pastoral ministry Managing Expectations September 25, 2020 Rumor has it William Shakespeare once said: “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” I don’t actually know if he said it, but things always sound better when you slap a reputable
The Church in Revelation Vulnerable Yet Secure September 24, 2020 When you experience opposition from the world for your faith, you and I must remember that we are completely secure in Christ Jesus.
Alexander Duff's Shipwreck September 23, 2020 Rowland E. Prothero’s little book, The Psalms in Human Life (London: John Murray, 1920), is a gem to be treasured by everyone who loves the Psalms. In this volume, Prothero compiles historical
Honey How Much Honey Have You Been Eating? September 22, 2020 Do we know how to use the honey of the blessing of God? Or do we misuse it to our own destruction?
3GT 3GT Episode 197: The Virtue of Moderation September 22, 2020 The 3GTers are joined on this episode by Dr. Nathan Eshelman. Under California lockdowns, with fires raging all around him, Nathan bravely takes on a topic sure to bring even more challenges to
preaching Perspicuity in Preaching September 21, 2020 An important doctrine regarding the Word of God is what is known as the perspicuity of Scripture or, in other words, its clarity. Perspicuity is the teaching that God's Word is so clear
Marriage of the Lamb Wedding Preparations September 19, 2020 This morning we rose early with a growing sense of excitement. After breakfast we headed out with our daughter and fiance to sort their wedding reception out. We visited an hotel and checked-out
Portraits of Christ Portraits of Christ September 18, 2020 What photographs adorn your walls, shelves, tables and desk? Most of us surround ourselves with pictures of our loved ones that remind us of them and prompt memories of particular occasions that we
Dear Paul Dear Paul - Thank you for your time September 17, 2020 Dear Paul, Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your encouragement in my last letter. I pray it was an encouragement to you.
holiness The Promise of Holiness September 16, 2020 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1Why should we be
wisdom The Blessing of "No Men" September 15, 2020 But those that have done me the best good in my life are those friends who can loving challenge and object. Again, as Solomon said: “Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue” (Proverbs 28:23). We need more “No Men” in our lives.
seminary 3GT Episode 196: Challenges in Theological Education September 15, 2020 After several false starts, Delightful Scott, Meal Ticket Kyle, and Lowly Co-Host Barry finally get to the topic at hand. With the new academic year starting up, what challenges are seminaries facing? They
servant Having a Cow Lessons September 14, 2020 Following my post Seeking the Lost, I received the following story from good friend and retired pastor Bob McFarland, who is an occasional guest author on Gentle Reformation. We have communicated at times
perfection Enjoying Imperfection September 12, 2020 There isn’t much about failure to enjoy. Depending on what it is—giving away a penalty in the last second of a semi-final and costing your side the game, a moral failure
September 11 A Greater Evil September 11, 2020 Following the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, a few days later I preached the following message (slightly edited) to the congregation I served in Kokomo, Indiana, on the
Impartiality Peeking Past the Blindfold September 11, 2020 As we hold our faith in the Lord of glory and are controlled and influenced by his interests and purpose our eyes are veiled to the face of man and impartiality becomes our blindfold.
3GT 3GT Episode 195: Keys to Hospitality September 11, 2020 This episode begins with the (strange) discussion of just how delightful our parishioner is. But the guys quickly get back on track to the topic at hand, which is the importance of hospitality.
culture Mandates, Meaningful Ministry, and Martyr Complexes September 10, 2020 When we pull the spiritual fire alarm every time the ideological temperature goes up in our culture, we lose the ability to recognize and respond biblically to the true emergencies.
humility Thinking of Ourselves Rightly September 09, 2020 The following article originally appeared in the September 2019 issue of Tabletalk magazine. Just as most of us cringe when we hear the sound of our own recorded voice, so most of us
Daniel He Knows What Is In The Darkness September 08, 2020 Christians, know that your Father is here. He knows what is in the darkness of this world. The Lord knows the schemes of the devil and this world. He knows the plans of every man. He knows all of it, and He is with you.
seeking the lost Seeking the Lost September 07, 2020 A few weeks ago, we returned home after a wonderful family vacation in Michigan. A week filled with sunny days, afternoons at the beach, and hearty family meals at night had us rested
Grief Blessed Are Those Who Mourn - Applications for Lacrimations September 05, 2020 These are just some brief thoughts about how to read and use the often-neglected book of Lamentations with pastoral profit. IntroductionHow valuable this book is - in this world of tears it is
Glory of God Quadruple Glory September 04, 2020 The Christian life is a life from glory to glory. Many of us may not see that right now. As we look around the state of the church—especially in the light of
Scripture Landing & Standing September 03, 2020 At our home, we have enjoyed feeding birds over the years. Many a Lord’s Day, we eat our lunch while birds of many varieties feast on the seed we have provided. The
Lament Formed by Lament September 02, 2020 (This is a guest post from our friend Laura Cerbus.) “Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
