The spiritual gifts

The New Testament provides instruction about spiritual gifts in four primary passages: Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. The lists in each of these chapters differ both in content and length. But it is the shortest reference to spiritual gifts that helps us to understand the structure and nature of […]

Real spiritual growth is downward

“Humility is the product of ongoing repentance as one decides against, turns from, and by watching and praying seeks to steer clear of pride in all its forms. And as the battle against pride in the heart is lifelong, so humility should become an ever more deeply seated attitude of living at the disposal of […]

Dr. P in glory

Apart from my father, the man who personally influenced me the most in my preparation for ministry was J. Dwight Pentecost. Yesterday, three days after turning 99, he entered the presence of his beloved Lord and Savior. Dr. P, as he was affectionately known by all, was the first pastor I remember having. He was […]

Sunday Leftovers: the gifts of the Holy Spirit (tongues)

This morning we considered the sign gifts — the gifts given by the Holy Spirit that were to authenticate the apostolic and prophetic message and messengers — and particularly the gift of tongues, which is the most commonly practiced sign gift today. It is impossible to consider all the biblical teaching on the subject in […]

Sermon: The Gifts of the Spirit (tongues)

The Gifts of the Spirit, Pt. 3 1 Corinthians 14:1-28 April 27, 2014 Over the past two months, we’ve taken a brief excursus from our study of 1 John to study the work of the Holy Spirit. We did this because in 3:24 it says, “We know by this that He abides in us, by […]

Preparing for communion

In tomorrow morning’s worship service we will remember the death and resurrection of Christ through communion. Paul exhorts the Corinthian believers (1 Cor. 11:23-34) to examine themselves before taking the elements so that they do not take them in an unworthy manner and in so doing, invite the judgment of God on themselves. So self-examination […]

Shepherds’ Conference 2015 | the Cripplegate

Nathan Busenitz points out this morning that “next year’s Shepherds’ Conference promises to be one of the most memorable and impactful yet. If you’re thinking about coming, you should plan to register sooner than later. (The conference is already more than half full.)” Here is the brief promotional video: A website devoted to resources about […]

Going to the movies?

My wife and I don’t often go to see a movie in the theater. It’s not that I am fundamentally opposed to going to the movies; we will attend one or two movies a year. Rather, I’m too frugal (i.e., cheap) to pay $15-20 for something we can rent for $1 in a few months. […]

Sermon: He is Risen

He is Risen Mark 16:1-8 April 20, 2014 Some words are life-changing words. After they are uttered, the direction and course of one’s life is irrevocably changed. Words like the ones I said to Raye Jeanne a few months after we first met — “I love you.” Everything about our relationship changed after that. Words […]

Good Friday: “Why Have You Forsaken Me?”

“Why Have You Forsaken Me?” Mark 15:33-34 April 18, 2014 (Good Friday Communion Service) How do you estimate something’s value? If you own a home, you can have a property evaluator or insurance adjuster come to your home and give you and estimate of your property’s value. If you own a car, you can take […]

Spiritual disciplines for a lifetime of spiritual growth

When a counselee graduates from the discipleship counseling process, I encourage him to continue in the spiritual disciplines and patterns he has developed in the counseling process. Sometimes it is easy to forget the things that most help us walk with God, so I have put together a brief list of essentials for the spiritual […]

Have you seen your sin?

Anybody who lives beneath the Cross and who has discerned in the Cross of Jesus the utter wickedness of all men and of his own heart will find there is no sin that can ever be alien to him. Anybody who has once been horrified by the dreadfulness of his own sin that nailed Jesus […]

What’s on your mind?

Since it is true that there are certain things that should occupy our thoughts, it is also true that there are certain things that should have no place in our minds:

Reading Ruth

The theme of Ruth may be summed up by the word “redemption.” Gleason Archer writes, “Perhaps most important of all, this brief narrative is designed to exhibit the function of the…‘kinsman, redeemer.’” [A Survey of Old Testament Introduction, 267.] Additionally, there is an emphasis placed on the fact that Ruth is a foreigner (1:22; 2:2, […]

Sermon: “If Jesus Had Been Here…”

“If Jesus Had Been Here…” John 11:17-46 April 6, 2014 I was 15 the first time I remember looking into a casket and standing at a graveside. It was my grandfather and he died suddenly and without warning and I didn’t understand the implications then of what happened. It was my first funeral and I […]