It has been a long time since I have written in my blog. Almost 2 years to be exact. There are many topics that could be addressed, but it is the concept of ambition that has been weighing on me lately. So I pose this question, “Is ambition a sin?” The paragraphs below contain the …
Benefit #1: Reinforces that God is your top priority. How many of you brush your teeth in the morning? Probably most do. Why do you begin your day that way? I imagine some would say they feel gross if they don’t. Others would say they don’t want bad breath. Whatever the reason, everyone would agree … Continue reading
Dr. Joel R. Beeke (Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary) produced another ordinary book on the Christmas advent season. I do not write this to demean the topic or the author, but simply to affirm the author’s intent. The structure of Beeke’s work is also mundane. 31 chapters for the 31 days of December. Yet in true … Continue reading
Memoirs of the Way Home is a commentary on Ezra and Nehemiah, but the author, Dr. Gerald Bilkes (Professor of NT, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary), writes it as a story of conversion, an Old Testament application of the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). He states, “In Ezra and Nehemiah, we watch these prodigal … Continue reading
Sometimes good theology comes out of a children’s song or rhyme. Sometimes bad theology comes from it. Remember the classic rhyme (with hand motions): Here is the church Here is the steeple Open it up…and see all the people! Now though this rhyme is catchy and cute, what is the message that it sends? Simply … Continue reading
Young Christians need to understand that theology is life. These posts will examine theological terms from A-Z, in a way that a 10-18 year old can understand. One of the joys of parenthood is watching the “firsts”. First smile, first laugh, first word and of course, the ever popular….first step. Yet these moments primarily function to … Continue reading
Young Christians (especially in America) are growing up in another biblically illiterate generation. It is no wonder that the 18-30 group often abandoned their faith, especially since their faith was built on entertainment, sermonettes and infrequent discipleship. What must we do? Teach them about God and if that is done right, they will grow up … Continue reading
*I encourage every reader to read this post after some meditation on Revelation 1 and 2:1-7. Observation #1—The number seven symbolizes completion. “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. (2:1) The reader should … Continue reading
So now that I am back in a position of overseeing the student ministries department in my church, I wanted to think through and write on what I believe to be the 9 marks of a healthy youth ministry. Here are the 9: Discipleship Every Christian has one simple goal: To become more like Jesus. … Continue reading
As of tomorrow, I am heading into a new ministry position, a new community and a new church family. This newness brings change and change brings uncertainty. This post is from Andrew Powell, who serves as Senior Pastor of Grace Church of Mahomet, Ill. I hope it encourages you as much as it encouraged me. … Continue reading
Is God anti-gay? This question is both provocative and the title of Sam Allberry’s literary contribution to The Good Book Series, Questions Christians Ask. This book is incredibly brief (around 80 pages) and it is written by a pastor who is currently single and struggles with “same-sex attraction”. It is important for the reader to … Continue reading
Past and Present 