He chose us because…

What is the reason that one man is called [to salvation], and not another? It is from the eternal purpose of God. God’s decree gives the casting voice in man’s salvation. Let us then ascribe the whole work of grace to the pleasure of God’s will. God did not choose us because we were worthy, […]

“Unbroken” trailer

This is the new trailer for the movie “Unbroken,” which is scheduled to be released at Christmas. Additionally, the book by Laura Hillenbrand on which the movie is based is available as a Kindle ebook for $4.99. This is the cheapest I’ve ever seen the book in either a print or digital version, new or […]

The greatness and miserableness of man

…The conclusion, therefore, is that of Augustine, who said that the heart of man was created for God and that it cannot find rest until it rests in his Father’s heart. Hence all men are really seeking after God, as Augustine also declared, but they do not all seek Him in the right way, nor […]

If only we had known

If only he had known. If only Dominican Republic native Apolinar Garcia had known the striped cat was not a striped cat but a polecat. He had no animosity in mind when he picked up the “cat,” but the cat misinterpreted his intentions. So Garcia, a pitcher for a minor league baseball team, not only […]

Sermon: Christ on Trial

Christ on Trial 1 John 5:6-12 July 6, 2014 The darkest night of the disciples’ lives was the night of Jesus betrayal, arrest, and trial. They knew that Jesus was hated by many — the Pharisees and Sadducees rejected Him, Nazareth rejected Him, even His own siblings rejected Him. But to see Christ on trial […]

Louis Zamperini

Last summer I read the story of Louis Zamperini in Laura Hillenbrand’s book, Unbroken. “Read” is not the correct word. “Inhaled” would be better. “Devoured.” I couldn’t put it down. We were on vacation and my wife asked me one morning what I wanted to do that day and I responded something like, “It doesn’t […]

Really free

Today, on independence day, we like to celebrate freedom in America. And we do know a great many freedoms — like freedom of worship and freedom to speak the gospel and freedom from the harshest kinds of physical persecution. But those are not the greatest freedoms. The greatest freedom we know is the freedom we […]

Sermon: New Life in Christ: Victory

New Life in Christ: Victory 1 John 5:4-5 June 29, 2014 I went to my first Texas Ranger game sometime in the summer of 1972. As far as baseball goes, they were not very good that year, but they were my team and I loved to watch them. Even now, when I read their names […]

What Is Hell?

J. I. Packer answers this basic question: HT: Justin Taylor.

Sunday Leftovers: What God Desires in His People

God desires that His people submit to Him and obey Him. So Peter reminds his readers, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Pet 5:6). Because God is the sovereign King, His people are to submit to His authority and follow His dictates […]

Sermon: New Life in Christ: Faith, Love, and Obedience

New Life in Christ: Faith, Love, and Obedience 1 John 5:1-3 June 22, 2014 In late April/early May, 1989 I remember very distinctly walking out of a seminary classroom building, crossing the street that separated the campus from our apartment building and thinking, “I’ve taken my last exam; I’ve been taking tests in school for […]

Keep loving God

Question. How may we keep our love from going out? Answer. Watch your hearts every day. Take notice of the first declinings in grace. Observe yourselves when you begin to grow dull and listless, and use all means for quickening. Be much in prayer, meditation, and holy conference. When the fire is going out you […]

What kind of Father do you have?

Today is Father’s Day. What kind of father do you have? Did he mentor you? Did he offer good advice? Did he take an interest in you and give you direction and wise counsel as you considered major life decisions? Did he provide financially and physically for you? Did he protect you from harm? Did […]

Sermon: Love One Another, Part 3

Love One Another, Pt. 3 1 John 4:15-21 June 15, 2014 Some things that should be self-evident aren’t as obvious as we might suppose. When he was a football coach, Buddy Ryan was known as being a no-nonsense, tough-nosed coach. He learned well from his father, as an article from 1994 recounts: Leaving Korea as […]

Repentance and regret

There is an eternal difference between regret and repentance. Regret feels bad about past sins. Repentance turns away from past sins. Regret looks to our own circumstances. Repentance looks to God. Most of us are content with regret. We just want to feel bad for a while, have a good cry, enjoy the cathartic experience, […]