What Should We Be Praying For?

Recently, a few things I was reading and studying caused me to reflect a little bit on prayer. What follows is from an email I sent to my congregation. I hope it is of some encouragement to you.

Why Don’t I “Feel” Saved?

Assurance is of utmost importance for the Christian. When a believer does not “feel” saved it can cause severe anxiety.

Law and Gospel: The “Two Words” of the Bible

As we think about and read through the Bible, theologians throughout history have recognized two “voices” that rise to the top: Law and Gospel. When we understand Law and Gospel, and their proper distinction, the Bible begins to become more clear. But before we get there, what is “Law” and what is “Gospel?”

Finding Hope in Depression

I do not write this to give you tips on how to stop being depressed. I remember in my own struggle searching for answers and coming up empty. Rather, what I’d like to offer instead are two truths that I hope anchor you in the midst of your own “dark night of the soul.”

How Long, Oh Lord?

The question, “How long, O Lord?” has been asked by saints for millennia. It is littered throughout the psalter (6, 13, 35, 79, 80, 89, 90, 94) from the pens of David, Asaph, and Moses. There are the wrestlings of Asaph in Psalms 73 and 77. Then, there is Psalm 88, which begins and ends in darkness—while acknowledging the Lord is the God of our salvation. God’s people have repeatedly cried out to him, “Lord, how long will it be like this?”

Jesus: Our Passover Lamb

From sundown yesterday to sundown today is Passover. (Note: For an additional seven days after Passover, the Jews were not to eat any leavened bread. The eight days together—beginning with Passover—were referred to as the Feast of Unleavened Bread. In modern Jewish vernacular, the eight days are often all referred to as Passover.)

Where Is God In COVID19?

It is fair to say that all humans struggle with the problem of evil. If God is sovereign, why doesn’t he remove all the evil in this world? Why did he allow it in the first place? Can God truly be good if he has the power to stop evil but doesn’t? The harder you try to answer these questions, the more confused you will become. For thousands of years, humanity has wrestled with these questions.

Child, He Loves You…

My prayer for you today is that through all of your doubt, fatigue, pain, and struggle you would lift your eyes to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. God’s love for you is not dependent upon your performance. God set His love on you while you were a sinner. God […]

The Biblical and Historical Problems with Spiritual Disciplines Part 3

My previous two articles have focused on Roman Catholic theology and its slow entry back into mainstream Christianity. Until the 1970’s, it was difficult to find any popular materials or teachers speaking on the subject of spiritual disciplines. Research uncovers that Richard Foster, Dallas Willard and Don Whitney are the three most influential writers/teachers to […]

How acceptable are our good works?

How acceptable are our good works? We all have bad days, but on our best days what does the Father think of our obedience? Is He only concerned with sincerity of heart? Does He approve of those who give their best effort? The answer: Scripture tells us that our best attempts at holiness are so […]

The Biblical and Historical Problems with Spiritual Disciplines Part 2

Over the last 400 years Christianity has slowly slipped away from a reformed understanding of sola fide, or a life lived by faith alone in Christ, as it concerns our sanctification and have embraced a hybrid of Roman Catholic theology and Evangelicalism. It is commonly believed that we are saved by grace through faith alone, […]