In times of trouble and testing, it is important that we take the long view of things. Paul lived in the future tense as well as in the present. His actions were governed by what God would do in the future. He knew that Jesus Christ would return and reward...
In one of my radio messages I made the statement, “God does not expect us to be comfortable—but He does expect us to be conformable." No sooner had the program ended than my office phone rang and an anonymous listener wanted to argue with me about that statement. Conformable to...
When we live in an atmosphere of humility and honesty, we take some risks and expect some dangers. Unless humility and honesty result in forgiveness, relationships cannot be mended and strengthened. Peter recognized the risks involved and asked Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother’s sin against him...
Young Christians need the kind of fellowship that will protect them and encourage them to grow. But we cannot treat them as "babies” all their lives! More mature Christians must exercise love and patience and be careful not to cause them to stumble. Younger Christians must mature in the faith...
If anyone else asked, “Whom do men say that I am?” we would think him either mad or arrogant. But in the case of Jesus, a right confession of His Person is basic to salvation. His Person and His work go together and must never be separated. It is amazing...
It is not our responsibility to decide the requirements for Christian fellowship in a church; only the Lord can do this. To set up man-made restrictions on the basis of personal prejudices (or even convictions) is to go beyond the Word of God. Because God has received us, we must...
In my pastoral work I often found that suffering people can become very self-centered; they think they are the only ones going through the furnace. Everyone goes through normal human suffering such as sickness, pain, and bereavement. But what about the suffering we endure because we are Christians? Perhaps your...
I went out and sinned,” a student told his campus chaplain, “be-cause 1 knew I could come back and ask God to forgive me.” “On what basis can God forgive you?” the chaplain asked,pointing to 1 John 1:9. “God is faithful and just,” the boy replied. “Those two words should...
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ died for the sheep. As the Great Shepherd, He lives for the sheep in heaven today, working on their behalf. As the Chief Shepherd, He will come for the sheep at His return. Our Shepherd cares for His own in the past, present, and...
A friend of mine once heard a preacher criticize him over the radio and tell things that were not only unkind, but also untrue. My friend became very angry and was planning to fight back, when a godly preacher said, “Don’t do it. If you defend yourself, then the Lord...