Preaching from the Pit

Sometimes you are called to preach from the pit. Pain, suffering, grief, and sorrow are not reasons for the minister to back away from his calling to proclaim the word of God; they are often reasons to lean into it. Times of peace and comfort highlight certain truths as we study scripture, but there are … Continue reading Preaching from the Pit

How to Learn Contentment

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. - Philippians 4:11 How can we learn contentment? One step toward contentment is patient submission to unavoidable ills and hardships. No earthly lot is perfect. No mortal ever yet in this world, has found a set of circumstances without some drawback. There are trials … Continue reading How to Learn Contentment

The Test of Your Faith

What is God doing when he tests our faith? Why is it necessary that our faith be tested? What are some of the ways he tests our faith? How are we to respond in times of testing? I recently had the privilege of preaching a sermon called, The Test of Your Faith at Bethel Grace … Continue reading The Test of Your Faith

Self-Denial Leads to Happiness

If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. - Luke 9:23-24 This law of the dying of self, and the magnifying of Christ is … Continue reading Self-Denial Leads to Happiness

A Monument to Grace: Short Film

I am proud of my son, Mark, who won first place for the film below at a competition at his university. The theme was grace. As you will see, my son is an avid hiker and has been to some beautiful places. The voice you will hear in the video is Dr. Chuck Ryor. Dr. … Continue reading A Monument to Grace: Short Film

Fortresses of Falsehood

The world builds fortresses of falsehood. Secularism’s prophets are all around us. They speak to us on the news. They preach to us on social media. They weave their deceptions into the stories they tell us in TV shows and movies. Even corporations and stores attempt to become temples to these unholy delusions, and the … Continue reading Fortresses of Falsehood

Social Commentary Blows Away with the Wind

I am growing more convicted that much of what Christian writers, myself included, spend time writing about will not stand the test of time. Christians need to know what is going on in the world, and Christians need to speak the truth into these issues. We need to understand how the world thinks and how … Continue reading Social Commentary Blows Away with the Wind

Request 200+ Free Copies of ‘Gentle and Lowly’ for Your Church

Attention Pastors and Ministry Leaders: Crossway is giving away copies of the one the best books written in 2020. This book is so good, I have already read it twice and gave away about 15 copies at Christmas. I also wrote a review of the book called, What Does God Think About You? Apparently, a … Continue reading Request 200+ Free Copies of ‘Gentle and Lowly’ for Your Church

A Different Kind of Fear

There is a fear that will make you fearless. Many of God’s saints have gone through times that shook them with such terrible fright they felt paralyzed. These times usually involve getting a glimpse of the holiness of God. Like Isaiah, we tremble and come undone, but it is during those times we learn that … Continue reading A Different Kind of Fear

The Dangers of Being Idle

Warn those who are idle. - 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Take heed of an idle and slothful spirit. An idle life and a holy heart are far apart. By doing nothing, men learn to do evil things. It is easy slipping out of an idle life, into an evil and wicked life. Yes, an idle life is of itself evil, for … Continue reading The Dangers of Being Idle