Over the years I've found it helpful to read devotional books along with my daily reading of Scripture. By "devotional" I am not referring to books that focus on the emotional aspects of the Christian faith at the expense of clear thinking and theological substance. For whatever reason, the term "devotional" when used with reference to … Continue reading 23 Quotes from J.C. Ryle's 'Holiness'
Writing and Publishing For Your Local Congregation
If you're a pastor, no doubt you sense a strong call to preach and teach the Word of God. But you may also be a pastor who has a strong desire to write for the spiritual benefit of God's people. Your passion to write may express itself in maintaining a blog, contributing regularly to a church … Continue reading Writing and Publishing For Your Local Congregation
Where's the (Philosophy of) Science? A Review of Four Views on The Historical Adam
Late in 2013 Zondervan released another installment in their Counterpoints series--this particular contribution offering different perspectives on the historicity of Adam. Since their inception several years ago, I have appreciated these multiple-view books. Although I usually come to and leave these books holding firmly to one of the views, I am always grateful to learn, first-hand, how proponents of different … Continue reading Where's the (Philosophy of) Science? A Review of Four Views on The Historical Adam
When Your Work is Unfulfilling
How does a Christian cultivate joy in Christ when he or she is laboring in a job that is occasionally unfulfilling? This is a question over which many Christians will struggle at some point during their pilgrimage. Whether you are in a job that is outside your field of expertise or interest, or you're in a line … Continue reading When Your Work is Unfulfilling
Self-Promotion, Pastoral Ministry, and Our Spiritual Condition
Last week I wrote an article on the issue of self-promotion. Today I want to apply a few reflections from last week's article specifically to pastoral ministry. Postcards and Self-Promotion Before I went to seminary I served for nearly five years as a youth pastor. I was fresh out of college with a Bible degree and a desire … Continue reading Self-Promotion, Pastoral Ministry, and Our Spiritual Condition
From the Study 