Salvation is not an end but a beginning. The Gospel not only gives us new life but teaches us how to live as new people in Christ. Quite simply, the Gospel must change every aspect of our lives. Salvation necessarily brings wholistic life change. The fruit of the Gospel must be evidenced following a person’s salvation (Galatians 5:22-24). Internal heart change must produce external fruit (Matthew 7:18-20). The Bible makes this clear by repeatedly using a simple phrase – “one another”. Used … [Read more...]
Every Christian needs biblical counseling
Much in life requires regular help from others. For instance, every year people go to the doctor for an annual check-up. Even without a physical ailment, there’s wisdom in being regularly examined. Similarly, people take automobiles to the mechanic for preventative maintenance. Since everything eventually deteriorates, there’s wisdom in having someone regularly care for your vehicle. Yet when it comes to soul care, many people in churches are disinterested. Thinking that counseling is for … [Read more...]
Year-in-review: God’s gracious gift of 2020
I’m aware many readers might feel friction reading this article’s title. For many of us, 2020 has felt anything but a gracious gift. Perhaps you attribute disappointments on another proof of this year’s wretchedness or are excitedly anticipating 2020 ending. I personally can resonate with this sentiment. For my family 2020 has held every possible emotion. We moved from our home city to a new town and ministry in the midst of a pandemic, have grieved two miscarriages, and are praising the … [Read more...]
Out with the old, in with the new
At the end of every year and beginning of a new one, a similar refrain is told – out with the old, in with the new. The difficulties of a closing year give way to the anticipation of bright new beginnings. The idea of newness opens up a world of possibilities. And yet, most of us generally tend to reject change. Fearing uncertainty and feelings of unsettledness, many of us functionally prefer to keep things just as they are – safe and unchanged. Rather than viewing change negatively, the … [Read more...]
How should Christians wrestle with decisions?
Life is plagued with tough decisions. How to spend time, which restaurant to visit, which job to pursue, or which person to marry are small samplings of life’s various decisions. Because decisions carry consequences, people respond in different ways to decision making. Wanting to move on with life, some people impulsively make decisions with little deliberation. For others terrified of making a wrong decision, debilitation often accompanies long deliberation. Endless lists and irrational … [Read more...]