I was thinking this morning about some of my friends in church leadership who have been critiqued recently for not leading well and strongly enough. Others have been accused of being too autocratic and not collegial enough in their leadership style. Below is a short portion of a sermon from John Charles Ryle, an evangelical, … Continue reading When You are Misunderstood or Maligned as a Leader
A Word to College Students and Churches Who Love Them
For ten years, I served as a pastor of a church in a college town. Our church loved our students and a number of our families adopted students to show and share with them the love of Christ during their formative student days. I would urge new college students to work to find a church … Continue reading A Word to College Students and Churches Who Love Them
The Normal Christian Life Involves Suffering
Though many in the evangelical church in America today will tell you differently, the normal Christian life involves suffering and afflictions. The apostles galvanized the first century disciples with this reality check: "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom" (Acts 14:22). When we are called to face this reality personally, let us not be … Continue reading The Normal Christian Life Involves Suffering
Charles Simeon, John Wesley and the Doctrines of Grace
I came across this piece while reading an old sermon on Romans 8. Here's Charles Simeon’s record of a conversation he had with John Wesley: "‘Sir, I understand that you are called an Arminian; and I have sometimes been called a Calvinist; and therefore I suppose we are to draw daggers. But before I consent … Continue reading Charles Simeon, John Wesley and the Doctrines of Grace
When Discouragement and Despair Knock at Your Door
“All progress in the Christian life depends upon a recapitulation (an act or instance of summarizing and restating the main points of something) of the original terms of one’s acceptance with God” (John Stott, The Cross of Christ, p. 27). This delightful quote points us to an enduring remedy for all our ills, even that … Continue reading When Discouragement and Despair Knock at Your Door
True Security – Proverbs 18:10
Proverbs 18:10 – The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. What do I see in this text for which I can praise the Lord? True security is found only in the LORD. Again, this name of God (Yahweh) reminds me that the one true living … Continue reading True Security – Proverbs 18:10
When Life Overwhelms – A Simple Prayer for Pentecost Sunday
This coming Sunday we celebrate an important event in redemptive history... the time when Jesus sent the "other helper" who would live within us and empower us for service. Almighty Father we come to you in the blessed name of our Savior Jesus Christ. You have been sending your Spirit for a long time. You sent your … Continue reading When Life Overwhelms – A Simple Prayer for Pentecost Sunday
How Do You Develop a Spiritual Friendship in Marriage?
Click here for a link to a PDF file entitled "Developing Spiritual Friendship in Marriage
Is Beauty the Beast? What does the Bible say?
Key Verses: Proverbs 11:16, 22; 30:18-20; 31:30 In the hearts of women and men, there is a God-given longing to be seen and enjoyed as beautiful or handsome without being used. However, ever since the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive (Genesis 6:2) and came into them (v.4), physical beauty … Continue reading Is Beauty the Beast? What does the Bible say?
A Challenge to All Married Men or Those Soon to be Married
How do you deal with disappointment and difficulty in marriage? If you have been married for any length of time, you have had to learn how to deal with disappointment and difficulty in living together as a married couple working hard to keep your vows. This morning I am in the midst of finalizing a … Continue reading A Challenge to All Married Men or Those Soon to be Married
