This post was first published in August, 2017. —ed. Just a short drive from the freeways and congestion of Los Angeles you’ll find barren hills and mountains. During the rainy season they suddenly spring to life with luxuriant-looking greenery. But they quickly revert to a parched brown. The green that looked so promising turns into… Continue reading The Four Soils: The Rocky Ground
Category: Bible Introduction
The Four Soils: Beside the Road
This post was first published in August, 2017. —ed. Ineffective evangelism can cause a lot of soul searching for the one evangelizing. Some re-evaluate the message while others question their methodology. But those are only worthwhile endeavors insofar as the message remains faithful to the one true gospel (Galatians 1:8–9) and the methodology is obedient to Christ’s command: “That… Continue reading The Four Soils: Beside the Road
Preach the Word: Because It Informs Our Worship and Walk
This post was first published in January, 2014. —ed. The modern evangelical quest for relevance has created several rifts in the church, perhaps none more visible than the divide over worship. Deep, biblical understanding of God’s Word and His character is routinely pitted against the euphoria of a vibrant musical experience. But that false dichotomy… Continue reading Preach the Word: Because It Informs Our Worship and Walk
Preach the Word: Because It Brings Depth and Balance in Ministry
This post was first published in January, 2014. —ed. One frequently overlooked benefit of consistent Bible exposition is that the preacher’s faith and practice is tested by every text. Over the long haul, everything I have ever taught has had to survive the scrutiny of the Scriptures. By God’s grace, I’ve been able to teach… Continue reading Preach the Word: Because It Brings Depth and Balance in Ministry
Preach the Word: Because It Promotes Personal Bible Study
This post was first published in January, 2014. —ed. Prior to the Reformation, personal Bible study would have been a foreign concept to all but the religious elite. Churchgoers didn’t have individual access to God’s Word, much less a Bible in their own language. Only the Roman Catholic clergy were able to view Scripture, and even then… Continue reading Preach the Word: Because It Promotes Personal Bible Study
Preach the Word: Because It Makes the Ministry Dependent on God
This post was first published in January, 2014. —ed. You wouldn’t expect to hear a pastor tell his church, “I know better than God.” And yet that’s what many preachers and leaders today communicate when they focus their ministry strategies on market research and consumer response. Chasing popular trends and whims is a sure recipe… Continue reading Preach the Word: Because It Makes the Ministry Dependent on God
John MacArthur on Faithfulness
This post was originally published in March 2019. –ed. What key qualities do you look for in a church leader? In a world enamored with worldly metrics of success—popularity, influence, acclaim, and charisma—it’s easy for Christians to be swept along with the conventional secular thinking of our day. But we need to be always mindful of… Continue reading John MacArthur on Faithfulness
Creation or Evolution? It’s an easy choice | Introduction to Genesis
The truth about creation or evolution is an easy choice. This introduction to Genesis will make some re-think their positions of faith in creation or evolution. As you probably know, Genesis is the first book of the Bible. What is the Meaning and Significance of Genesis? Why is this the first book? The word “Genesis”… Continue reading Creation or Evolution? It’s an easy choice | Introduction to Genesis
Introduction to the Prayers of Numbers ‣ Praying Through the Bible
The book of Numbers contains prayers found within narrative sections, but it also contains a whole chapter of rules about a certain type of prayer. There are two intercessions, one blessing, a two-part petition, and a whole section of guidelines about offering prayer-vows. The two blessings are part of the story of Israel wandering the… Continue reading Introduction to the Prayers of Numbers ‣ Praying Through the Bible
Introduction to the Prayers of Joshua ‣ Praying Through the Bible
The book of Joshua is interesting because of its presentation of opposing themes. On the one hand, the story demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His people. He had promised them their own land, and in the book of Joshua, He gives it to them. On the other hand, the book full of instances where the people… Continue reading Introduction to the Prayers of Joshua ‣ Praying Through the Bible