Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia that Christ “hath delivered us from this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4). He was not speaking to them of a future salvation, a home in heaven though that awaits every believer. Rather, the emphasis is on a deliverance that is both here and now. How are we to…
In my role as pastor, it is a common occurrence for someone to catch me in the hallway and ask about an author or other Christian leader with, “Is he/she good?” It’s always the case that they’re looking for a quick thumbs up or down, thus the expectation that the answer can be provided while…
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) It is important to understand the promises of God dispensationally. Israel is Israel…
In a world out of control, we need self-control! In consideration of this subject, let’s first look at two key texts to guide our thinking regarding self-control. Proverbs 16:32; He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. The one who…
A Book Review Award-winning author Harold Senkbeil has written an excellent children’s book in Lexham’s FatCat series called The Lord’s Prayer: For All God’s Children. Other books in this series include The Apostles’ Creed: For All God’s Children and The King of Christmas. The talented Natasha Kennedy has drawn the artwork for each of these…
Thanksgiving Day in Canada dawned with the news that Logos 10 was released! I rushed to my computer and got the download started. Alas, I was one of a few afflicted by some kind of bug and had issues. Logos technical support quickly identified the problem, issued a fix, and in a few hours, I…
There are two primary passages in the New Testament that address the issue of spiritual gifts: Romans 12, and 1 Corinthians 12-14. While a few other passages mention spiritual gifts, they are secondary in importance to the discussion. There are four “big idea” thoughts about spiritual gifts that I think believers need to be reminded…
There is an unusual passage of scripture that is seldom addressed when dealing with the subject of marriage, divorce, and remarriage from a biblical perspective. Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain…
If a parent constantly criticizes you, a co-worker gossips about you, a spouse commits adultery against you, an employee steals from you, or a friend hurts you by their actions or words, it is difficult to manage the anger, bitterness, and desire for revenge that you may feel. Anger can take over your life and…
About every six months, a small group of pastor friends and I get together to discuss a Christian book and pray together. It is a great time of ministerial camaraderie and encouragement. All of us are pastors of relatively small churches. None of us have churches with more than two hundred attendees, and most of…