Easter is right around the corner. For far too many Evangelical churches that means pulling out all the bells, whistles, gimmicks, and tricks of the trade to try and attract as many outsiders as possible. Everything from Easter egg hunts, to pictures with an Easter rabbit, or the usual helicopter egg drop – it’s all […]
Jenkins
No Hopin’ in Me
I have a friend who questions me about my Calvinism on a regular basis. I love it. He recently asked me, “Where’s the hope in believing that everything is out of your control?” With a smile and no hesitation I replied, “That’s exactly where it is. My hope lies in the fact that salvation lies […]
Proceed at Once to the Text
I was reading a sermon by Charles Spurgeon not too long ago, wherein his opening remarks he stated, “Let us proceed at once to the text!” That little, almost insignificant phrase struck me in a way that made me pause. No jokes, no personal stories, no novelty; just procession to the text. How could the […]
On Emotionalism and the Gospel
Emotionalism places excessive focus on emotions. Many Christians have likely experienced this at various worship services and events. You will see this in places where “decisions” or “worship experiences” are elevated above proper worship of God; or quite frankly, above the gospel. In its ugliest forms, the leaders attempt to manipulate the congregation’s emotions for […]
The Sluggard’s Substitute
“The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.” + Proverbs 21v25 The book of Proverbs is filled with immense practical truth. Scripture testifies to a strong work ethic; this proverb highlights that. A sluggard who is filled with his desire for sloth reaps death. There is no substitution for hard […]