If we can learn anything from this year's presidential election, based on the qualities of the challengers and the incumbent from which we have to choose, it is this: as with Israel of old, God is punishing the United States of America by giving her the leadership she wants (1 Samuel 19-22). He is exercising His holy wrath of abandonment against a nation that has turned away … [Read more...]
Just a Thought: A Call for Weeping Prophets
I'm indebted to my pastor, Steve Jackson, for inspiring this article. His sermon this morning brought the following thoughts to mind. And, by way of clarification, my use of the word "prophet," in the context of the call for more weeping prophets in our day, refers to a call for forth-telling prophets. It is not a call for foretelling prophet. I believe the office of the … [Read more...]
Just a Thought: Striking the Rock
During my daily Bible reading, today, I read Deuteronomy 34--the death of Moses. God had told Moses that as a result of his sin of unbelief he would not enter the Promise Land. And how was Moses's sin made manifest? The people of Israel had experienced the mighty and loving hand of God as He, through His servant Moses, delivered them out of Egypt. The people watched as God … [Read more...]
Just a Thought: Absolute Authority
Many Christians, particularly Americans under the influence of modern-day evangelicalism, are very weak in a critically important aspect of their faith. They, in thought and/or in practice, fail to recognize the absolute authority of King Jesus. The absolute authority, the kingship, the sovereignty of Jesus was not lost to a gentile centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). The centurion … [Read more...]
Just a Thought: Every Doctrine Is Essential
"Let's focus on the essentials." This is a rather common phrase when Christians speak about doctrine. "Let's focus on the essentials." This phrase is typically uttered when two Christians disagree on a particular point of doctrine. It is true not every doctrine articulated in the Word of God is soteriologically essential--meaning not every doctrine must be articulated to and … [Read more...]
Just a Thought
In Thessalonica, Paul and Silas were accused of turning the world upside down by heralding another King, Jesus (Acts 17:6-7). How many churches in America can be accused of the same by a God-hating society? How many Christians can be accused of the same? Could anyone accuse you? … [Read more...]
Just a Thought
I do not use God's eternal, immutable, and universal moral law in evangelism because it works. That would be pragmatism. I use God's eternal, immutable, and universal moral law in evangelism because, in doing so, I am allowed to see God work--to see Him, through the Holy Spirit, bring people to the knowledge of their sin and prepare them to hear the gospel. … [Read more...]