Access to God makes growth possible
Last Sunday evening, I preached at Heritage Bible Church on Hebrews 10.19-25.
Christ will build His Church
Last Sunday evening, I preached at Heritage Bible Church on Matthew 16.13-19.
Review: How People Change (Lane and Tripp)
How People Change answers the perennial question, “How do I really grow as a Christian?” Lane and Tripp identify a major problem in Christianity: church life, Biblical preaching, and knowledge of God often are disconnected from actual change in behavior and lifestyle (ch 1). After identifying this gap, the authors examine several common “solutions” to this problem, but point out how those ideas fall short or lack essential biblical truths (ch 2). They then orient the book by pointing the reader clearly at Christ’s image by emphasizing our hope in future salvation (ch 3) and our certainty in our present union with Christ (ch 4). After offering this essential hope, they give the needed reminder that relationships with other Christians are key to seeing change (ch 5).Bible Reading (for geeks, nerds, or regular folks with iPhones)
Reading the Bible on my iPad is my new favorite way to do regular reading and meditation. I look for two things in a Bible app: a clean display of the text (without notes / links / distractions) and the availability of help if I want to read more. I also appreciate an app that can track my Bible reading progress and remind me to follow my plan. I’ve found some good apps that give the simplicity of focusing my eyes on the text alone, allow quick access to notes and cross-references if I want to study, and help me track my Bible reading progress.Review: The Supremacy of God in Preaching (Piper)
The Trinitarian view of preaching presented in The Supremacy of God in Preaching (John Piper) gives a clear God-ward focus to this part of ministry. The goal is God’s glory; the foundation is Jesus’ cross-work; the power is the Holy Spirit. Also, the pairing of gladness and gravity as the two essential things to communicate is a useful guard against both externalism and flippancy. Throughout the book, exhortations to an earnest preaching ministry abound, filling out the practical counsel with solid motivation.God spared the city for one righteous man
Genesis 18.22-33 challenges me every time I read it. On one hand, I admire Abraham’s tenacity and unashamed persistence in pleading for Sodom and Gomorrah. On the other hand, I’m amazed that God listens and agrees to Abraham’s request every time – what mercy! Part of me wonders why Abraham didn’t press for mercy on account of five or even one righteous man. He was on a roll – why quit at ten? My curiosity isn’t currently satisfied: Genesis doesn’t tell us, and we shouldn’t get too creative about inventing a reason.
Remembering Those Who Are in Prison
During our recent International Day of Prayer service at Heritage Bible Church, our service focused on prayer for the persecuted church around the world. I gave a brief challenge from Heb. 13.3 on remembering those who are in prison.
Desiring the Good Life
As a pastoral intern, I recently had the privilege of preaching in a Sunday morning service at Heritage Bible Church. I spoke on Psalm 73: when we’re tempted to envy the wicked, we need to pursue our all-satisfying God instead.
The Death of Christ in the New Testament
I recently taught a two-week series on the New Testament’s teaching about the death of Christ. The notes are available here: The Death of Christ in the NT.
The Book of Naomi
As we start reading the book of Ruth, chapter 1 points us to one person: Naomi, and to one characteristic: emptiness.
