Why the attributes of God are important

I was in a meeting yesterday where part of the topic was how to help people grow in their understanding of the nature and character of God through a reflection on His attributes. Since then I’ve been thinking about my next sermon series and the first sermon in that series in particular and a focus […]

When the gospel is dishonored

The gospel inherently is honorable. But the gospel can be dishonored by those who believe it, or purport to believe it. David Powlison elaborates: Free grace — past, present, and future — is effective grace. It intends to change us from our sins in the midst of our sufferings. The gracious Master, who learned obedience […]

Biblical counseling training

This fall, our church (Grace Bible Church) will again be hosting a biblical counselor training conference. The 30-hour training, done over 3 weekends during the months of September, October, and November, fulfills the basic training requirement to become certified as a biblical counselor by NANC. The conference is very inexpensive ($75 for all three weekends) […]

Sunday Leftovers (6/26/11)

Tychicus was a faithful servant (lit., “deacon”). Don’t read over those words too quickly, assuming that it is a standard and ordinary commendation for a friend. Only two men in the NT receive this commendation, or the similar “faithful slave” — Tychicus (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7) and Epaphras (Col. 1:7). This, then, is a remarkable […]

Back from vacation

We have recently returned from vacation. Our daughter is now a registered student at Texas A&M (the first part of the vacation) and we have returned from 10 days of R&R in New Mexico. Lots of games, reading, movies & popcorn, walking, the creation of an art website for Elizabeth (she did the work; I […]

Praying Ephesians 6

Lord, you have invited — no, commanded — us to always pray with every kind of prayer, acknowledging our dependence on you. So we come to you this day in submission to the Spirit of God and seeking His wisdom and His intercession on our behalf. And we pray not only for ourselves, but we […]

The power of the gospel

Of First Importance publishes a quote each day that relates to the power of the gospel. Here are a few recent ones that have particularly encouraged my heart: I never despair of anyone becoming a decided Christian, whatever he may have been in days gone by. I know how great the change is from death […]

Sunday Leftovers (6/5/11)

A Christian in ancient Rome was being pursued by a lion. He ran through the city streets and into the woods, dodging back and forth among the trees. Finally it became obvious that it was hopeless. The lion was going to catch him. So he turned suddenly, faced the beast, and dropped to his knees. […]

When criticized

David was in a tough spot. His son Absalom was after his throne and his life. He was led to believe by a dishonest counselor that Mephibosheth, the son of his beloved Jonathan and the one for whom he had cared for many years, had turned against him also (cf. 16:3-5; 19:24-25). Those he loved […]

More Kindle book deals

If you own a Kindle, there are many deals on good, biblical books to be found this weekend. Among them: Church Planter by Darrin Patrick – $2.99 Think by John Piper – $2.99 Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef – $2.99 The Attributes of God by A.W. Pink – $0.99 Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper – $1.99 […]

Thinking and praying about Sunday

As I was preparing for Sunday morning’s sermon, I came across a number of helpful statements about prayer, including these three: “No heart can conceive that treasury of mercies which lies in this one privilege, in having liberty and ability to approach unto God at all times, according to His mind and will.” [John Owen] […]

Free audio book: A Place of Healing

Christian Audio’s free book download this month is Joni Eareckson Tada’s A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God’s Sovereignty. I listened to one chapter of it several months ago and was very encouraged by it. This looks to be a very beneficial book.

John Piper’s Think eBook on sale

Here is a good deal on a great book: John Piper’s excellent book Think is on sale (eBook) for $2.99 at Amazon’s Kindle Store. They’ll have this price for a while, but it won’t be permanent, so it would be best to act soon!

When a boy is born blind…

How will the father of a blind boy respond when his pastor preaches on John 9 — the story of the man born blind? Watch the interview of the pastor, John Piper, with his church member, John Knight, for one redemptive example. This will not only be helpful for those with disabilities or family members […]

Living a life of faith

“Taking up the shield of faith…” Paul says (Eph. 6:16). His words are an encouragement exhortation to trust the Lord in all things. We safely nod in agreement, but all too often our lives reveal a different source of trust. We trust ourselves, our reason, our strength, our intuition, our sight. And, should our hearts […]