I’m sure that there are probably enough blog posts on Don Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life already, but I feel the need to add one more. I’m re-reading through Whitney’s book with a friend and was reminded this week of the necessity and value of meditating on God’s word. Meditation is something of a …
I recently proofread a paper for a friend (some of you will get the joke there) where he talked about a certain theological position being less of a positive position and more of a negative reaction against a different theological bent. This struck me as a concerning commentary on our current cultural situation. Inside and …
I’ll never forget the day. I was a broken man. I had no reason to be broken, I had just baptized eight people, our sanctuary was packed to the gills, the Holy Spirit spoke convincingly during my sermon, people responded by repenting of sin, and we had new families join the church. By all normal accounts, …
There is an interesting confrontation in the gospel of Matthew between Peter and the tax collectors at the temple. In Matthew 17:24, Peter is asked whether or not Jesus pays the temple tax. Peter, always willing to speak without thinking, replies in the affirmative, but is then engaged by Jesus in a conversation about taxes …
Just follow your heart. Are you in love? Follow your heart. Deciding on a job? Follow your heart. Moral decisions? Follow your heart. But, what if your heart is wrong? What if your heart isn’t even trustworthy? Of course Jeremiah 17:9 warns us that the heart is deceitful and wicked, but that’s not all. Romans …
As pastors, we are right to prioritize and emphasize public proclamation of the gospel and carefully planned and structured times for discipleship and counseling. Most pastors appreciate structure and ample time for preparation. We like the security of the pulpit and our study, but if we are to do the necessary work of “bearing one …
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 4:8, “Love covers a multitude of sins.” A multitude, that is a bunch, and I’m very grateful for all of the people who love me enough to overlook many of the sins in my life. I’m thankful for a Savior who loved me enough to “cover” my sins with …
Ministry on the Edges— Here’s a piece I wrote for LifeWay about the importance of ministering around the edges of your church. What is Discernment— Sinclair Ferguson examines what discernment is and how it should be applied. Facing the Music with Jennifer Knapp— Trevin Wax reviews this new memoir and examines the ways that divorce …
Sunday, I preached on the topic of elders (or pastors) from Titus 1:5-16. In my notes, I have this picture included: I reiterated this point in my message because I think it is incredibly important for me to remember as a pastor and for the members of my church to remember as well. I need …
Yesterday, we celebrated children’s day in our church. It’s an annual tradition, we celebrate the kids who are moving into the student ministry and we invite our children to participate in leading worship. They greeted us, led us in singing, prayed publicly, read scripture, collected the offering and even participated in the sermon. It was …