Spotting False Teachers: A Call to Discernment
Imagine standing at the edge of the Devil’s Pool in Zimbabwe, a natural infinity pool perched atop Victoria Falls. Thrill-seekers swim to the brink of a 300-foot drop, trusting a rock barrier and tour guides to keep them safe. No one’s died there yet, they say—but would you risk being the first? False teaching in the church is eerily similar: it promises excitement or safety, yet flirts with disaster. In 1 Timothy 1:8-11, Paul warns Timothy—and us—about this danger, urging discernment to spot false teachers before they lead us astray.
The Question That Demands Surrender
In Luke 20:1-8, Jesus faces a direct challenge from the religious leaders. After He cleanses the temple and teaches with authority, they ask, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority?” Instead of answering them directly, Jesus turns the question back on them: “Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?” (Luke 20:4). This question exposes their refusal to recognize Jesus' divine authority—and it invites us to ask the same question: Who has authority in our lives?
WE NEED STRONG MEN WHO REPENT
Repentance. A word that makes people uncomfortable. A word that has become almost unwelcome in many churches today. But repentance is not optional—it is essential. From the beginning of Scripture to the end, God commands His people to repent. And as men, we are called to lead the way in repentance, both in our homes and in our churches. If we desire strong families and strong churches, it begins with us. It begins with our willingness to humble ourselves before God, confess our sins, and turn back to Him.
On Building Cathedrals
There is an ancient story of three stonemasons that has evergreen relevance for cultivating a virtue of work even today. The author is unknown and the details vary from one retelling to another but it goes something like this:
Holiness and the Fear of God
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
This verse is a clear and direct call to pursue holiness with a dire consequence if not followed. The word strive means to pursue, to chase after, to actively engage in something with intent and purpose. But what does it truly mean to pursue holiness?
Gender Roles Pt 3 Womanhood
In a world that constantly redefines gender roles and expectations, the biblical model of womanhood remains timeless and relevant. Titus 2:3-5 offers a clear and profound guide for women in the faith, outlining their roles and responsibilities in a way that honors God and strengthens the church and family. Understanding and applying these principles in today’s culture is crucial for Christian women seeking to live godly lives.
Gender Roles Pt 2 Manhood
True Manhood: The Call to Work and Lead
In today’s world, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding gender roles, especially when it comes to men and women’s roles in the home and church. Our culture often promotes the idea that men and women are the same, even pushing the notion that women might do some things better than men. However, this mindset doesn’t align with the truth found in the Bible. The Scriptures present distinct roles for men and women, particularly in two key areas: work and leadership.
Gender Roles Pt 1: Corruption : Yet Hope – A Biblical Perspective
In today’s world, discussions about gender roles are increasingly complex and divisive. The confusion surrounding gender identity and the roles of men and women in society have created challenges, particularly in the church and family dynamics. To navigate these concerns, it’s essential to return to the biblical foundation for understanding gender roles. In this post, we will explore how Scripture reveals the original design for men and women, how sin distorted that design, and how hope is restored through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We Do Not Lose Heart
“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” (2 Corinthians 4:1)
Unlike the temporary and fading glory of the old covenant, (2 Corinthians 3:12-13) the new covenant is permanent, ratified by Christ’s death, and confirmed by His resurrection. This gospel, written on the hearts of believers by the Spirit, is the foundation of Paul’s ministry and the source of his confidence (2 Corinthians 3:4-6). Because of this, Paul does not falter in the face of trials but presses on, knowing his mission is rooted in the power of God. Paul had every reason to lose heart, but instead, he kept his eyes on Christ. How did he do this?
On Death
Death is a topic that many try to avoid. Frankly speaking, it is morbid and macabre. However, we must ask, “why is it this way?” Aren’t we told that death is a beautiful thing? What is it about death that is so dreary and gloomy? Aren’t Christians supposed to focus on and “celebrate” life?
