The Horror of the Cross
We live in a culture that does not understand the symbol of the cross. Today, the cross has become a mere religious symbol. We do not see its horror. D.A. Carson writes, [T]he cross has become for us such a
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“Your testimonies also are my delight; they are my counselors.” – Psalm 119:24
Nine Marks of a Christian Family
What makes a Christian family distinct from a non-Christian one? Is it the number of times those in it attend church each week, or are there many more fundamental differences? Recently, at a parenting workshop at our church, I passed
Continue readingNuggets [4/29/16]
Who’s In Charge? – “Requiring exact, immediate, pleasant obedience is a huge blessing. This establishes the parent’s God-given authority and helps children to see the value of honoring God’s authority.” The Secret Shame of Middle-Class Americans – “To struggle financially
Continue reading4 Misconceptions about Worship
The past few days, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Bob Kauflin’s newest book True Worshipers: Seeking what Matters to God. Having loved his first book, Worship Matters, I was excited when this one was released last year. In the second chapter,
Continue readingDr. Tom Zempel – Model of Grace and Truth
This past Lord’s Day, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, co-laborer in calling the church back to biblical discipleship, and new friend entered the glorious reward of faith. Though I cannot say I’ve known Tom for a long time, the
Continue reading2 New Reviews of “Counseling One Another”
Yesterday, the publisher passed on to me two new reviews of Counseling One Another: A theology of inter-personal discipleship. I’m thankful for these words of encouragement. Longing 4 Truth – “Though there have been many great books on the subject,
Continue readingNuggets [4/23/16]
Yesterday, my laptop crashed. So, today, while I was on speaker phone with tech support for several hours, I waded through several piles on my desktop (the top of my literal desk). As a result, I finally got around to
Continue readingNuggets [4/15/16]
FREE eBook offer from Shepherd Press – Purchase the paperback edition of Counseling One Another, get the eBook thrown in. How an ESV Bible Is Made – I love this 4-minute video from Crossway. How to Engage on Social Media
Continue readingDoes God Love You and Have a Wonderful Plan for Your Life?
Today, many Christians believe they are entitled to a trouble-free life. This mindset may be at least partly due to having been sold a bill of goods. Many have been told “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for
Continue readingSanctification Conference in Cleveland, Ohio
“I’m Doing What I Shouldn’t Do, HELP!” is the theme for the annual conference of the Biblical Counseling Institute of Ohio. Joe Propri, Director of BCI, writes: If you have been a Christian for any length of time, I’m sure
Continue readingThe Lordship Attributes
Last month, I purchased a copy of John Frame’s new Systematic Theology, and am thoroughly enjoying it. Though I’ve only read the first two chapters so far, it is clear to me it is going to become a personal favorite.
Continue readingNine Lame Ways to Tell Your Child to Take the Garbage Out
This past weekend, I had the joy of teaching a parenting seminar at our church entitled Engaging the Hearts of Our Kids. One of the resources that I recommended to those in attendance is Everyday Talk by John Younts. There
Continue readingDid the Atonement of Christ Provide for Physical Healing?
First Peter 2:24 says of Jesus, “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” This is one of at least five
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Four Qualities of Our Resurrection Body
The resurrection of Jesus was the “the first fruits of those who are asleep” (1 Cor 15:20), that is, His was the first of more to come—ours. Meditating on this future promise strengthens us to face the physical maladies of
Continue readingFour Implications of Being Risen with Christ
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the well from which the fountain of new life springs. Those who are united to Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection possess this new living water in their innermost being (Jn 7:38). This
Continue readingSeven Words from the Cross
While Jesus hung upon the cross of Calvary, He spoke seven times. Each time He spoke, He revealed an aspect of His divine/human character. Words of Mercy (Luke 23:34) – The first words Jesus spoke from the cross were to
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Freedom from the Performance Treadmill
In 1994, I was given Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges. Immediately, I read the first few chapters and set it aside for no memorable reason (Providence had another plan to use it later). There it sat until 2006 when I
Continue readingAttitude Is Everything
What is godliness? Is it measured by conformity to a list of man-made rules and regulations? Does it consist primarily of prohibitions? These are questions that Jerry Bridges answered for me many years ago in his book The Practice of
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