Taking Sin Seriously

One reason we don’t experience more holiness in our daily lives is that we don’t take some sin seriously. We’ve mentally categorized sins into that which is unacceptable and that which may be tolerated a bit. In commenting on some of the more minute Old Testament dietary laws God gave to the children of Israel,…

Ordinary people using ordinary means can understand the Bible

DeYoung in his book Taking God At His Word walks through several doctrines of Scripture that if rightly understood should foster confidence in a Christian concerning the Bible. One doctrine is the clarity of Scripture. Here’s several things that the clarity of Scripture means: Some portions of Scripture are clearer than others. Not every passage has a simple…

DeYoung on the Attributes of Scripture

What are the attributes of Scripture? DeYoung shares that Christians have traditionally highlighted four characteristics: Sufficiency: The Scriptures contain everything we need for knowledge of salvation and godly living. We don’t need any new revelation from heaven. Clarity: The saving message of Jesus Christ is plainly taught in the Scriptures and can be understood by all…

What are our privileges as Christians?

Christians are individuals who have been born again by God’s great mercy (1 Peter 1:3). This new life will conclude in an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading (1 Peter 1:4). This inheritance is kept, protected and preserved by the power of God (1 Peter 1:5). How else does Peter describe what Christians have? Here…

You really shouldn’t parent your children in only one way…

Here are Five Categories of How we Parent our Children: Management – sometimes children just need to be told what to do Nurturing – sometimes children simply need hope that there is a God who loves them and has provided everything they need Training – children need to learn how the gospel applies to the…

The How of Transitioning to an Elder-Led model

In a previous post we discussed the “why” of making a transition to an elder-led model. In this post we’ll share some insights, as well as some principles and practices that are indespensable in how you are to make such a transition. We have served in several churches over the last twelve years all of which were in…

The Why of Transitioning to an Elder-Led Model

On December 6, 2009 I was called to be the Senior Pastor at Oak Park Baptist Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana. God has been kind to my family and me and our church-family over these last several years to do a good work in and through our church. I’m thankful and humbled by His goodness. One…