God Dwells Among His Gathered People
As those who live in a society increasingly formed around secularism, it’s easy to lose sight of the spiritual realities that influence the world we inhabit. As we watch the nations rage, the polarization of our society, and face our own difficult circumstances and trials of many kinds, even as Christians, we often only see these through the lenses of the material or coincidence. However, the churches in and around Ephesus lived under no such illusions.
When the Savior Weeps: Finding True Peace in Christ
In one of the most poignant moments recorded in Scripture, we find Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. Not tears of joy, but tears of profound sorrow. As He approaches the magnificent city during His triumphal entry, while crowds cheer and wave palm branches, the Savior's heart breaks for what He sees.
How NOT to choose a church...
Joining a church is a significant decision in a Christian’s life. The New Testament emphasizes the necessity of the local church. In the New Testament there was no such thing as a “churchless” Christian. Christians are called to belong to churches. In the context of a local church, we are held accountable, sanctified, build relationships, serve, and worship with those who know Christ as Lord.
Five Years of The Gospel Forum
Believe it or not, five years ago today, (March 2nd, 2020) The Gospel Forum began. It’s surreal to think that so much time has passed as we continue serving Christ for the sake of the local church. As we mark this milestone, I want to take a moment to reflect on how it all began.
You Cannot Have the Vineyard Without the Son
Throughout history, people have tried to claim the blessings of God while rejecting His authority. We love the idea of a kingdom filled with peace, joy, and abundance, but we resist the King who calls us to surrender. Jesus addressed this very issue in His parable of the wicked tenants (Luke 20:9-18). In this striking story, He exposed the religious leaders' rejection of God’s rule and issued a warning that still speaks to us today.
God the Righteous and Just
I was listening recently to an interview with well-known cultural and political commentator Dennis Prager, who also happens to be a follower of Orthodox Judaism. Because of a shared Judeo-Christian moral framework, his professional life often finds him rubbing shoulders, platformed, and allied with conservative Bible-believing Christians against our culture’s descent into leftist secularism.
Forward in Trust: Releasing Our Lives and Resources to God
Trusting God with our lives and resources is one of the greatest challenges of faith. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus speaks directly to our anxieties about provision, reminding us that our Heavenly Father knows what we need. He calls us to seek first His Kingdom and trust that He will take care of the rest. This passage isn’t just a comfort—it’s an invitation to live with open hands, releasing our worries and our possessions into God’s care.
Attributes of God: Immensity and Omnipresence
It is difficult to imagine an aspect of God’s being more gloriously unfathomable and at once more comforting and awful than the realities of God’s Immensity and Omnipresence. How can we truly get our minds around the idea that God is “without measure” (his immensity) or that he is fully everywhere, all at once, all the time (his omnipresence)?
What is God Like? Introducing Divine Attributes
The Bible is a God-centered book. Take the book of Romans, for example. Among other titles, the apostle Paul penned the word “God” 153 times. The Bible’s opening words begin with God as he displays who he is in creation. God’s separation and opposition to sin is revealed in man’s fall. His holy love is expressed in the Bible’s plan of redemption, and the final chapters end with God displaying who he is in the consummation of his kingdom. Every act is first and foremost for the glory of his name (Ps. 19:1–2; Is. 48:9–11; Ez. 36:22–23; Rom. 1:5). If the Scriptures are read for reasons other than ultimately knowing who God is, then readers will miss its primary purpose. From beginning to end, the Bible answers the question, “What is God like?”
Ordo Salutis: Adoption
This subject is more near and dear to me now than ever before because of how the Lord has blessed my own family. Recently we celebrated the first anniversary of adopting our youngest son. This process was quite difficult for us, and I have written about those difficulties here and here. And I am not the only one of us at The Gospel Forum who can testify to the power of this process in revealing the heart of God and displaying his sovereign grace. For myself, throughout this process, the Lord has taught me more intimately of the importance of this reality of adoption.