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Mar 2016 31 Mar 31, 2016

On two occasions in the NT we are told in almost identical terms to resist Satan. The promise appended to this command is that if we obey it, he will flee from us (see James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9). Continue reading . . .  On two occasions in the NT we are told in almost identical terms to resist Satan. The promise appended to this command is that if we obey it, he will flee from us (see James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9). Let it be said right up front that “the devil”...Read More

Mar 2016 30 Mar 30, 2016

Both humility and pride are difficult to define. But define them we must, as nothing is more deadly to Christian spirituality than pride and nothing more needed than humility. Continue reading . . .  Both humility and pride are difficult to define. But define them we must, as nothing is more deadly to Christian spirituality than pride and nothing more needed than humility. We know this from numerous biblical texts, one of which is James 4:6-7. There we are told tha...Read More

Mar 2016 29 Mar 29, 2016

What is it about Jesus that makes him worthy of your adoration and praise? What is it about Jesus that makes him irresistibly attractive? Why is he alone worthy of your whole-hearted allegiance and love? Continue reading . . .  What is it about Jesus that makes him worthy of your adoration and praise? What is it about Jesus that makes him irresistibly attractive? Why is he alone worthy of your whole-hearted allegiance and love? Consider one answer from the portrai...Read More

Mar 2016 28 Mar 28, 2016
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With this article I’m launching a series that will appear every Monday for the foreseeable future. It will focus on 10 things that every Christian needs to understand about particular theological truths from Scripture. I start the series today with 10 things you and I should know about the doctrine of total depravity. Continue reading . . .  With this article I’m launching a series that will appear every Monday for the foreseeable future. It will focus ...Read More

Mar 2016 25 Mar 25, 2016
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Today we recognize and celebrate the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on what is known as Good Friday. Two days hence we will rejoice on Easter Sunday that Jesus rose again to life. So what was Jesus doing on Saturday? Continue reading . . .  Today we recognize and celebrate the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on what is known as Good Friday. Two days hence we will rejoice on Easter Sunday that Jesus rose again to life. So what was Jesus doing on Saturday? Many believe that h...Read More

Mar 2016 24 Mar 24, 2016
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I’ve been reading Carl Trueman’s excellent book, The Creedal Imperative (Crossway, 2012). I wish I hadn’t waited this long. Continue reading . . .  I’ve been reading Carl Trueman’s excellent book, The Creedal Imperative (Crossway, 2012). I wish I hadn’t waited this long. In the opening chapter he comments on what he calls “the cultural case against creeds and confessions.” By this he means the various forces and feat...Read More

Mar 2016 23 Mar 23, 2016
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I distinctly remember the first time I heard John Piper provide an answer to this question. His comments have shaped my own understanding of why God permits the Devil to continue to exist and to launch his assaults against Christians. Continue reading . . .  I distinctly remember the first time I heard John Piper provide an answer to this question. His comments have shaped my own understanding of why God permits the Devil to continue to exist and to launch his assa...Read More

Mar 2016 22 Mar 22, 2016

As you probably know, next year, 2017, marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 theses to the church door at Wittenberg. Continue reading . . .  As you probably know, next year, 2017, marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 theses to the church door at Wittenberg. Whether or not this can be identified as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, it serves to remind us of the radical challenge that Luth...Read More

Mar 2016 21 Mar 21, 2016
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If somehow it were possible to lay bare your soul in the presence of everyone, what would it reveal about the priorities of your life? Continue reading . . .  If somehow it were possible to lay bare your soul in the presence of everyone, what would it reveal about the priorities of your life? If your thoughts could somehow be recorded and played back in stereo for all to hear, what would we learn about what matters most to you? If your efforts and actions in the co...Read More

Mar 2016 17 Mar 17, 2016

If you don’t already listen daily to the Ask Pastor John (Piper) podcast, I urge you to make it a regular part of your spiritual diet. In a recent episode, a caller asked John Piper this question. Continue reading . . .  If you don’t already listen daily to the Ask Pastor John (Piper) podcast, I urge you to make it a regular part of your spiritual diet. In a recent episode, a caller asked John Piper this question. It is one that I am also frequently ask...Read More

Mar 2016 16 Mar 16, 2016

There are some biblical texts that can feel a bit overwhelming when first read. Someone recently indicated to me that they felt this way on reading James 4:4-6. Continue reading . . .  There are some biblical texts that can feel a bit overwhelming when first read. Someone recently indicated to me that they felt this way on reading James 4:4-6. There James declares that God is jealous for the complete devotion of our hearts (see James 4:4-5). This individual respond...Read More

