At one point in the Gospel of John, the people directly asked Jesus what they must do to please God: “’What must we do to do the works God requires?’ Jesus Answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent’” (6:28-29). True belief is not a probationary test drive;…
Have you ever thought about the truth that thinking about eternity can help you in your fight against sin? Most people haven’t and I confess it doesn’t cross my mind as much as it should. In his book Sex and Money, Paul Tripp gives several truths about eternity that can help us walk in freedom…
Paul Tripp in his book Sex & Money shares four things that will cause a Christian’s heart to be controlled by money. They are… Ingratitude. Need Discontent Envy If you are unthankful and convinced that you deserve more, if you have been able to convince yourself that there are things you need that you do…
Proverbs 18:1 reads, “whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” Bruce Waltke in his commentary on Proverbs says this, “the fool alienates himself from society by his self-indulgent pursuit and bares his teeth against the sage’s proficient thinking.” The person who isolates himself can also be translated antisocial…
Paul Tripp reminds us in Sex and Money of an unshakable and hope-giving promise that God gives us His presence in the midst of difficulties. When God called Moses to confront Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler on earth, and Moses was afraid to go, God said, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12) When God called Joshua…
In Titus 2:11-12, Paul expressed both the negative and positive aspects of what grace accomplishes in the Christian life: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to [negatively] renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to [positively] live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Those three…
The Do’s DO try to be with the family as soon as you receive word about the family member’s death. DO offer to help the family gather information in preparation for the funeral arrangements. DO mobilize the church family to join you in caring for the needs of the family. DO gently offer suggestions that…
SAY NO…The grace of God has appeared . . . training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions (Titus 2: 11-12). Grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness. Ungodliness in its broadest form basically comprises disregarding God, ignoring Him, or not taking Him into account in one’s life. It’s a lack of fear and…
This piece was written by Dr. Lawless and posted on Dr. Rainer’s website, which day-in-day-out is probably the most helpful, practical blog on leadership out there. Here’s what Dr. Lawless says regarding how to recognize arrogance: 10 Ways to Recognize Our Arrogance May 27, 2014 By Chuck Lawless I’m writing this post for me as much as…
06.12.2014 Wise leaders are often repulsed by the idea of a ministry or organizational silo. A silo is, by definition, “a system or department that is isolated from others.” Silos can cause ministries or organizations to move in a plethora of disparate directions. Thus, a silo sucks funding from the overall mission, causes confusion as…
Theology Along the Way 