How do we know Peter wrote 1 Peter? That may seem like a tedious question, but since we live in an age where the Bible is so often questioned and discredited, I think it is worthwhile and instructive to briefly explain how we know this letter is really from Peter. How We Know First, Peter signs it. Verse one: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ…” (1 Peter … [Read more...] about How We Know Who Wrote First Peter
Inviting People to Church
Should you invite people to church? This may sound like a strange question. "Sure! Why not?" you might think. But some maybe aren't so sure. An example... In John Stott's study on Acts, you will find this statement: "When we contrast much contemporary evangelism with Paul’s, its shallowness is immediately shown up. Our evangelism tends to be focused on simply … [Read more...] about Inviting People to Church
Your First Spiritual Habit
What is the number one spiritual habit or discipline? The one to rule them all? Reading God's word? Prayer? A good and reasonable and biblical case can be made for either. But John Mark Comer has a surprisingly different answer: silence and solitude (which he treats in tandem). When I read that in Comer's (2019) book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, I didn't like … [Read more...] about Your First Spiritual Habit
The Perfect Church Service
In fifteen-plus years of ministry, I have been in many planning meetings for worship services. In all these years, I have never heard this suggestion. "Let's make it identical to last week!" From the minister's side of things, there is a desire to keep it interesting. We want the service to be engaging and compelling. But what if those attempts actually get in the way … [Read more...] about The Perfect Church Service
Learning from the Rock Badger
The Bible often invites us to consider animals as good examples of certain characteristics we should have. One such animal is the rock badger. Meet the rock badger. He’s a cute little fellow. But he isn’t praised for his cuteness. He is praised for something he does. In Proverbs 30:24-26, the writer is thinking of several small creatures who are very wise. Look what … [Read more...] about Learning from the Rock Badger