What do you want the word of God to do in you?

When one thinks about Psalm 119, the theme of the Word of God obviously comes to mind. The Word of God is explained, its authority is exalted, and even God Himself is worshipped in the process of expounding the value of God’s Word. Yet in reading a portion of the psalm this morning, it was […]

Sunday Leftovers — the believer and good works

There are five succinct statements that identify the essential doctrinal issues that were bolstered by the Reformation: sola Scriptura — the Scripture alone is sufficient to produce salvation sola gratia — salvation is by grace alone sola fide — salvation is through faith alone sola Christus — salvation is by Christ alone soli deo gloria […]

Desiring God National Conference Audio and Video Now Available

The audio from the recent conference hosted by Desiring God, “Act the Miracle: God’s Work and Ours in the Mystery of Sanctification” is now available. Plenary sessions include messages by John Piper, Kevin DeYoung, Ed Welch, Jarvis Williams, and Russell Moore. Seminars included messages by David Mathis, Kevin DeYoung, R. W. Glenn, Fernando Ortega, Elyse […]

Trusting God, redux

After a man and a woman say, “I do,” they often spend the next days and weeks dreaming of what life might be like in 50 or more years. When a husband and wife get pregnant, they not only spend hours tossing names back and forth at each other, testing them to see if they […]

The church and truth

“but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15; NASB). Many years ago, my wife was able to go out of town […]

Changes at NANC

The National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC) has been served well for the past 15 years by the leadership of Randy Patten as its executive director. The past week, at its annual conference, NANC announced that its board …voted unanimously to elect Heath Lambert as executive director, the organization announced, Oct. 2. Lambert, who is […]

What is the church?

This post is part of a series of posts on the basics of systematic theology. Why do we need theology, and what are the essential truths to know about each doctrine? All the posts are archived under the category “Theology 101.” There are many perversions and corruptions of the church in contemporary culture. So […]

The primacy of prayer

Having lived during my college years in a military community, I’ve seen the stress of a husband and father separated from his family for six-month intervals. Such absences weigh heavily on all members of the family. One thing that becomes very important, then, is mail. It is the life-line of information and communication between these […]

Free Piper eBook — Preparing for Marriage

From Desiring God: Preparing well for marriage means asking hard questions. Getting to know that special someone includes learning about family and friends and schooling and athletics, favorite pastimes, books, movies, life’s best moments and worst, the brightest places in our background and the darkest. But what about theology? Ever think to ask about that? […]

Who is the Holy Spirit?

This post is part of a series of posts on the basics of systematic theology. Why do we need theology, and what are the essential truths to know about each doctrine? All the posts are archived under the category “Theology 101.” Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is fully God. He is […]

What’s your story of grace?

If you are a Christian — if you are a follower and lover of Jesus Christ — are you regularly, constantly, and presently aware of God’s grace in your life? How often do you think of God’s grace? How often do you meditate on what life might have been like without Christ? Are you quick […]

Who is Christ?

This post is part of a series of posts on the basics of systematic theology. Why do we need theology, and what are the essential truths to know about each doctrine? All the posts are archived under the category “Theology 101.” The importance of thinking rightly about the person of Christ was articulated well by […]

What do you think?

It’s a simple question. It will often be spoken at a car lot as a decision is about to be made. And a young man will ask his friend this question about the girl he is interested in taking on a first date. And a child will ask this of her mother as she wonders […]

To know God

“…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” (Philippians 3:10; NASB) We live in the age of information explosion. More information has been generated in the last three decades than in the previous 5,000 years. Over 4,000 books are published every […]

Are you happy?

Are you happy? Truly happy? Content with your life and circumstances? Are you free from anxiety and worry? Does your sleep pattern reflect that you are resting and trusting in God? The one who is truly happy is ultimately happy with God and His Word (Ps. 119:1-3). We live in a world that craves happiness. […]