Betrayal
Betrayal. One word. Three syllables. A dictionary full of pain – a world of hurt that many know only too well. A broken confidence. A ruined relationship. A shattered heart. Betrayal comes to all and when it comes it comes
Continue readingAuthor: Paul Tautges
His Robes for Mine
“Propitiation” is probably my most favorite biblical, theological word. Therefore, any hymn that would attempt to include it in its lyrics gets my attention. And any hymn writer who gets the word’s meaning correct and makes it work musically is
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Sample Contracts for ‘Twixters,’ ‘Kippers’ and ‘Boomerang Kids’
“Social scientists have noticed that more young adults (those between eighteen and thirty years old) are putting off the responsibilities of adulthood. Adultolescence is the term that best describes this postponement of adulthood into the thirties. This phase is characterized
Continue readingHere Is the Spring Where Waters Flow
The following hymn lyrics were originally published in the Barker’s Bible in 1594. They testify of the value and sufficiency of Scripture, which is our daily bread. Here is the spring where waters flow, To quench our heat of
Continue readingThe Caged Bird Is Singing!
The following lengthy quotation has sat on my stand-up desk for over a year now. It convicted me then and, again, last week when I rediscovered it while cleaning my office. It is from A Portrait of Paul: Identifying a
Continue readingChrist is Better than the Sins Which Tempt Us
People turn to sin—whether it be gluttony, substance abuse, lust, or materialism—seeking some kind of satisfaction. But the Lord calls out to us in Isaiah 55:1–2, Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money
Continue readingNUGGETS [8/29/13]
Treating Your Stomach for Depression – Is there possibly a connection between the digestive system and the brain? Approachability: The Passport to Real Ministry – Here’s a tool for self-counsel, especially those of us in leadership. Celibacy Is Not the
Continue readingThe Mystery of Testing
You hear this phrase all the time in the context of trials: God is “testing our faith.” Christians rightly talk about tests of faith because James uses the phrase in his epistle (James 1:3). But do we know what we
Continue readingCommon, Flawed Vessels
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:7). God makes himself very clear. The reason He chooses to use ordinary people
Continue readingNUGGETS [8/24/13]
Try to set aside 15 minutes this weekend to read these articles. The first one is a year old. I found it in a “to read” pile while de-cluttering my office this week. The Disciplined Pursuit of Less – Some
Continue readingHow Going It Alone Hinders our Prayers
God listens to those who listen to him. The proof of this is all over Scripture. Isaiah 66:2 offers a prime example when God says, “this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite
Continue readingNUGGETS for Counselors [8/22/13]
Thank you, Jonathan Holmes, for these important counseling-related links: Conservative Christianity and the Transgender Question – Russell Moore on transgender issues. A Glut of Antidepressants – From the NY Times, “Over the past two decades, the use of antidepressants has
Continue readingNo Condemnation
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). The word “condemnation” is from katakrima, meaning penalty. It is the word that Paul used to speak of the consequence of Adam’s choice to rebel against
Continue readingGod Is Already Satisfied
When our souls are threatened with despair, and the weariness that results from falling into the trap of “performing” for God, the rich theology contained in the word propitiation counsels us to find our soul’s rest in Jesus—the one who
Continue readingNUGGETS [8/21/13]
Making Faces – Scot Oliphant warns us, “The craftiness and subtlety of Satan is not always visible to the naked eye. It hides beneath the surface, like a snake under a rock, remaining cool and aloof from the searing heat
Continue readingLoved by the Good Shepherd
How the Holy Spirit brings comfort and assurance to my sometimes-frail faith through meditating on the love of Jesus Christ for sinners like you and me! Through repentant faith, He is not only my Lord and Savior, but my faithful
Continue readingNUGGETS [8/17/13]
The Greatest Story Ever Told – Mike Riccardi writes a wonderful, Christ-centered post that would be good to read in preparation for your Lord’s Day worship. 7 Benefits to Reading ‘Jesus On Every Page’ – David Murray explains why he
Continue readingA Hospital for Hurting Souls
The longer I am a believer the more I marvel at the genius of the local church. The longer I am a pastor the more I marvel that God’s grace would be sufficient enough to save, call, and equip a
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