Neshaminy Creek in Bucks County, Pennsylvania in the Fall I love the Fall. First, the Fall is a delight for the eyes. Second, my two favorite spectator sports, Baseball and Football, end and begin in the Fall. Third, the Fall means cooler weather and longer times outside in the garden and evenings around a fire … More Death Comes in Beauty
A few weeks ago, I had the happy opportunity to preach the evening service at a friends church. Before the service, I, my friend (one of the pastors at the church), and three elders gathered for introductions and prayer. When my friend introduced me as a former seminary professor of preaching, one of the men … More What to Remember About Preaching
The word “gap” only appears once in the Bible. Once. And Ezekiel 22:30 is that one time. The nation of Israel was a mess. They had turned from God. The cities had become violent and crime ridden. Immorality was rampant. Liars dominated the leadership structures in the Temple and the government. Greed rather than grace … More It Only Appears Once in the Bible
2 Thessalonians 3:13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Let’s follow Cotton Mathers example, no matter how long it takes. Let’s give ourselves to prayer for the revival of the nation. He can do … More The Nation’s Need
Have you ever had an interaction with someone who gave you the creeps? I know you have. We all have. Some people easily set off our “phony” radar. We seem to be able to detect their fake motives and disingenuous character. Something in the way they look, or the look of their eye, or the … More There is No Hypocrisy Like Religious Hypocrisy
Chuck Colson reflecting on what his time in prison for his part in the Watergate cover-up had taught him “No, the real legacy of my life was my biggest failure–that I was an ex-convict. My greatest humiliation–being sent to prison–was the beginning of God’s greatest use of my life; He chose the one experience in … More Humiliation and Power in Life
The word of God is inspired. There are a lot of ways to discuss what that means exactly, but let me offer one suggestion. When we say that God’s word is inspired we mean that it says what God wants it to say. Another way to say this is that God used the human authors … More Know Your God (Psalm 84)
Sanctifying the Day Read Psalm 142 Over and over the Scripture, God’s testimony to His people, declares that He is our refuge. Psalm 142 is one of those places were God announces that He is a protector from those who pursue us. ref·uge /ˈrefˌyo͞oj,ˈrefˌyo͞oZH/ 1. a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, … More Finding Shelter from the Enemy
“How Can I Be Sure I am Saved.” Some time ago, a member of the church wrote to tell me that they were confused on the issues of works and salvation. The following is a copy of an e-mail correspondence that resulted. I wrote the e-mail to help clarify the issues of works versus grace … More How Can I Be Sure I am Saved?
And what is that “gradual way”? It is the way of compromise. It is the way of allowing the world to squeeze us into its mold. It is the way of not being conformed to the image of the Son (Romans 8 and 12:1-2) It is the way of rocky and thorny soil (Mark 4); … More How to Go to Hell
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