Over the years I have heard various philosophies and arguments from people who are either for missions or against missions. Even though I have always been associated with the idea of missions I will confess there was a time in my early ministry when I placed little emphasis on supporting missionaries around the world. When I began the ministry I was associated with some people who were skeptical and uninformed about the concept of missions; so therefore they simply avoided the idea of missionary work altogether; regrettably, I did the same.
God however began working in my heart about what …

The Lord wants us to bear fruit. As a matter of fact, this is the natural order of creation. On the third day, God created the vegetative world and ordered it to produce after its kind. He placed within each plant, tree, shrub, bush, and flower a seed to bring forth fruit. Throughout the history of the world this has been the divine order. God has designed creation in such a way to be self-producing. Again, the Lord wants us to bear fruit.

I believe it is safe to assume that rational, well-meaning Christians want to bear fruit as well. …

Jerry Bridges uniquely joins together the seemingly opposing forces of grace and discipline in this classic book on spiritual formation.  The Discipline of Grace is just one of many books by Bridges, but I believe it is by far his most convicting and piercing work.

The premise of the book connects our role with God’s role in the pursuit of holiness.  Bridges unapologetically promotes grace as the ultimate catalyst for righteous living; and the very grace that saves should cause us to live yielded lives under the direction of the Spirit.   Therefore, there is a great union, as Bridges puts …

The Need of Repentance

The word repentance has become misplaced in the modern church.  Because of its unpopular tone, many have discharged it from their preaching; and those who do preach it perhaps do so with negativity and uncertainty.  We must know that repentance is not only a biblical concept; it is an essential truth for the regenerative life.

John the Baptist preached repentance to the religious crowd of his day.  Jesus preached repentance as the means of entrance into the kingdom.  Peter preached repentance on the day of Pentecost as the church was birthed.  It is the remedy against …

Philippians 4:4-9

Introduction:

The entire thrust and theme of Philippians is joy.  It is fitting that Paul would conclude this epistle with the subject of contentment.  He gives four basic elements of finding contentment regardless of our circumstance.

1. Contentment and Praise (v4-5)

A. The Command of Praise- “Rejoice in the Lord”

B. The Condition of Praise- “Rejoice in the Lord alway:”

C. The Continuation of Praise- “and again I say, Rejoice.”

2. Contentment and Prayer (v6)

A. The Anxiety of a Believer– “Be careful for nothing;”

B. The Approach of a Believer- “but …