Recent Posts
God? Who Needs Him?May 31, 2013
Self-sufficient humanism. Paul saw it coming – “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
Imago Dei
September 12, 2012
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Why Can't I Pray?
August 18, 2012
The bible gives us several reasons, but according to Jeremy Taylor, a deceitful heart is at the root of prayerlessness.
It's Not Rocket Science
July 23, 2012
To keep in step with the Spirit should be our daily quest. And if we are successful at that, all of life falls into place.
Theological Steak
April 10, 2012
These words by P. T. Forsythe on the magnificence of Christ's work are to theology what Ruth's Chris is to a good steak.
Describing the Indescribable
February 11, 2012
What we have in Christ will take all eternity to describe. But for one segment of one sermon, a great preacher made a mighty attempt.
Making Sense Of It All
January 30, 2012
Where are things headed? Is there rhyme and reason to the endless cycle of summer, fall, winter and spring? Is there a plan in place, or is randomness the explanation?
Suffering Saints
January 25, 2012
We get nervous thinking about it - suffering for the sake of Christ. How necessary is it, and what does it produce in us?Jeremy Taylor preached a sermon on this text...
For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God. And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1 Peter 4:17-18
Why suffering? Taylor takes a deep breath and gives it a whirl...
"...without the sufferings of saints, God should lose the glories
1) of bringing good out of evil;
2) of being with us in tribulation;
3) of sustaining our infirmities;
4) of triumphing over the malice His enemies.
5) Without the suffering of saints where were the exaltation of the cross, the conformity of the members to Christ their head, the coronets of martyrs?
6) Where were the trial of our faith?
7) Or the exercise of long-suffering?
8) Where were the opportunities to give God the greatest love, which cannot be but by dying and suffering for Him?
9) How should that which the world calls folly prove the greatest wisdom;
10) And God be glorified by events contrary to the probability and expectation of their causes?
11) By the suffering of saints Christian religion is proved to be most excellent; while the iniquity and cruelty of the adversaries invites those onlookers to consider the secret excellencies of that religion for which and in which men are so willing to die; for that religion must needs be worth looking into, which so many wise and excellent men do so much value above their lives and fortunes.
12) By our suffering we have a capacity of serving God beyond that of angels, who indeed can sing God's praise with a sweeter note, and obey Him with a more unabated will, and execute His commands with a swifter wing and a greater power; but they cannot die for God, they can lose no lands for Him; and He that did so for all us, and commanded us to do so for Him, is ascended far above all angels, and is heir of a greater glory.
13) 'Do this and live' was the covenant of the law, but in the gospel it is 'suffer this and live. He that forsakes house and land, friends and life, for my sake, is my disciple.'
14) By the suffering of saints, God chastises their follies and levities, keeping their errors from evolving into heresies, and stopping their infirmities from becoming crimes.
When Fear Is Good
January 7, 2012
NO FEAR, we are told. And the point is well taken. But fear can be healthy, at least when it comes to eternal matters.I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Luke 12:4,5
Referring to Jeremiah in his book RUN WITH THE HORSES, Eugene Peterson says that Jeremiah was undeterred by the hostility around him and his message, for "the most important thing in his life was God - not comfort, not applause, not security, but the living God."
"What he did fear was worship without astonishment, religion without commitment. He feared getting what he wanted, and missing what God wanted. It is the only thing worthy of our fear."
The Twelve Signs Of Grace
December 22, 2011
Self-examination is not easy to do. The tendency is to let ourselves off easy. But examine we must, for eternity is at stake.
Better Than Counting Sheep
December 13, 2010
When my head hits the pillow, it's lights out. But perhaps before nodding off, some more intentionality might be in order. Certainly Jeremy Taylor thought so.
Faith That Can Withstand Anything
November 30, 2010
Life's difficulties test the mettle of our faith, which can either unravel or turn into refined gold. For Mary Rowlandson, it was the latter.
Of Whom This World Was Not Worthy
July 20, 2009
In Hebrews 11, the reader is overwhelmed with a heritage of the faithful. They are many and varied. And history testifies that this glorious train of believers is ongoing, and magnificent. It will take all of history to tell the full story.
Now That's A Headstone!!
June 20, 2009
King Jehoram passed away at age 32 "to no one's regret." Ouch. The Puritan John Owen not only left thousands of pages of passionate theology behind, his life inspired one of the world's wordiest epitaphs on his grave marker. It is worth our attention.
Old Things Pass Away....
June 13, 2009
Transformation. Being born again, suddenly everything is turned upside down. Or is it right-side-up? Either way, we no longer see things the same way. We belong to another. And it's ok. Or if it's not.....
What Would Moses Think?
June 4, 2009
In sports, debate rages as to whether some great team from a certain era could defeat a powerful team from another decade. What if we applied the same test to faith matters? How would this generation fare, when compared to the faithful of the past?
