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 […]
Jesus
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 […]
The Gospel for Humpty Dumpty
“Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; All the king’s horses and all the king’s men Couldn’t put Humpty together again.” I’ve heard many theories on what exactly is meant by the term “Humpty Dumpty” in the classic nursery rhyme. I’m almost convinced that it refers to a cannon; but […]