In Tuesday's post, I argued from Matthew 25:14-30 (the Parable of the Talents) that diligence is an assurance of salvation issue. I also suggested that some of us may be struggling in our Christian lives because we have neglected to exercise our gifts and use our God-given resources for the glory of Christ and the … Continue reading Diligence and the Gospel of Grace
The Connection Between Assurance, Depression, and Diligence
A few weeks ago I took our college group---and later in the week, our young professionals---through a study on what the Proverbs say about diligence. The week prior we had all been laid low by the many Proverbs that condemn laziness. I began the lesson my noting that diligence is an "all of life" issue. … Continue reading The Connection Between Assurance, Depression, and Diligence
10 Quick Tips for Becoming an Excellent Bible Interpreter
Becoming a skilled interpreter of Scripture is not a complicated task. It is hard, but it isn't complicated. God does not hide the riches of his Word from the simple; he hides them from the proud and ungodly. Right interpretation, then, is first a matter of personal character and piety, and then a matter of methodology. … Continue reading 10 Quick Tips for Becoming an Excellent Bible Interpreter
Three Simple Thoughts on Teaching the Bible
(1) Every Christian Should Teach the Bible If you are a Christian, you are called to teach the truth of God’s Word to others through your personal ministry. You may not be called to or gifted for a public ministry of the Word; you are, however, called to a private ministry of the Word that … Continue reading Three Simple Thoughts on Teaching the Bible
Christian Dating and Courtship, Part 3: The Question of Physical Attraction
Male handsomeness and female beauty are good gifts from God. Scripture is unashamed to speak of men who had attractive physical appearances (Gen 39:6; 1 Sam 9:2; 16:12; 17:42; 2 Sam 14:25; 21:21; 1 Kings 1:6; Ps 45:2; Songs 5:10-16) and of women who had beautiful faces and---get this---beautiful bodies (Gen 12:11; 14; 26:7; 29:17; … Continue reading Christian Dating and Courtship, Part 3: The Question of Physical Attraction
Christian Dating and Courtship, Part 2: Compatibility
Much is made these days about compatibility when it comes to romantic relationships. Indeed, the entire online dating industry is built upon the idea of compatibility, and a simple Google search will provide you a dizzying array of romance gurus ready to share their wisdom on how to find the person with whom you are … Continue reading Christian Dating and Courtship, Part 2: Compatibility
Christian Dating and Courtship, Part 1: Leadership
Ever since Joshua Harris kissed dating goodbye in 1997, the dating vs. courting debate has raged within the evangelical community. While not as controversial as it once was (as far as I can tell), the question of whether Christians should "date" or "court" is still a hot topic within the larger Church. I do not … Continue reading Christian Dating and Courtship, Part 1: Leadership
From the Study 