Emerging Vs. Arriving
May 28, 2009
Today, keeping your eyes on the prize is valued, yes. But the journey, the process of getting to the goal, is valued as much or more. What is going on here?
Overheard From The Closet
January 28, 2009
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
If The Lord Had Not Been On Our Side
January 20, 2009
Life is more fragile than we realize. Our very existence hangs by a thread. But unless God wants that thread to break for some reason, we are perfectly safe. And if it snaps by his will, he is ready to catch us. The saints of God are secure in Him.
Calling All Men Of Issachar
January 18, 2009
"Hope springs eternal." As humans we just naturally assume that "everything will be ok. It will all work out." Just how do we face the present in light of a God who is holy? And how do optimism and realism correctly co-exist in the heart of a Christian?
Fire!
January 16, 2009
Church history has known times when lukewarm believers catch fire and get redhot, and the lost are suddenly aware of their need for a Savior. Prayer is always the kindling God uses to fan into flame his smoldering Church.
Saintly Resolutions: GEORGE BOWEN
January 1, 2009
Who? It was said of him,"He was all soul, and you can't photograph the soul nor describe it as you know it to exist." Missionary, scholar, mystic, saint. Quite a resume. So what advice does he give us at the turning of a new year?
Saintly Resolutions: MATTHEW HENRY
December 29, 2008
Making New Year resolutions is a venerable tradition. But they do tend to be a bit trivial, as in weight goals. Matthew Henry (1662-1714) left us an example of how to set our hopes and dreams and expectations before the Lord, with eternity in mind.
What's In A Name?
December 28, 2008
Emmanuel means GOD WITH US. That's good, right? So just why are we so anxious? What gives? Fretting offends God, because it implies that he won't come through. How can trust shove doubt aside, and we become God trusters instead?
Stay On The Main Road
November 25, 2008
Jesus said that he and he alone is the way, truth and the life. No one could get to the Father except through him. But many try alternate routes. It is only an exercise in futility.
Out With A Blaze Of Glory
November 19, 2008
Our culture sets 65 as the ideal time to quit working and just enjoy life. For the Christian, an eternal perspective places a different set of demands on us. The Lord's work is never done. What keeps us going?
Deep Waters
November 18, 2008
Our God is in the rescue business. He delivers, he saves. And not only that. The very trials we face are the testings we need to become strong, eventually producing eternal results
Making A Difference
November 13, 2008
We all want our lives to matter, to count for something. How can we be sure we are not throwing our life away? What will count for eternity? This much we know. Giving ourselves to Kingdom of God work is never wasted effort.
Tears In A Bottle
October 21, 2008
You list my tears on your scroll. Psalm 56:8 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. Isaiah 42:3
What's Your News Source?
October 19, 2008
Newspapers are myopic. Who, where, when, how. The why is not so easy. Yes, online news is faster, but scripture alone gives us the big picture, giving us a framework of God's plan that calms our souls, reassuring us that the end is in God's hands.
Peas In a Praying Pod
October 11, 2008
God invented prayer, and recruits men and women to prevail with Him in it. Some take that challenge seriously, and mountains get moved as a result.
The Company We Keep
October 10, 2008
You've heard the phrase "in the world, but not of the world." How do we associate with unbelievers, without being molded by their perspective on life, and losing our zeal and spiritual fervor?
Nothing Is Impossible With God
October 5, 2008
Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Ephesians 6:19
Samuel Rutherford and Gratitude
September 27, 2008
Trials and testing can rob us of joy, and can turn us from contentment, and cause us to be disgruntled. Trust in God's sovereignty is key to spiritual health.
Prayer Changes Things
September 26, 2008
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly...James 5:17 What happens when we pray. Amazing things. Consider James McGready.
Walt's Worldview
September 1, 2008
Knowing where history will end up gives us the perspective to persevere, to not stress, and to have the assurance that though all does not seem to be going well, it will be well in the end.
And They All Lived Happily Ever After
July 11, 2008
The music swells, the couple embraces, THE END appear on the screen, and we go home smiling. Real life is murkier, and the Bible is no different, presenting real characters railing at God, or loving Him, or both. As to the final outcome - God only knows.
Comfort and the Plan of God
July 11, 2008
The kingdom of this world is becoming the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. But that battle is "no holds barred" - it's nasty, and believers can get caught up in some pretty uncomfortable moments in the process.
The Light That Surprised William Cowper
July 8, 2008
The Lord said to Moses, "Who gave man his mouth?...is it not I, the Lord?" William Cowper stuggled with mental illness all his life, yet even so his "thorn in the flesh" enriched the Church. Just how did this happen?
Wikipedia and Deadly Sin #7
July 8, 2008
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:8
Life's Wear And Tear
July 8, 2008
"I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Acts 9:16