Mar 2016 15 Mar 15, 2016

So why does God care so much about whether you and I love him preeminently, indeed exclusively? What does it matter? Continue reading . . .  So why does God care so much about whether you and I love him preeminently, indeed exclusively? What does it matter? In James 4:4-6 we are told that people who flirt with the world and, as it were, “jump into bed with other gods,” are guilty of spiritual adultery. That almost seems a bit extreme, doesn’t it? ...Read More

Mar 2016 14 Mar 14, 2016
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I dare say that most of us have no idea how truly presumptuous we often are in our relationship with God. And this is nowhere more in evidence than in our experience and practice of prayer. Continue reading . . .  I dare say that most of us have no idea how truly presumptuous we often are in our relationship with God. And this is nowhere more in evidence than in our experience and practice of prayer. I was recently alerted to this yet again by something James said ...Read More

Mar 2016 10 Mar 10, 2016

One of the more important biblical portrayals of the Holy Spirit is found in Romans 8:9. There the Apostle Paul wrote: “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” Continue reading . . .  One of the more important biblical portrayals of the Holy Spirit is found in Romans 8:9. There the Apostle Paul wrote: “You, however, are ...Read More

Mar 2016 9 Mar 9, 2016

Few have written with such clarity and passion on the subject of revival as has Charles Spurgeon. Spurgeon parted company with many who have reflected on this topic by arguing that the term itself “can only be applied to a living soul, or to that which once lived. To be revived is a blessing which can only be enjoyed by those who have some degree of life” (“What is Revival”?). Continue reading . . .  Few have written with such clarity and pa...Read More

Mar 2016 8 Mar 8, 2016

Very soon Crossway Publishers will release John Piper’s new book, A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal their Complete Truthfulness (304 pp.). I can’t recommend this excellent book too highly. If you want another opinion or two about its value, consider these endorsements below. Continue below . . .  Very soon Crossway Publishers will release John Piper’s new book, A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal their Complet...Read More

Mar 2016 7 Mar 7, 2016

I just learned that Jerry Bridges passed away last night at the age of 86. What a remarkable Christian man, author, and husband. Continue reading . . .  I just learned that Jerry Bridges passed away last night at the age of 86. What a remarkable Christian man, author, and husband. I first met Jerry personally when I was pastoring a church in Ardmore, Oklahoma. I can’t recall the precise year, but it was sometime in the late 1980’s. He was on his way to...Read More

Mar 2016 7 Mar 7, 2016
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[This is an excellent summary of where things stand written by Denny Burk.] Continue reading . . .  [This is an excellent summary of where things stand written by Denny Burk.] Posted on March 4, 2016, by Denny Burk at www.dennyburk.com For those who are wondering, here are my thoughts on last night’s debate and where things stand as far as the presidential race is concerned. Also, a brief word of gospel encouragement: 1. Donald Trump has debased himself an...Read More

Mar 2016 4 Mar 4, 2016

The truths that James articulates in chapter four, verses one through three of his letter are relevant not merely to life in the church but to life in general, especially in the marriage relationship. Continue reading . . .  The truths that James articulates in chapter four, verses one through three of his letter are relevant not merely to life in the church but to life in general, especially in the marriage relationship. “What causes quarrels and what cau...Read More

Mar 2016 3 Mar 3, 2016

In the previous article we noted how James identifies the fundamental cause or source of our sin: it is our “passions” or “desires” that wage war within our souls (see James 4:1-3). Continue reading . . .  In the previous article we noted how James identifies the fundamental cause or source of our sin: it is our “passions” or “desires” that wage war within our souls (see James 4:1-3). Then note how he turns to give th...Read More

Mar 2016 2 Mar 2, 2016
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I don’t like oversimplification. I don’t typically give much credence to those who try to reduce complex problems to a single cause. But I’m going to make an exception to that today. And I’m making an exception because James does. Or I should say, God does through the writing of James. Look at what he says in James 4:1-3. Continue reading . . .  I don’t like oversimplification. I don’t typically give much credence to those who tr...Read More

Mar 2016 1 Mar 1, 2016

Clearly, if we are to live in a way that both pleases God and is satisfying to our souls, we must understand the gospel, not only in terms of its core content but also its ethical consequences. So what is the gospel, and is it all that important in the New Testament? Continue reading . . .  Clearly, if we are to live in a way that both pleases God and is satisfying to our souls, we must understand the gospel, not only in terms of its core content but also its ethic...Read More