the church - Gentle Reformation

The Church is a Means of Grace

September 18, 2019

Recently we had the joy of seeing our two oldest kids make their profession of faith before the elders and then the congregation. It has been a joy to give God thanks for

the church

Disillusioned with Jesus

September 27, 2018

Jesus has a word for you and me when we look at the slow progress of the gospel in the world, the seeming ineffectiveness of the church, or the lack of progress in our own spiritual growth. He says, “And blessed is he who is not offended because of me” (Matthew 11:6, NKJ).

worship

The Weekly Ascent

September 01, 2018

Someone said to me recently “I don’t know that I have ever really worshipped God.” It wasn’t the confession of an atheist or a non-Christian, but the words of a godly

Family

Where Should Your Children Be During Worship?

August 23, 2018

But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) Where are children supposed to be

prayer

A Lesson from Travels

July 18, 2018

I had the opportunity to travel to Asia recently in order to encourage and equip those proclaiming the gospel. As you might expect, those who came to study were greatly appreciative of my

the church

The Power of Erosion

May 25, 2018

Erosion isn't only an ecological problem it's ecclesiological too -- that is, it's a problem in the church

Hospitality

A Kindness Repaid

May 22, 2018

In my last post I wrote of David's kindness to Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan: the King's best friend's boy feasted at the palace table for the duration of his days. He

Brotherly Love

Will you remember to be kind?

May 12, 2018

From a human point of view it would have been understandable if David had felt that there were more pressing matters to attend to - he had to run a kingdom and propagate

ministry

Handling Sinners the Gospel Way - Part I

May 05, 2018

When Christians stray or lapse the response of fellow-believers may vary from merciless gossip to public humiliation. The press and the world will come down on them like a ton of bricks. False

Christian living

The Limits of 1 Timothy 2:11-12

April 26, 2018

Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:

Christian living

Deliverance is Near!

April 21, 2018

Introduction Have you woken up this morning in fear, alarmed or anxious? Have dire straits hemmed you in or do you wonder if you're safe? Are the pressures so enormous that you struggle

Christian living

Is there more going on than you think?

March 24, 2018

Just a quick blog today to cheer up and encourage a few dear, tired brothers and friends. Perhaps you're approaching the Sabbath and wondering what's the point of worship, instruction or teaching. You've

Christian living

The Better Offer

March 16, 2018

I've been forced in recent days to reflect on the false theology that undergirds the act of taking up the better offer when we have made a prior commitment. I was always brought

Christian living

The Stings of Death: An Article Not Just for Old People

March 01, 2018

The Lord Jesus has taken away the sting of death through his resurrection. Believers know that for all who are in union with Jesus, their bodies will be united to Christ after death

God's Word

Rich in God's Grace

February 23, 2013

I found this quote in my studies this morning and thought it would be an encouragement as we each look forward to the Lord's Day. In speaking about God's grace in raising up