As a pastor, I am often asked for a list of my favorite books on any number of topics, but of all the possible topics I am asked about, suffering is one of the most frequent and important. And we all need to be reminded that these resources are needed before suffering comes. D.A. Carson explains why: “All you have to do is live long enough, and you will suffer.” Suffering is hard enough as it is. It is made…
My Favorite Books on Adoption
Recently I had the privilege and joy of preaching a message on the doctrine of adoption. I love preaching on adopting grace. Just love it. And every time I preach on this topic I am approached afterwards by those who aren’t familiar with this doctrine. They want to know how they can learn more about this doctrine. They have been blindsided by God’s love through the doctrine of adoption. So they want to know how they can deepen their understanding…
Knowing God as Father (Understanding the Doctrine of Adoption)
This post is adapted from a message (available as audio or video) at Worship God 2015, a conference devoted to “Exploring what it means to worship and enjoy God as Father, Son, and Spirit.” Galatians 4:1-7 Russ Moore is the author of Adopted for Life, The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches. The following is a moving account of Russ and his wife Maria’s experience adopting two children from Russia: When Maria and I first walked into the orphanage, where…
Making Our Way to the House of Mourning
Last week, friend and beloved church member Wade Stephenson was tragically killed in a car accident, leaving behind his pregnant wife, three young daughters, and a grieving church. This post is an adaptation of my Sunday sermon as I attempted to care for his wife, children and our church as we made our way to the house of mourning together (Ecc 7: 2-4). What does it mean to mourn with those who have lost a loved one? What does it…
Don’t Waste Your Sports, Part 10: Application Questions For Athletes
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22 The gospel is the center of what we believe as Christians. If someone asked you to explain the gospel, how would you explain it? What is the problem? What is the solution? (Hint: check out Romans 3:10–26 or 1 Corinthians 15:3–4.) Does your passion for sports exceed your passion for the Savior, your church, your family? In an average week, how much time do you invest…