Suffering trains us to become more fully dependent on God. When things are falling apart we learn to give ourselves more to the one who holds the universe together (Hebrews 1:3). As death looms we learn to entrust ourselves to the God who raises the dead. Feeling powerless points us to the omnipotent God. When you are... Continue Reading

Through the aid of the Spirit, the Word of God, and the local church, Christ can enable any Christian man to love his wife, regardless of the circumstances surrounding his marriage. In light of this, men, let us work hard to love our wives as Christ loves the church.   In the latter half of... Continue Reading

We want to cultivate the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, and we want to display the fruit of the Spirit that is self-control.  Stop offering excuses.  There is no behaviour so compulsive that Christ doesn’t offer the power to overcome.  he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear,... Continue Reading

A country’s leaders will reflect the country, and a country will reflect their leaders. Even more so a church which is unconcerned with personal holiness in itself will no doubt not seek leaders which reflect the type of life Christ expects of all men. Putting up with sin has a leprous effect on the body... Continue Reading

Consider having a missionary speak or have an interesting ministry update 30 minutes before the evening service. State that there will be a 15 minute psalm- or hymn-sing before the evening service. Do this once a month. State that there will be a 30 minute ice-cream social before the evening service. Do this on a different... Continue Reading

We can’t disobey rulers without disobeying God except when we must obey God rather than man (cf. Acts 5:29). Rulers, however, often walk contrary to the very reasons God gave them authority, punishing the righteous and rewarding the wicked. No surprises there, for Paul’s Gospel explication includes rulers when he indicts the entire human race... Continue Reading

I write cards of condolence as often as I can. This is an art. I endeavor to enter someone’s sorrow, to restate what they might be experiencing. I do not offer cheap consolation. I lament with one who has lost a friend or relation or who is suffering ill health (Isaiah 50:4). I often teach... Continue Reading

Christian growth requires submission to the work and influence of other Christians in the local church to help you grow in Christ and observe all that Christ commands. If you don’t submit yourself to the ministry of other Christians in a local church to disciple you, can you really call yourself a faithful disciple of Christ?... Continue Reading

Politeness matters; it tends to peace. Being a good neighbor will be more important than ever. Do not taunt or respond angrily to taunting, whatever the outcome. Say less rather than more; read Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.   There is little at this point you can do to affect the outcome of the election except to vote. God is... Continue Reading

Now is the time to live for God. Now is the time to fear the Lord. Now is the time to walk wisely under the sun. Life will not necessarily get easier as we grow older. However old you are, these are the years to love God with your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Don’t live... Continue Reading