We live in a gender confused world. I don't know a single person who would disagree with that statement. Of course, there are many disagreements about gender and sexuality, but there is great agreement with the fact that gender confusion exists. Due to recent developments with "Decrees" from our President, I have become increasingly frustrated. My ... Continue Reading
The Lonely Pastor?
One of the best books that I read in 2015 was Eugene Peterson’s book The Contemplative Pastor. More specifically, that book contained one of the best chapter’s that I have ever read. Under the section entitled “The Unbusy Pastor,” I read about the scandal that is the busy life. Consider this excerpt: “The poor man,” we say. ... Continue Reading
“Until” All is Accomplished
Matt 5:17-18 "Do not think I have come to abolish the Law of the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished." Confusion abounds when people consider Jesus's sermon on the ... Continue Reading
Retiring Pastor, Would You Give Me Your Books?
I really enjoy reading. According to the Tim Challies reading scale, I am a almost a Committed Reader. When I first started consistently reading, the Kindle and iPad, were not around. My buddy Logan gave me a Kindle 2 as a wedding gift when Jordan and I got married in 2010. I fell in love with that Kindle. My love affair ... Continue Reading
3 Subtle Hypocrisies
Let's consider three areas that a local church is susceptible to hypocrisy. It is quite common for a church to function in opposition to how they are calling their people to function. The three things I want to explore are outreach, money, and children's ministry.Consider this line of thinking. "I love doing good works. I really want to be known as ... Continue Reading
Demons Often Hide Behind Truth
Acts 16:16-19 "As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, "There men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation. And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having ... Continue Reading
Are You Married To The Law Or Christ?
Romans 7:1-4[1] Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? [2] For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. [3] Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives ... Continue Reading
Planting Through Shepherding
I have yet to read a verse in the Bible that says, "Church Planters are not Shepherds." In fact, I am yet to come across verses that contain a list of qualifications for a "Church Planter." Okay okay! Yes, apostolic giftings and Paul, & Philip. Even so, the planter must be a qualified elder. As you know, 1 Tim 3:1-7 & Titus 1:5-9 contain ... Continue Reading
We Need Justification AND Adoption Together
Holding justification and adoption together is supremely important. What happens if we fail to hold on to both doctrines? Justification without adoption can lead to a static and impersonal understanding of God. Yes, you will be firm in your understanding of forgiveness, but you will know nothing of sonship. When other people talk about a ... Continue Reading
Open Doors and Adversaries
1 Corinthians 16:9 "For a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries."When I think about God opening doors for effective ministry, adversaries are not the first thing that pop into my mind. I mean wouldn't it seem like the verse should read "A wide door for effective work has opened to me, and when God opens it ... Continue Reading