gentle-looking, long-tenured, dry-speaking professor who appeared to be on the cusp of retirement. The required text was as plain, unassuming and dry as the professor. It wasn’t long before I was lost in an avalanche of dates, names, and […]

God, the promise keeper

Being a truth teller is fundamental to godly character (Ps. 15:2b). Where truthfulness is absent, godliness is absent. That’s one reason why it is so important to keep promises. A promise-keeper is a God emulator. For God keeps His word. He always has. He always will. And this passage is one demonstration of that truth. […]

Sunday Leftovers (4/11/10)

This morning, concluding a message on Ephesians 4:13 — a consideration of how we might work to see spiritual maturity developed in all our relationships — I offered a number of implications of that text. They are as follows — This is going to influence the way we structure ministry — we will always value […]

The best inheritance

They may not have been adopted by any legislature, but the “Toddler Property Laws” are just as real, nonetheless. If I like it, it’s mine. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine. If I can take it from you, it’s mine. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine. If it is mine, […]