Take heart, today’s verse also reassures you that you are not alone in this calling. You are part of a community of saints; you are a saint “together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:2) who are called out of the world, but... Continue Reading

 There is no doubt that much has been placed on the plate of the Minister in the 21st Century that is not on his menu. This does not mean he has no real work to do in helping with pruning and the like, but it is the responsibility of the Ruling Elder to make first... Continue Reading

The problem is with our definition of “them.” Even that pronoun indicates what’s wrong. “Them” indicates these are a different sort of people – maybe even a different class. That they are separate and apart. I suppose that’s true in a way – just as there were groups of people that lived on the fringes... Continue Reading

One of the great temptations in work and ministry is to become so busy doing things for God we neglect spending time with God. We think we are smart enough and skilled enough to work and keep our gardens, but we forget it was God who planted our gardens. In the busyness of working and... Continue Reading

Holy discourse seeks to apply the blood-bought benefits of Christ to the deepest recesses of the human heart. Holy discourse fans zeal for Christ, strengthens understanding of Scripture, reinforces doctrinal orthodoxy, unearths destructive patterns of thought, addresses beleaguered souls, nurtures preserving prayer, bridles gossip and backbiting, deepens compassion for others, and develops skills of soul... Continue Reading

Yes, notwithstanding all this, God waits to be gracious! Oh, grace, grace unto it! Is it not a wonder that men are spared, especially if we consider how quickly God cast away the angels that sinned! Wonder of grace!   It is a wonder that God is gracious to sinful men. It is a wonder... Continue Reading

Knowledge of the truth alone does not save – one must believe and have faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. The king, while softened in his murderous decree and acknowledging the truth of the source of their present curse, still at that terrible hour refused to embrace Jesus Christ by faith as He is... Continue Reading

By the curse of exile, the paradigm was set – for us who believe, Christ became a curse, the true object of lament, so that as we pass his Cross, if we are ever asked “does it mean nothing to you” our response is this: “His pangs and wrath are the most significant event to... Continue Reading

I am utterly convinced that nothing quite assaults our peace like sickness and the reality of death. No matter how much money we have, how successful we are, how well-educated we’ve become, or how much we prepare, there are certain things we cannot protect ourselves from. In many ways, money is like the insulation in a... Continue Reading

Coming to Jesus for rest doesn’t shield us from afflictions. It transforms afflictions from fear-dominating, anxiety-producing, and hopeless to “light and momentary.” Hoping in the God of hope makes all the difference. So, Jesus says to us, “Come to me.” His shepherd’s heart toward us is filled with the same compassion, and his invitation is as... Continue Reading