The doctrine of union with Christ is one of the warmest doctrines a Christian can understand. Union with Christ teaches that all that belongs to Christ, is mine. I am so united to him, that I am united in his death, burial and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-6). My union with Christ means that my life is […]
Forgiveness is at the heart of Christianity, and is to be an essential part of the Christian community, and yet, forgiveness can be very challenging. Too often, we withhold forgiveness and harbor bitterness, wrath, anger and resentment. We fail to see our sin and go to seek forgiveness. In the church and the culture, forgiveness […]
Writing succinctly, and with his familiar wit, Kevin DeYoung encourages Christians to consider how much attention we give to personal holiness. Modern evangelicals face the problem many Christians have for centuries; we waffle between legalism and license. This is where DeYoung’s book is so helpful. How is the pursuit of holiness not legalistic, but yet […]
In Matthew 11, we have one of the warmest passages in the scriptures. Jesus calls those who are weary and heavy laden to come to him. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle […]
The Psalmist says, “When the cares (disquieting thoughts – anxieties) of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Anxiety is for many people, an ever present part of life, so much so that we just refer to ourselves as “an anxious person,” or “an anxious mess.” For many people, anxiety becomes a part […]
This Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is the season we observe before the celebration of Christmas. It is observed the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Advent is a season marked by longing and anticipation. Advent is not Christmas, but it’s preparing us for Christmas. For thousands of years, people who believed […]
Paul writes in Romans 14, “One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (14:3, 5). Paul is dealing here with the conscience. The conscience […]
When people begin to see the doctrine of election, a common question that is raised is, “If God has chosen everyone who will be saved, then what is the purpose of evangelism?” J.I. Packer’s book, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God will help you see how it is precisely because of the sovereignty of God […]
Anger is a universal human problem that is a response to real and perceived injustice. Everyone of us deals with anger in its many and varied forms. It is, “a human capacity — like sex, happiness and sorrow. It is a complex human response to a complex world.” However, what we know of anger is […]
The Puritan pastor and author, Richard Sibbes is often referred to as, “the heavenly doctor.” After reading The Bruised Reed, you will ascertain why this is a fitting title. In this little book, Sibbes focuses on Matthew 12:20 and how Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, “a bruised reed he will not break, and […]