A wrong understanding and application of Scripture can bring great confusion to one's life and severely wound a soul. Shepherds who truly love their flock will make it a priority, then, to not only teach the Scriptures accurately, but also apply it to their people with great care and precision. The latter is just as … Continue reading Contradictions or a Perfect Balance: Thoughts on Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes
How to Respond to Right Doctrine and Wrong Motives
A few months back, I wrote an article entitled, How to Listen to a Pharisee. In that post, we examined how Christ instructed his disciples to respond to truth when it is taught by someone who is flagrantly hypocritical. The conclusion: Christ commands us to listen to and obey the truth, even when it is … Continue reading How to Respond to Right Doctrine and Wrong Motives
Why Israel Rejoiced
Israel had sinned. They had disobeyed God's Word repeatedly and, as a result, endured a promised exile. God had warned both Israel and Judah that punishment awaited them if they continued to disobey, and He was faithful to his Word. Beginning with Israel in 722 BC, God started a process of discipline. He gave both Israel and Judah over to defeat and … Continue reading Why Israel Rejoiced
Journaling for the Good of Your Soul
Ever since becoming a Christian, I have loved to write. I certainly do not think that writing is a fruit of the Spirit or something that is bestowed at salvation, but I do believe that writing is an excellent spiritual discipline to nurture and one that has great benefits. One way to develop this discipline is by journaling. What … Continue reading Journaling for the Good of Your Soul
Hearing Before we Answer: Thoughts on Proverbs 18:13
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.--Proverbs 18:13 What if I told you that we are not entitled to critique something or someone until we have demonstrated understanding of what we are critiquing? If we took this little rule to heart, it would probably change the way we typically … Continue reading Hearing Before we Answer: Thoughts on Proverbs 18:13
Gleanings from a Tragic Life
The life of Solomon, although tragic, is an excellent warning to American Christians. His spiritual life began well: he was the son of a great and godly king, he was beloved in the sight of God, and, in his role as the new sovereign of Israel, desired wisdom above earthly riches in order to rule God's … Continue reading Gleanings from a Tragic Life
‘The Roots of Endurance’ by John Piper
I love biographies. I love John Piper. So I really love biographies written by John Piper. The Roots of Endurance: Invincible Perseverance in the Lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon and William Wilberforce is the third book (of four) in the Swans are not Silent biography series. Piper, each year, hosts a pastor's conference at his church. … Continue reading ‘The Roots of Endurance’ by John Piper
From the Study 