Preachers may faithfully preach thematic and topical sermons that explain the Bible. They are certainly free to preach sermons on particular texts of Scripture without preaching through whole books of the Bible. But here are some reasons that preaching through whole books of the Bible is valuable. 1. Preaching through books of the Bible forces …
Continue reading Why preach through whole books of the Bible?
Are believers in Christ required to obey any part of Old Testament law, or is all Old Testament law abolished? Both Dispensationalists and proponents of New Covenant Theology simply say that believers are under no obligation to any Old Testament law. In their view, the laws of the Old Testament are fulfilled and abrogated in …
Continue reading Are the Ten Commandments distinct from other Old Testament law?
Jeremiah Burroughs’ classic work, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, is a treasure of wisdom and instruction. If you haven’t read it, I highly encourage you to get it and read it. American culture generally fosters discontentment and all the miseries and heartaches that go along with it. Discontentment is coveting what we do not have, longing for it inordinately, and believing that if we have it, we will be satisfied. Simply put, to be content is to obey the 10th commandment, “You shall not covet” by the power of Christ and the gospel of grace. Here’s my summary of 20 ways that Burroughs describes Christian contentment.
“Conflict” is any difference of opinion among people, where each person is trying to show how their position is correct. According to this definition, conflict doesn’t necessarily involve sin. Many conflicts are the result of misunderstanding or miscommunication. Sometimes conflicts are necessary because important principles are at stake. Thus, conflicts aren’t necessarily harmful. But far …
All are not true Christians who are members of the visible church of Christ. . . . The true Christian is one whose religion is in his heart and life. It is felt by himself in his heart . . . There is one thing in a true Christian which is eminently peculiar to him. That thing is love to Christ.
How can you tell whether you’re a genuine believer or a false professor? One of the best books describing the true nature of conversion is The Christian’s Great Interest by William Guthrie. Consider what Guthrie says in chapter 5 of his book about the differences between the true Christian and the hypocrite.
Family devotions are one of the most important things families can do together, if it sincere and consistent with the rest of family life. When parents are living like Christians in the home (repenting of sins, trying to seek Christ), family devotions are an important way to point our children to Christ, to honor Him together, to grow in Him, and set a pattern of living in Christ's presence though the Word and prayer in the home.
Much of what passes for pastoral ministry today is nothing other than the application of philosophies and methods of corporate America in the church. Too many pastors think of themselves as doing their jobs, and they don’t think of themselves as God’s men who are called to a whole-life pastoral ministry among God’s beloved people. …
Continue reading What are some essential aspects of pastoral ministry?
At 14:00, James White asks Doug Wilson about the difference between the conditions of the covenant with Adam and the covenant with Christians and faith versus faithfulness. Wilson answers as follows: “When I first trust in God, that faith is the instrument of my justification. The ground of justification is the obedience of Jesus Christ …
Continue reading A question for Doug Wilson after his conversation with James White
As technology continues to advance, we have more and more power to change our bodies. But Christians should be asking whether there are boundaries. This is a complex topic and one that cannot be sufficiently covered in a short blog post like this, but I would like to lay out certain categories and principles.
Ask the Pastor 