For college students: this one thing I do

In contrast to the fabled “freshman five,” here is a “freshman 15” that is really good for all first-year college students (and high school students, and grad students, and well, anyone). Pastor Jeff Brewer suggests 15 ways to glorify God as an incoming freshman. If the first principle is practiced well, then the others will […]

Inexpensive audio books

Christian Audio has a number of books on sale for $0.98 through the end of the month. Several of the books are pamphlets (including ones by John Piper and John MacArthur). Additionally, the full length book All of Grace by Charles Spurgeon and a collection of the best sermons of Jonathan Edwards are available. Go […]

Afflicted for the sake of comfort

I don’t recall where I first heard this principle, but after 20+ years in ministry, I believe it is true: in every seat in every sanctuary is a person with a sad story or heartache. Talk to anyone for any significant length of time and ask the right kinds of questions and you will find […]

William Carey – expect great things from God

William Carey was the man who not only uttered the statement “expect great things from God, attempt great things for God,” but also with his life guided by that principle, launched much of what we know as the modern missions movement. (Interestingly, the sermon in which that statement was made is not in print anywhere, […]

Book blurbs

In the interest of “something is better than nothing,” here are a few blurbs and comments on some books I’ve recently completed reading: Title: Don’t Call it a Comeback: The Old Faith for a New Day Author: Kevin DeYoung (ed.) Publisher: Crossway, 2011; 252 pp. $16.99 Recommendation (4-star scale): Kevin DeYoung is fast becoming one […]

Cultivate fear

In his recent book, Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself, Joe Thorn exhorts himself (and us) to develop godly fear in place of worldly fear: What should you fear in life above a holy God who forgives the sins of unholy men like yourself? What can be taken from you? Your possessions […]

My daughter is leaving for college tomorrow

I’ve been thinking about this weekend for a couple of years. I’m proud of her. I’m happy for her. I’m astounded at the grace of God in her life that is making it possible for her to go to this school. I’m going to miss her terribly.

Grab bag

Some helpful articles from the last week: Lately I’ve been preaching and writing quite a bit about the gospel for believers. Here is a prayer from Scotty Smith to preach the gospel to ourselves. Alan Jacobs is an excellent essayist. I have read one of his collections of writings and another awaits reading on my […]

After jury duty

I spent the first two days of this week serving our community in the juror’s box. On Monday I was part of the selection process for two different juries before eventually being seated as a member of the second jury. I’ve been called for jury duty before but never had the privilege of sitting on […]

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 […]

Free Kindle book — Ten Questions

One of my favorite books on the spiritual life is now available for free on the Kindle — Don Whitney’s book Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual. This is an excellent resource to help determine the condition of your heart. I highly recommend it.

Principles of sanctification

There is much that might be said about sanctification, but here are a few key principles to remember about progressing in faith and growing in Christlikeness (derived primarily from 1 Peter 1:13-16): Sanctification is the natural outgrowth of the gospel and being saved by Christ. Sanctification is not a means of receiving grace but an […]

Sunday Leftovers (8/7/11) – Sanctification

When communicating the gospel to unbelievers, it is tempting to make conversion the end of the conversation. That is, it is possible to be so concerned about the salvation of the individual that we ignore what happens to the convert after his salvation decision. But God cares about what happens to us after our salvation. […]

Two encouragements to pray

I know of no one who is completely satisfied with his prayer life. All could pray more and more effectively. Even when fellowship with Christ in prayer is good, the godly man desires more of that fellowship — just as a husband and wife seek more and greater fellowship with each other even when (especially […]

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 […]