Recently, a friend emailed me and asked what practical steps I take in order to keep the Internet "an aid and not a distraction." I thought I would share my response to him with you. (1) I am deliberate in my use of the Internet. I set aside specific times that I allow myself to … Continue reading How I (Try to) Use the Internet
An Overview of Ephesians
The book of Ephesians is a favorite among many Christians[1]. Its rich blend of salvation theology and Christian practice, carefully balanced over six chapters, offers to readers a full-orbed view of the Christian life. It boasts some of the most profound and enriching statements regarding the predestination and election of Christians, as well as conceivably … Continue reading An Overview of Ephesians
‘The God who Justifies’ by James White
Martin Luther described the doctrine of justification---the topic of this book---as the article of faith that determines whether the church is standing or falling. Speaking of Luther, James Buchanan writes, By this he meant that when this doctrine is understood, believed, and preached, as it was in New Testament times, the church stands in the … Continue reading ‘The God who Justifies’ by James White
An Old Testament Precedent for Daily Bible Reading
I love this passage from Deuteronomy 17:18-20: And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that … Continue reading An Old Testament Precedent for Daily Bible Reading
Calvin's Humility in Preaching
This was a particularly moving quote about John Calvin from T.H.L. Parker: There is no threshing himself into a fever of impatience or frustration, no holier-than-thou rebuking of the people, no begging them in terms of hyperbole to give some physical sign that the message has been accepted. It is simply one man, conscious of … Continue reading Calvin's Humility in Preaching
Grace and Comparing Ourselves with Others
Over the past couple of weeks I have been writing on the subject of pursuing the spiritual disciplines in the power of the Holy Spirit. The most recent post discussed how we need to avoid the spiritually dangerous practice of wrongly comparing ourselves with others in a way that makes us slavishly emulate their life and ministry. … Continue reading Grace and Comparing Ourselves with Others
Do You Love Others?
Love is the defining characteristic of a Christian. Love for God and love for others are the two fountains from which all other duties flow, and are the underlying motivations for all true Christian practice. Several verses attest to this fact, but a few key texts should suffice. In John 15:12-13, Christ gives His disciples the commandment that they … Continue reading Do You Love Others?
From the Study 