Often, the very things we need to grow are the same things we work to avoid because we think we are fragile. Scripture uses the metaphor of running a race to describe the Christian life on more than one occasion. In running the race, there are weights we should cast off and weights we should pick up if we are going to compete to win the prize. CLICK TO READ MORE...
Why did Jesus speak in parables? The standard answer, in one sense, seems to be the exact opposite of what Jesus told us. The typical response to that question is that Jesus spoke in parables to make his teaching clearer to his audience. After all, they tell us, parables are earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. Most people view … Continue reading Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables?
The storm is a gift. This phrase ran through my mind as wave after wave crashed upon me. In part because I knew it was true and partly because I hoped it was true. When the skies turned dark, they caught me off guard. I found myself lost in confusion as every bit of my weakness was exposed, but that … Continue reading The Storm Killed My Idols
You will not want to miss this one. It is a guest post by Rob Golding, Pastor of First Artesia CRC. Rob blogs at Classic Christianity. Christ tells His followers that they will have abundant life now. Do they? Many people today say that Christianity is a sour religion. It poisons our ability to enjoy … Continue reading Why You Are Dissatisfied with Christianity
Scripture says God will not turn away the broken and contrite, but when we look at our own hearts, we often see so much pride we are rarely comforted by that truth. However, we must never forget that true humility would never see itself as humble. Arthur Pink once addressed our tendency to improperly assess … Continue reading 3 Signs of Christian Humility
Studying the life of David Brainerd is like a balm to my soul. It reminds me how much closer I could be walking with the Lord, but not in a condemning way, in an encouraging way. The amount of suffering he faced and the sweetness he found in God, teaches me contentment. His simple life so contrasts my busy and distracted … Continue reading The Life of David Brainerd
The imputation of Christ's righteousness to us is essential to the gospel, but many people still seem to lack clarity as to why. They ask, is it not enough that Jesus bears our guilt on the cross making us guiltless? Is not guiltlessness and righteousness the same thing? Here is a short and simple illustration of why our salvation is incomplete without imputed righteousness... CLICK TO READ MORE
Many people have been moved by a young woman named Brooklyn as she lived out her last days at home on hospice care. Though her outer self was wasting away, her inner self was being renewed day by day. Many people have been encouraged by her social media posts, but not as many people are … Continue reading Brooklyn: 2 Months Before Her Death
Guilt has a way of remaining long after our transgressions have passed. The question is, "what are you going to do with it?" Lingering guilt is what Herod, the tetrarch, was experiencing when he heard about Jesus and the miracles he was working. Herod was sure it was John the Baptist who had come back to life. There is an aspect of this story that we often miss, but before I address it, I need to give a little more context to the passage.
For those of you who have been following Brooklyn's Journey Home, her journey is now complete. Brooklyn died on March 1, 2022. Brooklyn captured our hearts and minds with her faith in Jesus as she faced the final enemy, death. You can read her inspiring story here. Below is a portion of what her sister … Continue reading Brooklyn is in the Presence of God
The Fight of Faith 