One of the questions concerning spiritual gifts is: “Do all Christians receive spiritual gifts?” This question seems to be connected to two issues: the issue of a believer’s security and the issue of a believer who shows no manifestations of the spi

As one looks to understand the purpose, use and presence of spiritual gifts in the New Testament Church, one does well to start in 1 Corinthians 12. When you combine the list of spiritual gifts found in verses 8-10 and verses 28-30 you have a nearly compl

That God has given spiritual gifts to the Church is not a question for any thinking theologian. Whether some gifts were given for a time and then ceased to be given is altogether another question, and the question can be difficult to answer for many. As w

I had the privelige and burden to preach at my church this weekend on 1 Peter 5:1-6. In my message I speak about the burden on the elders of the church, the response of the congregation to that burden and how humility is the defining characteristic of bot

Lately a vision of the Christian life has been growing clearer in my mind, and as it grows, I find more application for it. The picture originates in John Bunyan’s classic, Pilgrim’s Progress and relates to our focus as Christians. Every day Christia

Today is the day that it is because God is! It is a bit messed up because we sin, but it is today because God is. He made it. He made the sun that rises and the life that beats in my heart. And yet I woke up this morning feeling quite despondent. I call i

Leaders or want-to-be leaders often wonder why the people they attempt to lead won’t follow them. I think it sometimes stems from a misunderstanding of the nature and/or personality of the people we are attempting to lead. In many western businesses (an

Why do I sometimes struggle to obey God? If I am truly redeemed and a new creation, then why do I not live like it? Do you ever ask yourself these questions? Well, aside from the fact that the Christian life is one of continual sanctification where the o