Jared Sparks

The error of prosperity theology comes down to one question. Does the Christian receive all the benefits of the cross now, or are some benefits of salvation kept for us until Christ returns? That's it. How you answer that question determines if you embrace prosperity theology or not. Prosperity preachers have been around a long time. It is true ... Continue Reading

The Flesh “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” Romans 7:18-19 The Enemy “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on ... Continue Reading

I met Jordan the year before. I entered into our first real conversation with my future wife as a nervous wreck. A group of us went to a Jason Morant concert (What happened to that guy?) and afterward, in typical post-concert fashion, we went to Denny's to get a grand slam and a crummy cup of coffee. God answered my prayers, I got to sit right next ... Continue Reading

What is the sin behind the sin of lust, pornography, and masturbation? What is the root sin of those fruit sins? Consider the words of C.S. Lewis. “For me the real evil of masturbation would be that it takes an appetite which, in lawful use, leads the individual out of himself to complete (and correct) his own personality in that of another (and ... Continue Reading

Okay, I know Challies does not like John Eldredge. I really appreciate Tim Challies and believe he is the most trustworthy book reviewer out there. I think he is right about John Eldredge. And I think he is wrong. He is wrong because I think he has missed the overwhelming good because of bad. Many of you have heard of Eldredge most famous book ... Continue Reading

I made it through the first year of pastoral ministry largely with the aid of naivety. Better said, grace-given naivety. But then came year two. Year two was similar to year one. We were having a good time and God was being faithful in spite of our ridiculousness. But year two was also very different than year one. I started to see my need for ... Continue Reading

My first year of pastoral ministry was insane. I mean insane! Let me clarify. I was 24, single and fresh out of Pentecostal college (Lee University). All I knew of preaching was what I heard from Mark Driscoll and Matt Chandler. Theologically, I had just been rescued from Rob Bell, Greg Boyd, and Open Theism. I went from that extreme to the extreme ... Continue Reading

John 3:15 "That whoever believes in him may have eternal life." I love the "Whoever" passages in the bible. The Gospel of John is full of such verses. I do, however, think these passages are often only half understood. Most everyone understands the whoever part of this verse. Any and all who believe in Jesus will have eternal life! Praise God! ... Continue Reading

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30 In 2016 God opened a door for me to be a Biblical Counselor at a local counseling center. I had ... Continue Reading

Healthy Plurality=Durable Church How To Build And Maintain A Healthy Plurality of Elders by Dave Harvey “The quality of your plurality determines the health of your church.” Dave Harvey Dave Harvey is right: “A healthy plurality equals a healthy church.” Sadly, healthy pluralities are an endangered beauty. The more common reality is unhealthy ... Continue Reading