Christian Living

A Great Commission

A Great Commission

No believer would argue that we are responsible for getting the gospel of God’s salvation out to others. For many, this is a great passion of daily life, as it should be. The wrinkle occurs when we ask the question, “Yes, but how?” And sadly, methodology sometimes...

Modesty in Dress

Modesty in Dress

"In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works… not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they [you] may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” Titus 2:7, 10 Although the Scriptures do not give explicit instructions as to a specific...

Hope in Hard Times

Hope in Hard Times

We have heard a great deal during these periods of lockdown of people suffering. The loneliness, the isolation, the social and physical distancing, the fear, the anxiety, the trauma has all contributed to many people experiencing mental health issues, emotional and...

When the East Wind Blows

When the East Wind Blows

Being an avid angler, I have long known the proverb common amongst the piscatorial fraternity which is “Wind from the east, fish bite the least.” I do not think I have ever heard of any science as to why this is, but I know from experience it is true. It comes as no...

The Power of Sacrificial Love

The Power of Sacrificial Love

Agape & Phileo in the Life of the Believer The Greek language has many variations on the word love, where English is unfortunately limited to a single word. By using only one word to describe such a vast sentiment, the English language has lost much of the meaning and nuance.  Because the Bible recognizes variations […]

God Knows the Best

God Knows the Best

Some time, when all life’s lessons have been learned,      And sun and stars for evermore have set, The things which our weak judgments here have spurned,      The things o’er which we grieved with lashes wet— Will flash before us out of life’s dark night,      As stars shine most in […]

Spiritual Gift or Natural Talent?

Spiritual Gift or Natural Talent?

What is the Difference? “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you to be ignorant.” So, begins the 12th chapter of Paul’s first epistle to the assembly at Corinth, introducing three chapters of timeless essential ministry for Christians everywhere. With the greatest chapter on motives in the Bible as the centerpiece (Chapter 13), […]

The Blessing of Contentment

The Blessing of Contentment

Contentment was a mindset that directed the early days of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, quoted originally from Amy Carmichael’s poem entitled “In Acceptance Lieth Peace.” This is truly a discipline of the mind that blesses the heart and soul with peace in whatever situation is faced. Paul speaks of this in Philippians 4 and 1 […]

Thinking?

Thinking?

Have you ever stopped to wonderWhat this life is all about?Why you’re here and where you’re goingWhen your lease of time runs out?Maybe you’ve been far too busyTrying hard to reach your goalWould you let me ask you kindlyHave you thought about your soul? You may reach...

Disdain for Doctrine

Disdain for Doctrine

J. Gresham Machen, a brilliant conservative theologian of the last century lamented on the “modern hostility to doctrine.” It seems that we need to continue this lament today as there is a growing hostility to doctrine and theology. It is fashionable now among many assembly believers—including youth and even elders—to speak ill of doctrine. They […]

The Remedy For Ruin

The Remedy For Ruin

Human history records the rise and fall of many empires. Some kingdoms reigned longer and better than others, but eventually all have crumbled into oblivion. Obviously, God is sovereign over such things, yet, there is an observable pattern of moral decline that, generally speaking, precedes each social collapse. Such was the case of the Southern […]

Back Poem

Back Poem

Low in the Grave He Lay Low in the grave He lay— Jesus my Savior! Waiting the coming day— Jesus my Lord! Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign. He arose! He […]

The House of God

The House of God

The biblical concept of the house of God in the Bible is a topic worthy of thoughtful consideration. It is referenced many times in the Scriptures, each one with unique insights into the ways and purposes of God for His people. To understand this principle is to understand and appreciate the care and concern that […]

Preaching From the Poetic Passages of Scripture

Preaching From the Poetic Passages of Scripture

The work of the preacher in preparing a sermon must include an appreciation of the type of literature. In scripture there are narrative or historical accounts, parables, prophecy, teaching, and poetry. The starting point in analysis is exegesis, the explanation or interpretation of the text. Studying and preaching from poetic passages requires an understanding of […]

If We Could See Beyond Today

If We Could See Beyond Today

If we could see beyond today As God can see, If all the clouds should roll away, The shadows flee; O’er present griefs we would not fret, Each sorrow we would soon forget, For many joys are waiting yet For you and me. If we could know beyond today As God doth know, Why dearest […]