We must evaluate all spiritual experiences—our own or someone else’s—by the Word of God. If mystical experiences do not line up with biblical patterns and clear teaching, then we have no reason to believe the one claiming to have such experiences. I am frankly very doubtful of claims regarding supernatural experiences of this dramatic style. Read More ...
It’s in humanity’s best interests to value children and to protect them both before and after they are born. No amount of bodily autonomy surpasses the value of a child, born or unborn. We should be far more concerned about human life than we are about bodily autonomy. When the desire for bodily autonomy conflicts with the value of human life, we must protect and preserve human life. Read More ...
Congregationalism follows the pattern found in the NT. Other ways of operating a church may be more efficient, but congregational church order is both biblical and practical. Congregationalism calls for the participation and cooperation of every member of the church. This form of church order is an opportunity to extend fellowship, love, and cooperation. Operating the church this way should draw us to together in a spirit of unity and teamwork. Read More ...
Like Paul, we should be deeply grieved when professing believers fall into sin and unbelief. It should bother us when they leave the church and neglect the faith. We should have a sense of compassion and sympathy for those who stumble. Read More ...
This list of abuse and misconduct—enslavement, exploitation, taking advantage, arrogance, insults—these are the danger signs exposing false teachers. If people do these kinds of things, it’s because they are satanic frauds. We must not gullibly tolerate such abuse and false teaching. We must see the difference between godly leaders and abusive tyrants. Read More ...
As we go through the door to the new year, let’s make sure that we bring our faith and our good works with us. Let’s not only continue, remain, and abide; let’s also strengthen the things that remain in 2024. Read More ...
Christmas is a celebration of the fact that Jesus “came unto his own.” It’s a great tragedy that Jesus’ own people did not receive him. But even though they didn’t, we can receive him; anyone can receive Jesus through repentance and faith. And if we do, we become the children of God. That’s very good news, and it’s a message worth celebrating. Read More ...
And if we acknowledge Jesus as the king, we also recognize that he is the sovereign ruler of our lives. We submit to him and obey his will for our lives. We recognize his authority over us as our king. Read More ...
False teachers typically want to make the Gospel as easy and attractive as possible so the most people will accept it. So they strip it down and remove the “offense of the cross” (Gal 5:11). Read More ...
It’s sad that many churches seem to have little appreciation for those who serve the congregation humbly, sacrificially, honestly, and lovingly. They take the pastor for granted and often create all kinds of problems for him. Some churches neglect, overwork, and underpay their pastors. Churches like that often chase away good pastors; they can’t keep a pastor. I’m glad that such has not been my experience. Read More ...