"Watch your life and doctrine closely"
We absolutely hate it. It’s vile and wretched and rarely the answer we want to hear. Yet, unfortunately, we often find it a regular part of life. What is this four-letter response that leads us to wince when we hear it? Wait. None of us like to wait. Whether it’s the DMV or the line…
As we pulled into the parking lot, I saw a little blonde dash across the playground like a gazelle. I couldn’t believe how big she had gotten in such a short time. In the backseat of the van my daughter squealed with excitement. We hadn’t seen our former foster daughter in over a year but…
Regeneration is God implanting a new life, a new disposition within us. In that moment, we go from our natural mindset that opposes God to a new spiritual mindset that knows and loves God. Such a change is so drastic, Jesus said it’s like being born again (John 3). A newborn shows signs of life…
Healthy competition can lead us to work harder and achieve more than we ever thought possible. However, competition’s ugly cousin, comparison, promises to help us achieve more but often leaves us in despair. It debilitates and discourages, leaving us feeling insignificant and purposeless. It reminds us there is always someone else who is more successful,…
Before beginning his ministry, many viewed Martyn Lloyd-Jones as the next “up and coming” doctor. He received the best medical training and others noticed his abundant abilities, including his instructors. Dr. Lloyd-Jones was no stranger to science and saw much value in it. However, he also saw its limitations. For example, Lloyd-Jones warned that many…
Our greatest desire guides every decision we make. When faced with options, we will choose what we want and what we perceive to provide the greatest benefit. Oftentimes, we have competing desires and we’ll make our choice based on the greatest desire in that moment. For example, I might have a desire to lose fifteen…
Scripture provides vivid warnings of judgment and eternal hell for those who don’t repent and believe in Christ. Such warnings occur throughout the Bible and in Jesus’ earthly teaching. In Revelation 14, those who reject Christ and instead worship the beast “will be tormented with fire and sulfur…and the smoke of their torment goes up…
Still half-asleep, I stumble to the kitchen to turn on the Keurig. I hear the boys’ bedroom door open followed by a miniature stampede of pattering feet running my direction. The two youngest stop and look at me, but I’m not prepared for anything but coffee. Immediately, my 5-year-old points at his brother and proceeds…
He was a new believer who had forsaken his old way of life and had recently been baptized. He was amazed at the powerful work of God he was seeing in his town. Most amazing of all, Simon watched as people received the Holy Spirit when the apostles laid their hands on them. He had…
He sat in his chair with a noticeable frailty. His suit which normally fit correctly now hung loosely over his weakening body. He reminisced about God’s mercy toward him and sovereign working throughout his life. He rejoiced in his wife of 55 years, still thankful for such a blessing from God. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was in…