Prayer seems to be one aspect of the Christian life that where every thoughtful believer feels the need for improvement. Few Christians feel like they pray as much as they should. Millions of words have been written by Christians about prayer. In 1665 Thomas Brooks published a little work called “The Privy Key to Heaven”…… Continue reading Persist in Private Prayer

See that you live with care. Do not live foolishly but wisely. Redeem the time because we live in evil days. (Ephesians 5:15-16) What does it mean to redeem the time? Redemption speaks of purchasing something out of one use for another use. The sinner is redeemed out of slavery to sin to live in…… Continue reading Redeem the Time

Modern justice views the justness of condemnation as directly related to the ability of the individual to choose a course of action. Children are not usually considered responsible for crimes they may commit because they are unable to fully understand the consequences of their actions. Those with biological mental disorders are generally punished less harshly…… Continue reading Unjustly Condemned?

In John 5 Jesus makes a mind-blowing statement. The gospel of John is full of mind-blowing statements by Jesus, so that opening line is more dramatic than informative. Jesus says in John 5:19, “the Son can do nothing of Himself.” He then repeats that declaration in verse 30, “I can of Myself do nothing.” Jesus…… Continue reading Helpless

During a recent Bible study Pastor Chambers gave an overview of idolatry as defined by the Bible. The following is a brief outline followed during that study with some additional information about how to combat idolatry. The Bible says idolatry is: ▸ Having any God before Him (Exodus 20:2-3) ▸ Creating an image of God…… Continue reading Understanding Idolatry

The story of the rich young ruler is troubling. (Mark 10:17-25) This man who possessed youth, wealth and power came to Jesus and asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life.” Jesus challenged him by saying, “Why do you call me good. No one is good, but One, that is God.” Jesus then gave…… Continue reading Sell it All

Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13 “Oneness in Christ as a Body fitly framed together is what is portrayed. How is this perfect unity reached?…… Continue reading Dwelling in Unity

2023 is almost here. As we consider what the new year may hold for each of us consider some thoughts on newness from Charles Spurgeon’s New Year’s Day sermon of 1885. “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.” -Revelation 21:5. “How pleased we are with that which is…… Continue reading Thoughts on Newness

Stephen Charnock wrote an excellent tome on “The Existence and Attributes of God.” This work is full of rich truth of great benefit to the Christian. For your edification I am going to periodically post heavily edited excerpts from Charnock’s work. If God is unchangeable in doing us good, it is reasonable we should be…… Continue reading Unchanging Faithfulness

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44 The story of Israel’s exodus from Egypt is a familiar one. After the death of Joseph the Israelites were made slaves…… Continue reading Pray for Them