How the Trinity Changes Prayer
Until recently I had apparently been under the unconscious impression that close study of the Trinity was needed only if I encountered some abstract, theological question about it that puzzled me. Otherwise, I was content to affirm the doctrine in faith and go on about the seemingly more relevant aspects of the Christian life. I had been perfectly content with this arrangement until I recently encountered a puzzling question about the...
What Working in a Hospital Has Taught Me About God
Edward Mote wrote just one hymn in his lifetime: “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less.” Many sing this song in our churches today without ever reading about how the hymn came to be. Mote became a Christian as a young adult and soon started writing about his understanding of salvation. Later in the week of his conversion, Mote went to visit a friend whose wife was sick and dying. Not knowing how to comfort these friends in their grief,...
Making Decisions and the Will of God (Part II)
Believers sense on a regular basis that God has some sort of plan for their lives, and they genuinely want to be a part of this plan. Furthermore, many believers have been taught to seek out God’s individual will for their lives in order to participate in the Christian life. In Part II of this series (see Part I), we’ll look at some Biblical and theological considerations related to decision-making and the will of God. Biblical...
Making Decisions and the Will of God (Part I)
A few years ago I asked a friend about his plans after graduating from seminary. He responded, “I’m still waiting on God to reveal His will in this area.” His response surprised me. My friend was ready to graduate with a master’s degree and had spent four years poring through books, papers, and syllabi. Yet by this time he was still unable to discern God’s will. My intent in using this particular experience is not to attack this...
Shepherding through Crisis
What do you say to those who are grieving through a crisis? I realize this question can come in different levels. This month marks five years in which I have served in my current ministry position. Each moment of grief in our church has looked different. However, the same basic words of comfort and hope found in the gospel are applicable in any situation. Make no mistake: there are hurting people in your church. People are tired of...
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