In summary, we should take aesthetic pleasure only in those things that are truly beautiful–truly worthy of delight–as compared to the absolute standard of God’s beauty and glory. To do otherwise is sin, and to regularly pursue pleasure in what is ugly hinders ordinate worship and praise to God. This is a series to further explain the... Continue Reading

Those with low self-discipline will procrastinate on activities they don’t enjoy, only do the minimum to get by and avoid exercising daily initiative. Over time, this leads to low morale and spiritual lethargy, first in oneself and eventually in the congregation.   One of the blessings of vocational ministry is the high degree of control... Continue Reading

I agree that we should be planting solid churches in large cities and urban areas.  We need to focus on population centers for sure when we consider church planting.  However, we have to be careful not to overstate the importance of the city at the expense of rural areas and smaller towns.  In my opinion,... Continue Reading

Whenever the process of sanctification slows down (or halts) in a Christian’s life, and he is not able to rectify that situation (for whatever reason), he needs the help of other believers who can direct him to God’s answers to his problems and how to bring about a change that honors Him. Counseling is not... Continue Reading

Part I is geared towards addressing historical concern in relation to definite atonement (DA). In Part II nearly 200 pages are devoted to addressing DA in regard to specific Scriptures. Part III is intended to deal with the systematic issues related to DA. Finally, Part IV of the book deals more closely with DA from... Continue Reading

God is a speaking God to be sure. He has spoken and continues to speak to his people. In past days of redemptive history God spoke in various ways through the prophets and apostles. But the canon is now closed. We live in that privileged age of redemptive history where we possess God’s completed and inscripturated... Continue Reading

Austin has a different approach to biblical authority, a different place for substitutionary atonement, a different understanding of the freedom of the will, a different take on epistemology, a different level of confidence in whether God knows all things, and a whole different set of authors he looks to for theological guidance. These are not... Continue Reading

David Wells has pulled together a work that will help you to discern the unseen pressures that are trying to squeeze you into syrupy sentimentalism. It will encourage you to stay the course as you preach the Gospel of King Jesus. And it will feed your soul as you spend days and weeks reflecting on... Continue Reading

So should you see the movie? Consider the above council, pray about it, and draw your own conclusions. As for me, Osteen’s glowing endorsement of “Son of God” notwithstanding (or perhaps because of it?), and in spite of my cultural curiosity, I don’t plan on seeing the film. Packer’s right: some risks aren’t worth taking.... Continue Reading

Maybe our churches remain segregated simply because it’s comfortable. There’s nothing malicious to it; we are just more comfortable with “our own.” But also, it might be because diversity and racial issues are scary. Talking about race and racial reconciliation can be downright terrifying. No one wants to offend, and in our politically correct society, who would blame... Continue Reading