When I was fifteen, I started driver’s education. Everyone wanted to get through the coursework so that we could start driving. During the coursework portion of the program, I had such a hope for what could be. Eventually, test time came around and I passed! I gave my time and energy, suffered through the sometimes... Continue Reading →
Coming out of Romans 12, we understand that those who confess Christ as Lord and who are following Him respond by presenting their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. That is true worship. We become present our bodies as living sacrifices by no longer conforming to the ways of this world, but... Continue Reading →
As we’ve walked through Romans together, Paul has made God’s sovereignty and the Lordship of Christ the forefront of the conversation. From Him and through Him and to Him are all things. This truth has a great impact on the way that we live and the way that we exist as a local church on... Continue Reading →
I love Cracker Barrel. The dining experience is second only to the country store on the other side of the building. I remember being younger and ordering at the restaurant. I saw chicken salad on the menu. That sounded great, so I told the waitress that I wanted chicken salad! After playing that game with... Continue Reading →
If I were to step into any church building and speak to any congregation and ask, “Do you believe that Jesus is Lord,” I would receive a resounding, “Yes!” From less charismatic congregations, I might receive a slight hand raise or nod in affirmation. I have never spoken to someone who professes to be a... Continue Reading →
When I lived and did ministry in Durham, I remember being one of two pastors sitting in a meeting with eleven or twelve of our deacons. The issue of money was brought up because giving had gone down since the retirement of the ‘lead’ pastor. I love these men to death, so if anyone knows... Continue Reading →
Up to this point in Romans, we have discovered that God alone can give faith and God alone can impute His righteousness. God alone is doing this work of salvation. God alone calls us friend. God alone sets His people free. Up to this point, I am sure there has been a burning question in... Continue Reading →
Freedom has always been an interesting concept to me. When thinking about physical freedom, people have measured it in three ways: positive, negative, and republican. Positive freedom is the freedom I have to do what I am capable of. I can eat and I can sleep and I can read. I cannot breathe underwater unaided.... Continue Reading →
How would you define friendship? I typed “friend” into my web-browser’s image search and these images are some that came up. The first picture is a website banner for a rewards program. When we think about friendship, it is tempting to think about our friends as people who, by our knowing, benefit us in some... Continue Reading →
