It's often called "The Shepherd's Psalm." In his Treasury of David, a commentary on the Psalms, the 19th century British preacher, Charles Spurgeon, wrote the following powerful words regarding Psalm 23: "It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more … Continue reading The 23rd Psalm
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Keep Your Pastors Accountable (here’s why & how)
It usually goes something like this: A pastor (or another church leader) says, "I'm accountable only to God, not the church." The first part of that claim is true, but the man has a serious blind spot because the Church is the Body of Christ. And every pastor (or committee) elected by the Body is … Continue reading Keep Your Pastors Accountable (here’s why & how)
The Privilege of Drawing Near to God (and what it cost)
There are people in important roles whose office I could call today and be told either it will be days or weeks before I can see them, or that I can’t see them at all. Not so with the God. The Old Testament Law was given by God not to make us perfect by "checking … Continue reading The Privilege of Drawing Near to God (and what it cost)
Why we sing “Joy” and not “Happiness” to the World
Happiness is based on circumstances, joy is based on biblical truth. In 1943 Nazi Germany, at the time Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote the quote below, he was under severe persecution from the Third Reich for courageously standing against Hitler. Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship, is well-worn on my bookshelf. Bonhoeffer’s devotion to Christ cost him … Continue reading Why we sing “Joy” and not “Happiness” to the World
Willful Ignorance
A Brief Biblical Principle from our lesson on John 8:12-21: Unbelief never has enough proof; willful ignorance never has enough truth. Willful ignorance is demonstrated by that person who says, “Don’t bother me with facts. My mind is already made up.” Jesus said, If anyone wants (is willing to; desires) to do God’s will, he … Continue reading Willful Ignorance
Can a Christian Become a Non-Christian?
Can a Christian become a Non-Christian? The biblical answer is no. Jesus chose his words carefully. When he used the figurative language with Nicodemus, “born again,” to describe, in human terms, one’s sincere profession of faith in him, he knew exactly what he meant: just as it is impossible for a son or daughter to … Continue reading Can a Christian Become a Non-Christian?
Horatio’s Blindspot
From Christianity Today - April 2020 What Skeptical Scholars Admit about the Resurrection Appearances of Jesus The historical evidence is clear: Those who claimed to see him risen must have seen something. JUSTIN BASS; APRIL 13, 2020 On June 26, 2000, ABC aired a documentary called The Search for Jesus. The network’s leading news anchor, … Continue reading Horatio’s Blindspot
The Last Straw
Have you ever done something you believed was the “last straw” with God? Have you ever felt like you've, finally - once and for all - ruined your life? NOTE: A follow-up to my message a couple of weeks ago about the Cross’s power over shame. Tullian Tchividjian (last name is pronounced “shuh -VIJ-uhn) is … Continue reading The Last Straw
What to Say to a Person Considering Suicide
Here's the scenario... You have good reason to believe (or, at least, strongly suspect) a friend or loved one is considering taking their own life. First of all, should you say anything? YES. Always err on the side of caution. If you're wrong, you've lost nothing. But, if you're right - you've just might have … Continue reading What to Say to a Person Considering Suicide
To My Fellow Pastors (and fellow believers)
NOTE: I've read MacDonald's book at least twice. But, presently, I am reading the other two books referenced in this blog. And the collective wisdom - and warning - dictated I share it with you, my friends. If Satan wants to take out the sheep, he'll begin with us - the shepherds, Love to you, … Continue reading To My Fellow Pastors (and fellow believers)