Pay attention

On a ball field or in the stands, there is a universal warning of imminent danger: “heads up!” Ignore the warning, and you are in danger of being struck by an incoming projectile. In the classroom, the warning generally is given with the words, “Pay attention!” It serves as a subtle indicator that information is […]

The ascended Christ

On first reading, it seems like just a simple statement in a story. We know that the sentence reveals an event that is important, but the real significance of the words is not readily apparent. “And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received […]

Sunday Leftovers — Resources for Elders

For the last four weeks, we’ve been studying the role of elders in the church and the qualifications of elders. In addition to the commentaries I read weekly, here are some resources I’ve found helpful in my study: Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership: This is an excellent book; it is extensive and detailed in its analysis […]

Why trust God?

When in difficulty, it is tempting to despair. We look at life through dark-colored lenses and see only trouble and no hope. We see only trial and persecution and no deliverance. We might say with David (Psalm 57): My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, Even the sons […]

A better way to listen to sermons on iTunes

I have been using iTunes to listen to sermons for several years — first on an iPod and now on an iPhone. In fact, most of what I listen to on my iPhone is sermons, and therein lies a small problem. I turn off my phone most evenings in order to conserve the battery, but […]

Grab bag

Some helpful articles from around the internet: Justin Taylor offers “Eight Reasons Why My Anxiety is Pointless and Foolish.” In “Pray the Scriptures,” Scotty Smith confesses, I am a recovering self-centered pragmatic pray-er — a believer who spent many of my first years in Christ thinking of God more as a sugar daddy than the […]

Do you love Jesus?

More than 25 years ago, Raye Jeanne and I met. Our relationship was progressing fairly rapidly and I was trying to sort out my thoughts about her and us while at the same time feeling an emotional pull in a particular direction. There was a topic I wanted to address with her, but knew that […]

His blood bleeds the Bible

Every elder should be able to teach (1 Tim. 3:2). He ought to have a firm grasp of Scripture so that not only is his own life founded on Scripture, but everything he does and says is rooted in biblical truth. But this is not peculiar to the pastor. This is the livelihood of every […]

Needed: a higher standard of holiness

Almost 150 years ago, J. C. Ryle wrote what I need to hear today (and every day): Is it not true that we need a higher standard of personal holiness in this day? Where is out patience? Where is our zeal? Where is our love? Where are our works? Where is the power of religion […]

“My Father and Your Father…”

One of the joys of reading Scripture is stumbling across the unexpected in the midst of the familiar. For instance, while we are well acquainted with the resurrection account, there are some unexpected treasures in the midst of the miraculous. Consider this statement by Jesus to Mary in the garden: “Stop clinging to Me, for […]

The magnitude of Christ’s works

“Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30–31, NASB) The love of […]

Free audiobook: Resolving Everyday Conflict

This month’s free audiobook at Christianaudio is Ken Sande’s book, Resolving Everyday Conflict. Sande has written numerous books and pamphlets on conflict resolution; this is an excellent introduction to the larger Peacemaker, as it provides the essential principles without overwhelming the reader/listener with too much data. It’s a very accessible and helpful book.

Open my eyes

A couple of months ago, I printed and inserted a copy of John Piper’s brief I.O.U.S. prayer and inserted it into the Bible that I use for my morning Bible reading. It is a daily reminder that I need the Lord to move my heart towards Him and I need the Lord to give me […]

I need time in God’s Word

From Lou Priolo, “The Spirit and the Word:” “I’ve met an astounding number of Christians who believe they can grow in grace apart from regular and continuous time in the Word (i.e., Bible reading, study, memorization, meditation, and active listening to Bible preaching and teaching). At the risk of overstating my argument, let me say […]

The cure for your disease

Knowing the cure tells you a lot about the gravity of the disease. In the cross we see what was needed to cure the wound of sin, and we see what lengths God was willing to go to cure it. Thus we see its true character as something so reprehensible to God, as something so […]