How Do I Encourage My Pastor?
Your pastor needs to know that what he does week in and week out means something to his flock
“The most meaningful things I hear isn’t, “I prayed for you” but, “I prayed that your sermon would be powerfully preached and eagerly received, or I prayed God would protect you and your family from the enemy through this important week.” Based on the emails, notes, and phone calls I continue to get, trust me…your... Continue Reading
One Professor’s Journey from Scientology to Christ
Twenty-five years ago I converted to Christianity. Here is my story of how I “wandered into the faith.”
“Without conviction, I embraced all kinds of crazy New Age philosophies, rebelled against my family, and got involved in unhealthy relationships. I take full responsibility. God bless my parents and friends for trying to snap me out of it. And bless those poor, deluded psychologists and counselors who tried to talk me (or drug me) out... Continue Reading
Same-Sex Marriage Is Disrespectful of the Human Body, Christian Philosopher Nancy Pearcey Says
Same-sex marriage supporters ignore biology and disrespect the human body
“In an earlier age, nature was recognized as God’s creation, expressing God’s purposes. Because our bodies are part of nature, the human body has a purpose too. The biological correspondence between male and female in reproduction is part of the original creation that God pronounced “very good” — morally good — which means it provides... Continue Reading
Great Expectations?
Do people view me as a man of integrity? Do people view my children as people of integrity?
My children will make some bad decisions now and then, but hopefully not as bad as some of mine. When they do, I hope that I will be there for them, showing them love and forgiveness, and helping them to learn from the consequences. Hopefully my children will look to me and see me as... Continue Reading
When Bad Things Happen to God’s People
James says that we are to consider it all joy when we face trials. Whatever shape or size they take, we are to meet them with joy and expectation.
Life’s hardships should prompt us to do inventory, starting with a prayer for the Spirit to search our heart and expose what is holding us back (see Psalm 139:23-24). Pastors should be able to lead the sheep in such an inventory, to pull alongside them in time of adversity and help them take advantage of... Continue Reading
The Outward Show: Holiness from the Inside Out
When your outward show matches your inward reality before God and man you look like Jesus Christ.
The problem with the Pharisees was not their external piety. No, the characteristic of these men which was deplorable to Jesus was their lack of interest on an internal purity that matched their outward show. It was their duplicity and hypocrisy that offended Jesus, and not their dutiful holiness. Man looks on the outward appearance, but God... Continue Reading
Spurgeon Almost Quit
At the age of twenty-two, Charles Spurgeon almost quit the ministry.
Spurgeon’s joy was based not only on his own ability to recover, but on God’s ability to replenish. It was a joy that would balm Spurgeon in future controversies when he felt beleaguered and bewildered. The joy Spurgeon had after 1856 was a radical joy — a joy deeply rooted in the soil of the... Continue Reading
So You Can’t Wait to Retire?
It’s good to have a retirement plan just in case you have to leave the pastorate as an older man. We are not all like Moses.
Ultimately, the whole retirement debate is about the faithfulness of God. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all your basic needs will be supplied by him (Mt. 6:33). We must be wise in our planning, but also we must never lose sight of this promise. Whenever I broach the topic... Continue Reading
Geneva College President Ken Smith Announces Resignation
The Geneva College Board of Trustees announced on April 13 President Ken Smith’s resignation from Geneva, effective June 30, 2015.
Dr. Bill Edgar, immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees, current chair of the Board of Corporators, and past chair of the Board of Trustees of the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, will act as interim president beginning July 1, 2015. During his interim presidency the Board will conduct a search for a new president.... Continue Reading
The Troubled Soul and the Instructed Mind
As you find yourselves sorely tried and troubled, put behind you the lies of Satan and ponder the truths of God
God promises that through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, you who are troubled can still contentment, peace, and joy. Yes, Moses can sing in the wilderness, David can sing in the cave, and the Apostles can sing in jail. Therefore, you too can simultaneously cry and sing as you walk through the Valley of the Shadow... Continue Reading
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