Flying Home Today
Thanks to all of you who’ve prayed for my wife and me as we traveled to Russia, teaching on the family. Today, with time changes, we spend an entire day in the air. Looking forward to being home again. If
Continue reading“Your testimonies also are my delight; they are my counselors.” – Psalm 119:24
A Theology of Guidance – Part 5 of 5
Previous posts in series include: Part 1: One Objective Means of Guidance Part 2: Prayer Part 3: Providential Circumstances Part 4: Scripture-Informed Conscience FOUR SUBJECTIVE MEANS OF GUIDANCE 4. Counsel from Others – Counsel from godly people is also an
Continue readingA Theology of Guidance – Part 4 of 5
FOUR SUBJECTIVE MEANS OF GUIDANCE (cont’d) 3. Scripture-informed Conscience – A Scripture-informed conscience is also a means by which the Spirit guides our decision-making, especially in relation to the application of Christian liberty. Paul makes it clear in the book
Continue readingA Theology of Guidance – Part 3 of 5
FOUR SUBJECTIVE MEANS OF GUIDANCE (cont’d) 2. Providential Circumstances – Providential circumstances are events which are sovereignly orchestrated by God. The New Testament missionaries referred to these as “open and closed doors” of ministry. Paul asked the Colossian believers to
Continue readingRUSSIA: Seminar on the Family & “Pastor’s Home” Conference
It was a very busy, but profitable few days in Moscow, Russia this past weekend. A room at the main headquarters of the Baptist Union was reserved for the parenting seminar, which lasted from 2-6 pm. As usual, the Russian
Continue readingA Theology of Guidance – Part 2 of 5
Part 1 of this series established the written Word of God as the only trustworthy, objective standard of guidance for the believer. Now let’s explore four other means of divine guidance that function in subordination to the written revelation of
Continue readingA Theology of Guidance – Part 1 of 5
A biblical theology of guidance allows for two categories of means by which God directs His children: objective and subjective. There is one objective means of guidance and four subjective. ONE OBJECTIVE MEANS OF GUIDANCE The one objective, unchanging standard
Continue readingAn Essential Concept
It’s essential to counsel one other with this truth: Now that we are believers in Christ, we need to discipline ourselves to re-orient every part of our lives under 2 Corinthians 5:14–15: “For the love of Christ controls us, having
Continue readingThankful for “Scheduled Posting”
The posts for the next 10 days are set to publish on their own while I am traveling and teaching in Russia. As my schedule and Internet connection allow I may post occasionally from over the pond to let you
Continue readingOpen Theism & Biblical Counseling
We reject the claims of Open Theism, an aberrant view of God that has been popularized in the past two decades. The chief proponents of this heretical view of God include Clark Pinnock (now deceased), Greg Boyd, John Sanders, and
Continue readingA Plea to Planners of Counseling Conferences
As a biblical counselor for over 20 years, and author/editor of counseling resources, I have the privilege to attend quite a few counseling conferences. As I reflect on a number of them over the past few years there are some
Continue readingDADs 1:11 — Using Halloween to Teach Church History
In the year 844, Pope Gregory IV ordered the celebration of a feast day every year on November 1st. It was to be known as All Saints Day. The purpose of this day was to honor Roman Catholic saints throughout
Continue reading3 Characteristics of Faithful Pastors – Pt. 2 of 2
Yesterday’s post was based on 1 Peter 5:1-5 and explained two of three duties of church shepherds. Today, we will look at the third duty as well as the reward that awaits those who are faithful. 3. Not lording it
Continue reading3 Characteristics of Faithful Pastors – Pt. 1 of 2
Two previous local-church-related posts have received much attention in recent weeks: 6 Reasons to be a Faithful Member of a Local Church 8 Responsibilities of Church Members to their Leaders Today and tomorrow we will take a brief look at
Continue readingBreast Cancer Awareness
Pink ribbons and grocery bags are everywhere because it’s National Breast Cancer Awareness month. But perhaps you don’t know there is an excellent mini-book that addresses this topic from a biblical perspective. HELP! I Have Breast Cancer, written by survivor Brenda
Continue readingMarried to an Unsaved Man
For the past couple weeks I’ve been meditating on the book of 1 Peter during my morning devotional time. One passage in particular that “drew me in” for two days is 1 Peter 3:1-6, a passage that is often turned
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Eight Responsibilities of Church Members to their Leaders
According to the New Testament, the members of a local church have at least eight ongoing responsibilities to their shepherds. We find the first two in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church. Responsibility #1: To appreciate them (1 Thessalonians
Continue readingPlease Pray for Our Trip to Russia
In 8 days, my wife and I leave for Russia. I’ve lost count of how many trips I’ve made, but this one will be extra-special since it will be Karen’s first time in the former Soviet Union. The day after
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