Leaning, Idolatry, and Trusting Christ
Let us relinquish our stubborn grip on trying to construct our sense of worth, security, and purpose apart from Him.
Like Peter, our gaze shifts from Christ to focus on the storm, looking to temporal things for rescue instead of our faithful Lord. This unbelief assaults God’s glory, arrogantly dismissing His all-sufficiency as if He were not enough. It must be confessed and repented of. But thank God He has not left us alone in our... Continue Reading
The Many Names of God
Perhaps the most dramatic name change in the Old Testament took place when Jacob’s name was changed to Israel.
The old name, which means “deceiver,” suited him because of the crooked, hypocritical, devious tricks he pulled on his own family. Jacob is over. From now on, his name will be Israel, the one who wrestles with God. What a beautiful name. The rest of the Old Testament is the history of a nation that... Continue Reading
What it Means to Be Reformed Part 3: Confessionalism
The Importance of Confessions
In our day it is especially important to be confessional. When we looked at the dismal state of theology in the American Church, we saw significant and disheartening errors in the average Christian’s views of Scripture, God, man and sin, salvation, the Church, and current issues like extramarital sex, abortion, gender identity, and homosexuality. Basically all of these errors are clearly addressed in the confessions, so... Continue Reading
The Visible Church vs. the Invisible Church — What’s the Difference?
The invisible church consists of those throughout the ages who have new life in Christ, which will never be taken away from them.
Believers did nothing to earn regeneration and there is nothing they can do to become unregenerated. The Spirit indwells all true believers, and he convicts God’s children of their sin in his sanctifying work. No one will snatch Jesus’ sheep from his hand (John 10:28). There exist the visible church and the invisible church.... Continue Reading
Sin Leading to Death
It’s hard to imagine God telling us not to pray about something.
John is not prohibiting us from praying for the salvation of our lost family and friends. Rather, he is saying that we cannot pray for salvation apart from Jesus Christ. That would be the unanswerable prayer in the face of the unforgivable sin. Rejection of Jesus is unforgivable because God has given no other name... Continue Reading
God Understands and Is Compassionate Toward Parents of Prodigal Children
God is the perfect Parent, and even he reared children who rebelled against him and went their own way!
God knows what it is to be rejected by those whom he has loved and cared for (see John 1:11). He knows what it is like to see a loved one headed for disaster. He knows what it is to long for his children to return to their senses (see Matt. 23:37). He knows what it is... Continue Reading
Don’t Be Ashamed of Repentance
Our pride keeps us from admitting our foolishness.
Here’s the good news: Jesus always accepts those who repent and believe the gospel. This is the Christian way. This is how we entered the Christian life (Mark 1:15), and this is how we continue in the Christian life (Gal 2:20). If you are still in your sin, hear this word: “Repent therefore, and turn... Continue Reading
Praying in Grace By the Power of God
How the Trinity Informs and Enlivens Our Time Spent in Prayer
Prayer is worship. It is why that word adoration is used in the A.C.T.S. You are confessing your faith in Him, in His person as the Creator, and in His Work as the giver of all things by the word of His power. It is a statement of humble reliance upon the one who alone is able... Continue Reading
Who Is a God Like You?
Finding hope in the incomparable character of God.
The insanity of the world has reached a fever pitch in recent years, but let’s not forget that the God who upholds the universe, and the God who sent His Son into the world to save sinners, is a God who delights in steadfast love. Ultimate reality, the bedrock beneath this whole terrestrial ball, is... Continue Reading
Remember the 4 ‘Alls’ of the Great Commission
The missionary mandate Jesus gave his disciples, as seen in Matthew’s formulation.
The call of discipleship includes teaching everything Christ taught. The goal isn’t just a cognitive level of doctrinal understanding but total obedience. To obey all that Christ teaches. Nakah and Poobalan comment: The Great Commission forbids a selective attitude to Christ’s demands on all who follow him. We cannot pick and choose or add what we like. His... Continue Reading
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