Posts from September 2026
The Lord’s Prayer: Something is Missing
It turns out that the Lord’s Prayer does not model every aspect of prayer. Thanksgiving and intercession, two aspects of prayer which characterize both Christ’s and Paul’s prayers, are strangely missing. A key may be in Mt. 6:8 just before the model prayer: “FOR THE LORD KNOWS WHAT YOU HAVE NEED OF BEFORE YOU ASK HIM.” It appears that the model prayer demonstrates sincerity and brevity related to our prayers about our NEEDS. ——- “And when you pray, you must…
When You Should NOT Offer Biblical Counsel
After the church gathering on a Sunday, imagine a friend pulling you aside and asking, “Would you mind talking for a bit? I’m dealing with something — failure in a particular area actually — and I’d appreciate your counsel.” What would you do? I’m sure you would want to help. But should you? Initially, assume the best about the person and praise him for his willingness and humility to ask for help. You might also express your confidence that, with…
Could God Bring Awakening Among Progressive Churches?
“I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6 I do sincerely understand that form of compassion and optimism of those who believe the opposite of what Jesus said about himself. They wish to put the circle of God’s acceptance around all of mankind. Everyone is in. They believe this is truer to the God they want to follow, less embarrassing before the world, properly removes the awful stigma…
Seeking Miraculous Healings: Musings and Cautions
“While John performed no sign, yet everything John said about this man [Christ] was true” (John 10:41). Could anyone doubt that God was powerfully at work through the life of John the Baptist? Jesus said there was none like him (Matt. 11:11) and assigned him a strategic place of importance in the unfolding history of redemption. Like many great saints to follow, he did not do any miracles. Should we consider the miraculous essential to our Christianity? Yes, of course,…
A Spinning Fox
Please read the poem. It isn’t what you have ever been called perhaps — “a spinning fox.” But it may describe you at times. Demons are real and they are spirits that have the nature of their father, Satan. Like that father, they are riled by righteousness. They cannot help this; and, they will never reform. Like their father they wish to destroy you in every way they can. Jesus called Satan “a liar and a murderer” (Jn 8:44). With…
Jesus’ Absolute Confidence in the Old Testament
A powerful story from Jesus emphasizing His confidence in the truthfulness, authority and gospel content of the Old Testament— THE RICH MAN (tormented in hades addressing Abraham in heaven or paradise): “Then I beg you father, that you send him [Lazarus] to all my father’s house, for I have five brothers, in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.” ABRAHAM: “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear…
Inclinations Toward Art and What Shapes Them
When you visit an art museum, what appeals to you? For me, among the various genres of art and subjects of any one presentation, I am most drawn to what is beautiful or majestic or inspiring, and is realistic and revealing of the true nature of things, or perhaps the true inner nature of things. I don’t mind the idealizing of some of these paintings. The caustic, crude, and often ugly paintings for stark idealogical messaging are generally ruled out…
Confessionism: The Misuse of 1 John 1:9
Do you believe that you must confess every known sin to God? For many years earlier in my ministry, I made statements such as the following: “In order to be restored to fellowship with God and to be filled with the Spirit you must confess every known sin to God.” What am I to think of such instructions now? Sadly, this teaching adds a layer of requirement for our forgiveness not intended by God. And it may lead to confusion…
A Strategy for an Extended Time of Corporate Praying and Singing
*Below is a possible way to enjoy a time of corporate prayer with your church. We followed this pattern on a Wednesday evening, taking a little less than two hours (including a break). We had people sit in groups of 5 or 6 and encouraged them to face the musicians whenever singing. I guided our church through this night along with two musicians. Other “seasons of prayer” could have been included, but this is what was chosen for this particular…