Tag: Christian Life
-
Christ-likeness: The Purpose of God for His People
by John R.W. Stott I remember very vividly, some years ago, that the question which perplexed me as a younger Christian (and some of my friends as well) was this: what is God’s purpose for His people? Granted that we have been converted, granted that we have been saved and received new life in Jesus Christ,…
-
My Spiritual EKG
“How are you doing, Spiritually?” That is an important question. The Great Physician, by both direct and indirect statements in his Word, repeatedly encourages us to examine our hearts. But while many may be aware that it ought to be our regular practice to take a Spiritual pulse, I suspect that relatively few know how to read…
-
This Present Communion
“We are justified if we have accepted Christ as Savior. But present communion with God requires continual bowing in both the intellect and the will. Without bowing in the intellect, in thinking after God; without acting upon the finished work of Christ in my present life; and without bowing in the will in practice, as…
-
Offensive Grace
Why does not the faith of the average Christian seem to bring about the change we would hope? Could it be that many have a faulty understanding of the Gospel? Dan Allender, in his book Bold Love, offers the following: “If our sin is mere failure to conform – simply a mistake to do what…
-
Prevailing: An Honest Look at Philippians 4.13
Sometimes I want to scream! One thing that makes me want to scream is people, Christian people, who under the guise of faith, take scripture out of it’s God-given context and apply it to their own pretentious favor. ARGH!! I wonder, is there any passage where this more frequently occurs than it does with Philippians…
-
Gospel-Centered Lives
From time to time I am asked by some in our church what I mean when I repeatedly declare that we are – and we must be – a Gospel-Centered Church. I think it may be the hyphen that confuses people. To be “something”-centered is simply to focus on the relation an individual or a church…
-
Building a Bridge to Puritan Days
In Building a Bridge to the 18th Century, author Neil Postman suggests that in many ways we have not so much advanced, as a culture, as we have drifted over the years. Postman seems to believe we would do well to return to and reconnect with our philosophical roots and rebuild upon them. I might say…
-
Growth in Grace
by Archibald Alexander The following essay by Archibald Alexander, first president of Princeton Theological Seminary, is a masterpiece integrating sound doctrine, practice, and personal experience. I have appreciated Archibald Alexander’s insights for more than a decade now, perhaps none more than this classic. Christians in this generation would find great refreshment if only we would, at least occasionally, drink…
-
7 Maxims of Repentance
Jesus said: “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 26.46-47) Seemingly few recognize that repentance is part of the message of the Great Commission. But that is…
-
God’s Workmanship
One of the glories of Christianity is the assurance that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2.10). This statement by Paul that we are “created” does not simply refer to our physical formation, as God has, of course, created all…
-
Scandalous Freedom
In his book A Scandalous Freedom, Steve Brown provocatively writes: They lied to you about being a Christian. When you first “joined the club,” they promised you’d be set free. But let’s get honest, you’re not free. In fact, you’re religious, afraid, guilty, and bound. What’s worse, now that you’ve been in the club…
-
10 Gospel-centered Questions
Here are 10 questions to ask yourself – and maybe those few closest to you – that help uncover rivals of Christ as the functional savior of your heart: What are you desiring more than anything else? What do you find yourself day dreaming or fantasizing about? What lies are you subtly believing that…
-
Measuring Up?
Do you ever feel that you have to measure up? Do you wonder sometimes how you are grading out in God’s eyes? I suspect the answer for most people is “Yes”. Our theology may tell us otherwise, but I think most people struggle with this from time to time – especially when we feel emotionally tired and as…
-
A Shelter in Time of Storm: Meditations on God & Trouble
In this video Paul Tripp offers a true-to-life yet hopeful reflection of Psalm 27.
-
Christianity vs The Good Life
My friend Gerald Robison writes: The goal of popular Christianity today is to live “the good life” – not “a good life”. Much of 21st century preaching focuses on the blessings of God. Only in the lives of “others” is hardship, trials, persecution, suffering and martyrdom mentioned. The focus of that popular teching is on the listeners,…
