The church of the Lord Jesus Christ has a black eye in America for many reasons. One of those reasons the church is so disrespected is the way many churches and ministries handle the money they receive. I will go on record here and say that much of the teaching and preaching found on TBN, Daystar, and in certain radical charismatic circles amounts to a religious money-making scheme that enriches so-called pastors at the top....
In our last blog, we began looking at how we should discipline ourselves to participate in the life of a local church. Last week, we looked only at the church worship services. The necessity of worshiping the Lord at the local church gathering is essential for your growth in grace. God uses the elements of prayer, reading His Word, proclaiming the gospel, fellowship, and observing the ordinances/sacraments as means of grace to strengthen our weak faith....
If you are a serious Christian, then you must take the local church seriously. Around the 1980s, or perhaps a touch earlier, local churches made a distinct pivot that is ruining life in the church today. They made church so-called “attractional.” In other words, church leaders intentionally began doing things to make the church feel less “churchy” or overtly Christian in order to encourage non-Christians to attend....
Last week, we considered the need for prayer and a few introductory thoughts about prayer in general. This week, we will get more specific and consider a pattern by which we ought to pray. Let me address a major problem in evangelical circles that is frankly unbiblical and unbalanced: the allergy to structure in prayer and to praying written prayers. Too many have suggested that praying written prayers is “too Roman Catholic” and should be avoided. I have even heard some suggest that praying a written prayer repeatedly is the “vain repetition” Jesus warned about in Matthew 6....
I remember my dad telling me that a man in his church once said to him, “I have never been the man of prayer that I want to be.” That statement hit me hard when I first heard it, and it continues to hit me hard now. Why? Because I have never been the man of prayer that I want to be either....
When you hear the word "journaling," what comes to mind? For many, the idea feels impractical or intimidating. Maybe for some men it even feels a little sissy! “This isn’t for me,” you might think. “I could never—or would never—do that.” But what if I told you that journaling could deepen your walk with Christ and give you a richer appreciation for the gospel? Would you take it seriously then?...
Learn how to approach Scripture with worship, proper context, and a Christ-centered focus in this practical guide to Bible reading. This post explores how devotional reading, biblical interpretation, and understanding literary genre help Christians grow in godliness and delight in God through His Word....
Discipline is not fun. We would rather talk about things that come naturally or that are naturally enjoyable. However, discipline is necessary for the Christian life. 1 Timothy 4:7 says, “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness.” The verb “train” in the ESV is a command that is continually ongoing for Christians to undergo discipline for the purpose of godliness....
One of the realities of pastoral ministry is counseling—and not just dealing with problems, but walking people through them. A common truth pastors share with couples is this: things often get worse before they get better....
One thing that characterizes adulthood is maturity. Adults should be mature. The key word there is should, because not all adults are mature! One word that characterizes adulthood and maturity is discernment. A child can look at a situation ripe with grave dangers on the one hand and safety on the other, and they will go in the direction that seems the most fun and inviting. ...
The reality of having many churches in a community has led to church shopping and church hopping. Membership sometimes feels like a revolving door. Unfortunately, pastors contribute to this by failing to set clear expectations for membership and discipleship. While there are legitimate reasons to leave a church—such as doctrinal error or unaddressed sin—most people le...
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When you go through Bible college or seminary to train for ministry, there are many things you cannot be taught and must learn through experience. One of the most painful lessons in church life—rarely discussed but often felt—is the pain of people leaving the church you pastor....
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