Chris Brauns in Unpacking Forgiveness: biblical answers for complex questions and deep wounds is helpful in defining this so often grossly misunderstood truth. He defines forgiveness as “a commitment by the one true God to pardon graciously those who repent and believe so that they are reconciled…
Several weeks ago I preached a message from Hebrews 5:11-14; a text I chose because I believe it reflected several truths that I wanted to convey to my own heart, as well as the hearts of the hearers at Oak Park. One such truth is that it is the will of God that we grow…
In preparation for a class on “Marriage and Family” in January I’m reading several books, one of which is the “Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace. One chapter speaks to a wife’s fight against anxiety or fear and it goes without saying but Martha’s words need not be relegated to women exclusively; men struggle with fear…
Because sometimes you just need to “rip” someone else’s words because they’re just that profound; one such word is this blog post from a guy named Ben Reed. I don’t know the guy but I came across his post this past week as I was reading through some blogs I subscribe to. You can read…
I’m currently reading Stuart Scott’s book “The Exemplary Husband: A Biblical Perspective” and have found it to be insightful, encouraging, challenging, and spiritually enriching. One such aspect of the book that is very helpful is the biblical definition and explanation of what leadership looks like in the context of marriage. And interestingly enough his comments…
I subscribe to Covenant Eyes, which is an accountability and filtering software that you can download on virtually anything (phone, laptop, iPad, etc.) and recently I was made aware of an additional resource that they offer on their website. The resource is an e-book that they offer for free. If you’re someone who is struggling…
Due to the multitude of insights and nuggets of wisdom I thought it would be beneficial to share. What follows is simply a summary of the first-half of “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” by Tedd Tripp. Enjoy. What are the foundations for biblical childrearing? Tedd Tripp answers this by submitting six truths: Children are a product…
How do you walk in victory over against being consumed with bitterness? In “Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds” Chris Brauns gives four ways a believer can defeat bitterness. First, trust God’s justice and providence (155). All of us at different times in our lives are treated unfairly; that’s part-and-parcel of…
Proverbs 19:11 says, “good sense makes one slow to answer, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Sometimes we need to as the aforementioned proverb states “overlook an offense” and understand that “loves covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). I think most of us (yours truly included) are more apt to…
I’m currently reading a book entitled “Unpacking Forgiveness: biblical answers for complex questions and deep wounds” and thus far I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. Forgiveness in some form or fashion is at the root of every relational problem. Thus, it’s appropriate to share a definition that I believe is spot-on. Forgiveness is a commitment by the…
