Sin speaks

We are familiar with the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:7 — “…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” But reading that verse, we might wonder, “Christ is so […]

Who sinned?

In A View from a Zoo, Gary Richmond tells about the birth of a giraffe: The first things to emerge are the baby giraffe’s front hooves and head. A few minutes later the plucky newborn calf is hurled forth, falls ten feet, and lands on its back. Within seconds, he rolls to an upright position […]

Looking for a truth to stimulate gratitude?

Here is a truth to encourage gratitude this Thanksgiving Day: “There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us.” [Richard Sibbes] HT: Of First Importance.

Do friends let friends sin?

There is a cultural sentiment that if you love someone then you will not confront that person’s sinful choices. To do so is profoundly unloving, the thinking goes. Yet if we love one another, we will still abhor sin and cling to everything good (Rom. 12:9). And that is true of our relationships as well. […]

This will take away your confidence

Thomas Watson, reflecting on Hebrews 4:16 articulates what encourages and what hinders a believer coming boldly into the presence of God: Holiness gives us boldness with God. ‘Thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.’ Job 22:23, 26. Lifting up the face is an emblem of […]

Book of the Month — a Rare Jewel

The book of the month in our church bookstore is Jeremiah Burroughs’ work, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. I first read this book several years ago over the period of several months in my devotional time. It was a blessing and challenge to be exhorted towards contentment every morning for those 10-12 weeks. As […]

Founded on the gospel

I almost missed it. This morning, my Bible reading began in 2 Chronicles. And there, tucked into the account of the construction of the Temple in Israel was a little gem of grace that I just about skipped past. And then my rememberer worked. Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in […]

Moore on temptation

At the conclusion of his book, Tempted and Tried, Russell Moore offers this statement about the “benefits” of temptation: I hope you recognize the satanic offers that come to you for self-directed provision or protection or exaltation. I hope you see how our Lord Jesus can intercede for you, how the Spirit can fight through […]

God’s knowledge: a grace for sinners

Awareness of the knowledge of God is a preventative for sin. But God’s knowledge of us is also a grace to us, as Thomas Watson explains: The infiniteness of God’s knowledge is a comfort, in case the saints have not a clear knowledge of themselves. They find so much corruption, that they judge they have […]

God’s knowledge: a preventative for sin

Keeping out of sin sometimes sounds easier than it is. After a passionate sermon on Sunday morning, it might seem inconceivable that one would ever knowingly choose sin again. But after a series of offenses from a boss on Monday afternoon, sin might seem the only viable and rational response. How can we keep from […]

Sunday Leftovers (7/10/11)

One writer has observed about the tendency not only of our culture but even believers, “We are willing to worship God only if God makes us safe. Thus you get the silly question, ‘How does a good God let bad things happen to good people?’” Too many want God only for the safety and comfort […]

Weakness and the Gospel

How do you respond when you are weak — maybe it was your sin, maybe it was someone else’s sin against you, but your humanity is being demonstrated in bold colors for all to see through your situation. Pastor Erik Raymond addresses that very question through a meditation on the life of Adonijah: But what […]

The canary in the coal mine

Michael Wittmer recently made an observation, asked a question, and drew an application about sexual sin: There is something about sexual sin that ruins the minds of previously healthy people.… Why is sexual sin a gateway to this smorgasbord of lethal debauchery?… Sexual sin is the canary in the coal mine, the first sign that […]

The biggest problem in your marriage

While talking with my NANC supervisor yesterday about a couple with marital problems that I am counseling, he said I should remind them, “you think the biggest problem in your marriage is your spouse and you; the biggest problem in your marriage is you and God.” And isn’t that always one of the root issues […]

What do you think of sin?

It is a temptation to think lightly of sin — to ignore it, overlook it, and dismiss it. The temptation is to consider its consequences as insignificant and unimportant. Those who are broken, penitent, contrite, and grieved are considered to be over-reacting and morose. “It’s just not that bad,” too many think. Yet there is […]