We’ve been looking at the topic of emotions. We’ve been doing so because emotions possess a tremendous influence on our spiritual maturity. Over the years, I’ve become convinced one of the reasons it’s possible for people to attend solid Bible-teaching churches, but not make much progress in maturity, is the issue of emotional maturity. I…
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We are pondering the emotional life of the Christian. Today, let’s think about the topic of sinful emotions. And let’s take anger as a case study. How do we know if we’re justified in the anger we feel and express? Anger is not always sinful. God gets angry. “Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and…
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Emotional immaturity is a barrier to overall spiritual health. This notion needs to be pondered and ultimately accepted if Christians are going to make progress in “living a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Eph. 4:1). Last time we looked at two unhealthy emotional approaches to avoid: disregarding emotions and granting emotions sovereignty….
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One question often discussed among pastors is this: how can people attend solid Bible-teaching churches and not seem to make much progress in their growth as Christians? I’ve been mulling that one for a decade. I think an answer that deserves repeated attention is simple: emotions. Emotional immaturity is a barrier to overall spiritual health. So…
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The changes in technology over the past 15 years are striking. Tops among those innovations is the smart phone. Its prevalence in our culture is reaching a saturation point – and Christians need to think seriously and deeply about what it’s doing to us. Here are a few observations. 1. Our phones nurture our innate narcissism …
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Reading good, Christ-honoring books is essential to a healthy spiritual life. We are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:1-2). Providing lists like this is meant to encourage you in this pursuit. This list is comprised of the best books I read this year not necessarily published this year. Honorable Mentions: Living Without…
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A gift says something about what the giver thinks of you or the needs you have. Tim Keller once humorously reflected on this: “Imagine opening a present on Christmas morning from a friend – and it’s a dieting book. Then you take off another ribbon and wrapper and you find it is another book from…
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“Just believe.” How often has a well-meaning Christian said that? “Don’t overthink it, just believe.” I find that statement simplistic. Which is why the Christmas story is so encouraging. In the Christmas story, we have one of the most famous Christians admitting the math doesn’t add up. When the angel appeared to Mary to let…
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I’ve been working my way through a book, that for me, is the best book I’ve read in 2017. It’s entitled, This is Our Time, by Trevin Wax. It’s all about helping us spot the longing and the lie in every story society tells. In one particular chapter, Wax camps in the arena of politics. It’s…
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Sometimes our lives can be radically transformed by a monumental or traumatic event. Sometimes the death of a loved one wakes a person up to realities previously unconsidered. Sometimes a divorce causes a person to begin asking questions they weren’t before. Sometimes a positive life experience like marriage or becoming a parent radically shifts the…
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