A little boy had a part in the school play. It was but one line, “It is I, be not afraid.” Unfortunately, when it came time for his big moment, the boy burst out to the stage from the side curtain, and said in a tremulous voice: “It’s me and I’m scared!” But Jesus has … More Fear is a Heart Killer
I am still culling through old files. Today, I found a copy of a handout I created to help my students distinguish between what they need to do in their studies and what they need to do in their pulpits. Thanks to Dr. Walt Kaiser and Dr. Haddon Robinson, for their books, Toward an Exegetical … More Exegetical vs. Homiletical Big Ideas
Once upon a time, I was a full-time instructor at a seminary in California. I am very thankful for that period, but I was way over my head. I happened to be at the right place and time to fill a need, and God gave me an opportunity beyond my age and training. I was … More Once Upon a Time in Another Life
Churches all around the country are working through the “Four Songs of Christmas” on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas this year. For many, this week’s text was Zechariah’s prophecy on the day his son, the future “John the Baptist,” was born (Luke 1:67-79). The backstory of this prophecy is in Luke 1:5-25, 36-66. … More Zechariah’s “Song” of Wonder
I read my first Carl Henry book around 1975. I remember where I was and that Carl Henry’s words were both challenging and precise. The year was 1975. I was at my parent’s house at 4200 Spruce Street and stole away into my Dad’s office for a quiet place to read. The book was a … More A Christmas Homily from Carl Henry
C.S. Lewis was a democrat (small “d”). He wasn’t a part of a political party. He was speaking of the concept of citizen participation in government as opposed to monarchy or dictatorships. It strikes me as not only true but also as a very good argument for small government. What do you think? “I am … More C.S. Lewis, on Why He Was a democrat
I am reading through the proofs of my next book and so far I am pleased. It looks good, has an attractive cover design, its format is easy to read and I think it will be a help to the body of Christ. But there will be some inevitable changes and I’m hard at work … More New Book Coming in Mid December
Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46–55) When we look at a tapestry, we often forget that it began with a single thread. I tell you, there is a tapestry being woven in the pages of Scripture. It began with a single thread, but God, the weaver of the tapestry is skillfully weaving every thread together to complete … More Mary’s Song and the Tapestry of Redemption
Thinking Hard about God “Praise is a duty that affects the whole soul.” Stephen Charnock (1628-1680)Discourses Upon the Existence and Attributes of God Praising God changes us. Praise ended the depression of the psalmist in psalm 73. God is enthroned on the praises of His people (Ps. 22:3). Praise befits the righteous (Psalm 33:1). Asaph … More “Praise is a duty that affects the whole soul.”
One hundred eighty-six years ago, a pastor was removed from his flock for a time due to declining health issues. His name was Robert Murray McCheyne. He was a Scottish pastor in the Scottish Covenanter’s tradition. A gifted and devoted expositor, McCheyne loved his church family at St. Peter’s and committed himself to writing a … More Why God Hurts Pastors
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