Helping you grow in God's all-sufficient grace and truth
Yesterday, in our adult Bible class at church, we broke into small buzz groups and surveyed the Scriptures on the subject of hospitality, the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. It was a very challenging and profitable time
Continue readingDo the troubles of life ever leave you so wiped out physically, mentally, and emotionally that all you can do is squeak out “God, help me!”? Then Psalm 121 is for you. Yesterday, our congregation spent its morning worship time
Continue readingIs lust and porn a male problem? The answer is a resounding NO. For all of human history lust has damaged the human soul and wreaked havoc on relationships, destroying too many marriages to count. Yet the church has largely
Continue reading“Abuse is a growing problem. In 2007 there were over three million reported cases of child abuse in the United States, involving as many as six million children. Estimates of the number of incidents of domestic violence range from just
Continue reading“Often I will illustrate the difference between a need and desire this way: ‘If you held me underwater in a swimming pool, I would fight you to the end because I need air. A need is something you cannot live
Continue readingJim Berg has given us a very helpful book on biblical discipleship entitled Changed Into His Image. If you are looking for a basic, solid introduction to the doctrine of sanctification, I recommend this book. Here are a just a few
Continue readingWhen we hear the word “slave,” we think of someone who is helpless under the power of a dominating force or influence. If you are a slave to food, your time and thoughts are devoted to eating it. It seems
Continue readingIn the first, second, and third of this 4-part series we noted three reasons God gave us the book of Lamentations. First, to show us the awful reality of sin so that our hearts will long for reconciliation with God.
Continue readingIn the first and second post in this mini-series on the book of Lamentations, we noted two reasons God gave us this very sad book. First, to show us the awful reality of sin and its devastating consequences so that
Continue readingIn yesterday’s post, we thought about the fact that sin never ultimately delivers its promises. Rather, it brings only pain and misery into our lives. For sure, sin does bring some of its promised pleasure, but that is only for
Continue readingIn truth, all suffering is ultimately caused by sin. Before sin entered the world there was no suffering. However, this does not mean that all personal suffering is the result of personal sin (John 9:3). But let’s face it. If
Continue readingIn your personal Bible study, or small group, read Psalm 37. Take special note of verses 1 and 7. Sandwiched between these two calls to wait on the Lord is a whole lot of active faith. This reminds us that
Continue readingLast week, I had the privilege of taking part in two interviews on the subject of counseling one another. Both were a joy and I pass them on to you as further resources to aid your personal and small group
Continue readingThe other evening, in His kind providence, the Lord brought to me a gentle, empathetic counselor in the form of a small booklet that I had purchased at the Shepherds’ Conference this past spring. Facing Depression Together, from Matthias Media, is
Continue readingLet’s counsel one another on the matter of our freedom in Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. Take note of the seed thought that is planted in the first verse: “but love edifies.” Discuss the eight reasons the apostle cites to
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By God’s grace, I’m a husband, dad, grandpa, and pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Mayfield Hts, OH. I love Christ because He first loved me.
