INTRODUCTION: There are two fundamental approaches to God, as far apart as Heaven and Hell. One sees the Lord God Almighty, high and lifted up. The other is the domestic animal approach to God, where the ostensible worshipper keeps a god on hand, the way you might keep a cow, for the milk. We know …
Bookends on the Shelf of Answered Prayer
I was recently considering that great “answered prayer text,” Mark 11:24, when I noticed something odd about the context. Here it is: “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; …
What Makes the Humble Glad
INTRODUCTION:The wisdom of Scripture does not just offend the carnal heart here or there. Rather, God’s ways of operating are offensive to the unconverted heart across the board. THE TEXT:“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am …
It Can’t Come Out If It Is Not There
“Superficial sermons result when truth is spooned from shallow hearts” (Edwards, Deep Preaching, p. 11).
Just What Siddhartha Wanted
I am glad that Andrew Perriman thinks I am genial fellow, which is a trait that really ought to be cultivated more, as I believe, in most discussions of everlasting damnation. And I am happy for the opportunity to interact a bit with Andrew’s response to my Hell and Hellenism post. Just a few comments …
Rite and Ritual
INTRODUCTION:This is the first of twelve psalms ascribed to Asaph. Mostly likely this is the Asaph who lived at the same time as David (2 Chron. 29:30), although that name does appear later (2 Kings 18:18). This psalm is a wonderful illustration of how thoroughly the godly saints of the old covenant understood true worship. …
Wealth and Death
INTRODUCTION:We come now to a very potent expression of the biblical take on blind wealth in the face of inexorable death. As we treat the subject of our riches, let us take care, first, to remember the whole counsel of God on this subject, and let us take even greater care to not allow the …
Walk About Zion
INTRODUCTION:This jubilant psalm is not credited to any particular writer, but the tone and content make it likely that it was written in the aftermath of the great victory over Ammon, Moab, and Edom in the reign of Jehoshaphat—the time he sent the choir out in front of the army. THE TEXT:“Great is the Lord, …
The Shields of Earth
INTRODUCTION:Throughout the Old Testament, we are frequently given glorious visions of God’s glorious plan for our fallen world. It is tempting to say that we are given glimpses of this, but when we finally understand what God has promised us, we start to see His promises everywhere. This psalm is one of many examples. THE …
A Mighty Fortress
INTRODUCTION:This next psalm was one of Martin Luther’s favorites, and was the inspiration for his hymn “A Mighty Fortress.” There were plenty of times during the Reformation when everything looked pretty black, and Luther would cheerfully say to Melancthon, “Come, Philip, let us sing the forty-sixth Psalm.” We have considered the importance of dogged tenacity …
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