Forgiveness 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.' Reading: Colossians 3:12–14; Matthew 18:21–35; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:12-14 1. For the believer, Paul makes it clear that forgiveness isn’t optional, for what reason does he give us for why God... Continue Reading →
How would you answer the question, "What does it mean to be Reformed?" Perhaps you would say it is to believe in predestination, where we are chosen by God alone, apart from anything we have done. Maybe you would say it is holding the emphasis on God's sovereignty. You might even say it is to... Continue Reading →
It is no surprise for those who know me and/or follow the site that I am a fan of the Puritans. I love their views on God's sovereignty, man's depravity, the power of Christ's atonement, and family worship (which is the application of teaching these things and applying them to our closest neighbors). Another aspect... Continue Reading →
Christian contentment is defined as that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and takes satisfaction in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition. This "rare jewel" is not merely a natural patience or a stoic indifference but a spiritual mystery that must be learned in the school of Christ.... Continue Reading →
“The soul is framed according to what it most esteems.” - Jeremiah Burroughs What is it that you believe shapes how you view the world, and what is it that drives how you interact with the world? Does being a Democrat or Republican shape your view of politics, influencing your stance on key issues and... Continue Reading →
Emotions are part of reality, society, sin, righteousness, and foolishness. How well do we see this in Judges 11? Jephthah shows a pagan shortsightedness and not covenant wisdom with a systematic thought process, as we all do almost daily. If we truly read what was done, we should weep for Jephthah, his daughter, and ourselves,... Continue Reading →
Christians always seem to have a problem with ditches along the narrow way. Antinomianism vs Legalism is an excellent doctrinal example. In today's religious sphere, doctrines have bled over into our politics which has created a new "opportunity" of falling into ditches between Leftism & the New Christian Right1. Groups like Side B have been... Continue Reading →
After leftist activists intruded into a Southern Baptist church in Minnesota—disrupting worship, frightening children, and intimidating congregants—a predictable question follows: If Christians are commanded to love their enemies and not resist an evildoer, how can churches justify security teams? The answer is straightforward. Scripture’s commands to love one’s enemy (Matt. 5:44), to “not resist an... Continue Reading →
A question that seems to rise up time and time again in discussions of religion is "if God is real, why do bad things happen to good people?" Usually the question is not abstract. It comes after a funeral, a terminal diagnosis, or some other sorrow that tears through ordinary life. In such moments, the... Continue Reading →
'Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.' - 1 Thessalonians 4:1 I was reading through First and Second Thessalonians the other day when... Continue Reading →
