The Christian life is a constant stream of highs and lows. Sometimes we soar high in the mountains, but more often we find ourselves languishing in deep valleys. At least I do. All the following observations are, once again, fully indebted to Ian Hamilton's book "The Gospel-Shaped Life." In a previous chapter, … [Read more...]
Praying for Israel AND the Nations
Praying for Israel AND the Nations: do we solely pray for Israel to the exclusion of our nation or other nations? A popular author within the Christian Nationalism movement chided people on social media for praying for Israel rather than America. The context of the comment involves the increasing tensions regarding … [Read more...]
The Importance of Regular Prayer Meetings
The importance of regular prayer meetings must not be underestimated. The saints of long ago who witnessed revivals regularly prayed together. This isn't to say that their prayers brought about revival. It is more complicated than that. But there was a definite connection. My small involvement in prayer … [Read more...]
Learning About Evangelical Zionism
Learning about Evangelical Zionism: In this day and age the word "Zionism" too often has sinister connotations. Thanks to the activism and disinformation of a number of popular Christians and organizations, Zionism has come to be associated with occupation, oppression and human rights violations. Yet aside from these … [Read more...]
When a Leading Pastor Falls
What are we to make of it when a leading pastor falls? How do we respond when a pastor confesses to an inappropriate relationship with someone other than his wife? The pastor in question was a leading expositor, prolific writer and much-loved mentor to many, among other things. The first appropriate response, of … [Read more...]
Vern Poythress talks about Spiritual Warfare
When someone like Vern Poythress talks about Spiritual Warfare and demonic activity, I'm inclined to pay close attention. You see, Poythress is a sober Reformed scholar and apologist, with a background in mathematics. Among other things, he's written a book titled Logic - A God Centered Approach to the Foundation of … [Read more...]
From Day to Day by Robert Macdonald
From Day to Day by Robert Macdonald: a review. This Hardcover devotional is published by Banner of Truth (542 pages), and subtitled: “Helpful Words for the Christian Life.” On the Banner website, you can go to the right side of the panel and click on LOOK INSIDE to get a glimpse of the devotional and view the … [Read more...]
Spurgeon on Suffering Depression and Trials
Spurgeon on Suffering Depression and Trials: Perhaps it isn't commonly known that Charles Spurgeon suffered from depression. In his book, Spurgeon on the Christian Life, Michael Reeves notes that today he would most certainly be diagnosed as clinically depressed. At age twenty-two he was the pastor of a large … [Read more...]
Psalm 85 and Restoration
Psalm 85 and restoration and revival: a social media post by a Reformed Presbyterian pastor cited Psalm 85:6 as a prayer for revival. While this is technically true, he intended the verse for Christian revival. It can certainly be applied to us as an example of prayer for revival. But the entire context of the Psalm is … [Read more...]
Israel’s Horse and Buggy
Israel’s Horse and Buggy: what if God’s land promises to Israel were but inferior forerunners of a greater future blessing? Can this be the case? This the premise proposed in a book, “Time for Favor: Scottish Evangelism among the Jewish People 1838 to 1852” by John Stuart Ross. The first I want to say is that … [Read more...]
