If you haven't noticed, it has been a while since I have posted anything. I have been away on a work vacation building our new home. It is hard for me to believe, but God is giving us a house. We are excited! But as with any gift from God, I want to receive it and use it the proper way. A few thoughts. First. This home is a gift from God. ... Continue Reading
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Theology by Phraseology
Have you ever been sucked into theology by phraseology? Here are a few examples."God is love. Love demands freedom.""A loving god would not send people to hell.""God cannot give what he does not have.""God does not make robots.""Humans are free. God would not rape your will"Now you know what I mean?! Countless numbers of believers in Jesus are ... Continue Reading
We Forget. Jesus Remembers!
This morning I was reading in the book of Psalms. The particular Psalm and verse that caught my attention was 106:13 "But they soon forgot his woks; they did not wait for his counsel." Forgot His works. The verse sent me on a mental Biblical survey. Forgetfulness is a common theme throughout the Bible. Consider ... Continue Reading
A Lesson On Discipleship From My Friend Tim
In 2008 I read the book Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham. As a 25 year old single church planter, I bought into the Family Integrated Model of ministry hook-line and sinker. Like every ministry model or theological convert I became obnoxious. All youth and children's ministry is wrong and un-biblical and blah blah blah. To be fair, I still ... Continue Reading
Christian. You Should Love The Church
Eph 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" If you could get a window into my life a decade or so ago you would have heard me say something like this "I love Jesus, but not the church." I don't think I am alone. You been there? Many of you have gone ... Continue Reading
The Astonishing Last Words Of Peter
2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." The dying man or women chooses their last words with great intentionality. Imagine having only one more day to live. Would you chose your words wisely? Last ... Continue Reading
Bad News. Good News. Cardinals. Cubs. Sin. Gospel.
Have you ever been to a baseball game? I was raised and still live in Southern Illinois. So Ill people are, by and large, St. Louis Cardinal fans. St. Louis is only a couple hours from my home, so I have been to a countless number of games at Busch Stadium. If you don't know, ... Continue Reading
Sometimes Peace That Passes All Understanding Seems Inauthentic
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Phil 4:7From A Path Through Suffering by Ellisabeth Elliot"After the death of my husband Jim, I returned to my jungle station. My Quichua friends were sympathetic, for they had loved Jim too. There was plenty of work to do, and I soon ... Continue Reading
Jesus’ Comforts Are Not One Size Fits All
I have taught and been taught a great truth. When a person is going through deep suffering, it would be inappropriate to give them a theological treatise on suffering. The better way would be to obey Romans 12:14 and "weep with those who weep." But... Does this mean that we are to avoid reminding people of the truth? In the ... Continue Reading
Remember Jesus Christ
2 Tim.2:8 "Remember Christ Jesus, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached by my gospel" Really Paul? That is what you need to tell Timothy. Timothy is a pastor! Has he forgotten about Jesus already? This morning, I need what Timothy needed. I need to be reminded of Jesus. ... Continue Reading