Getting at the heart…

That’s a line from Paul David Tripp’s book Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands – People in Need of Change, Helping People in Need of Change.  And I wanted to share a couple of comments he makes concerning the question which serves as the title for this entry.  This is what he has to say concerning…

II Timothy 4:1-4 “What do we really need?”

Context of II Timothy is the imminent retirement of the apostle Paul and his sometimes reticent protégé Timothy.   Paul says in 4:6 that “I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure” – he knows he’s close to death and he wants to make sure to…

Decorpulation?

Several weeks ago I finished Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck’s “Why We Love The Church:  In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion” and in preparation for my sermon this Sunday on membership I’ve picked it back up to help me think through this very important issue.  With regards to the word “decorpulation” DeYoung says that If…

Catechism…what’s that?

One of the books I’m currently reading through is Kevin DeYoung’s “The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism.”  The 16th century catechism DeYoung is referring to is the Heidelberg Catechism.  What’s interesting about this catechism is that it’s broken up into 52 Lord’s Days, which is helpful for…

Our Love Problem…

Yesterday morning I preached from Matthew 22:34-39 and entitled it “Our Love Problem.”  The context is Jesus’ silencing of the Sadducees, which of course sparks some interest from the always combative Pharisees, namely one lawyer, who after consulting with his fellow Pharisee brothers seeks to trap Jesus in a question of what is the greatest commandment.  Ironically,…

“How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that…”

That’s a quote from Penn Jillete, an individual who is an outspoken atheist.  However, in this video he makes some very pointed comments concerning people who believe in say, a heaven or hell, but don’t make attempts to proselytize other people.  His comments and questions are spot-on and quite convicting.  I plan on showing this…

Matt Chandler Seminar on homosexuality

The issue of homosexuality will become more and more prevalent in the years to come.  Consequently, pastors, church leaders and lay people in the Church need to have an biblically informed understanding of homosexuality and how to discuss it in non-hostile, non-condemning way, all the while pointing people to the Gospel of Christ.  This is…