God

The plain fact is that imitation of Jesus, important as it was for Paul, was swallowed up by something far more important still. Not the example of Jesus, but the redeeming work of Jesus, was the primary thing for Paul. The religion of Paul was not primarily faith in God like Jesus’ faith; it was faith in Jesus; Paul committed to Jesus without reserve the eternal consequences of his soul. -J. Gresham Machen He is the image of the invisible God,...

“I have no notion of the Spirit dwelling in a man and not giving a clear evidence of His presence. And I believe it to be a signal evidence of the Spirit’s presence when the Word is really precious to a man’s soul.” One of the battlegrounds of the Reformation was over the sufficiency of the written Word. Were the Scriptures alone, sola scriptura, sufficient for gaining salvation and for knowing all that God requires? Or, was something more needed to...

What God Knows “Knowing that I am not the one in control gives great encouragement. Knowing the One who is in control is everything.” Alexander Michael If you will recall, I have devoted this year to the study of the life and writings of Martin Luther. I like this guy. He is so human and yet so God-centered. He has a great sense of humor, which he sometimes misuses at the expense of his critics. He is a leader. He is a...

 “The world will never starve for want of wonders, but for want of wonder.” G. K. Chesterton When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just...

GETTING GOD’S PERSPECTIVE Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. [Isa 40:27-28] “The Lord made mountains to climb, not to look at, and up there one understands why- seeing...

Providence and Service “Almighty God, just because He is almighty needs no support. Twentieth-century Christianity has put God on charity. So lofty is our opinion of ourselves that we find it quite easy, if not enjoyable, to believe we are necessary to God.” A.W. Tozer When I was growing up in the church, it was a common thing to hear evangelists and missionaries attempt to motivate us to go to the ends of the earth to complete the Great Commission. I still...

Providence and Prayer “Prayer is not designed to inform God, but to give man a sight of his mercy; to humble his heart, to excite his desire, to inflame his faith, to animate his hope, to raise his soul from earth to heaven.” Adam Clark The doctrine of providence should give us great confidence. It affirms that God controls everything for the glory of his name and the salvation of his people. Paul said it like this: “In him we were also...

Providence and Evil “The church has not been spending its energy to go deep with the unfathomable God of the Bible. Against the overwhelming weight and seriousness of the Bible, much of the church is choosing, at this very moment, to become more light and shallow and entertainment-oriented, and therefore successful in its irrelevance to massive suffering and evil. The popular God of fun church is simply too small and too affable to hold a hurricane in his hand, The biblical...

“What may seem to us as “accidents” are no such things in the universe governed by the providence of the true and living God. Prayers may be directed to this mighty and reigning King knowing that while he tenderly and compassionately hears the cries of his people, he “sits” in the unique position of knowing perfectly what is best and possessing unthwarted power to bring to pass what he wills. The world is not spinning out of control; in fact,...

“Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them. “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Ex 15:11-13 The...