Saturday Lagniappe: Seven Articles

Christians Are Kept

We never find the phrase “the perseverance of the saints” in the Bible. Instead, we find the idea of “keeping.” To be kept is to be protected, to be preserved. The great priestly blessing of the Old Testament began with these words: “The LORD bless you and keep you” (Num. 6:24). Those who are saved are kept, not just today, but forever; not by their own resources, but by the power of God Himself. Thus, it is not surprising that we find Jesus praying, “Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me” (John 17:11). Read More

TULIP and Reformed Theology: Perseverance of the Saints

Writing to the Philippians, Paul says, “He who has begun a good work in you will perfect it to the end” (Phil. 1:6). Therein is the promise of God that what He starts in our souls, He intends to finish. So the old axiom in Reformed theology about the perseverance of the saints is this: If you have it—that is, if you have genuine faith and are in a state of saving grace—you will never lose it. If you lose it, you never had it. Read More

12 New Year Goals for Growth

It’s a new year – a time for resolutions. Too often, though, we adopt resolutions that never make it past the first week of the new year. With every new year is an opportunity for growth, both personally for you and corporately for your church. Rather than talk about New Year’s “resolutions” this year, why not adopt these goals to be a healthy church leader in 2016? Read More

Dangerous Resolutions

But we need to be careful. There is a danger in resolutions. Don’t misunderstand me, I am not advocating a wholesale rejection of all good goals. I believe Christian leaders should be living lives characterized by heartfelt discipline and healthy physical, personal, relational and ministry habits. But we need to be careful. Why? Read More

Three Ways Your Spouse Can Make You a Better Leader

I don’t claim to be a great leader, but I am much better than I would be because of my wife, Kaye. God has used her and continually uses her to make me better. The relationships the Lord gives us are given to us, in part, for our own sanctification. God puts people around us to sharpen us, challenge us, and show us areas in our lives that need change. Here are three ways Kaye has made me a better leader.... Read More

6 Questions Preachers Should Ask of Every Sermon

The final step—which typically takes place on Saturday—is vital: I edit the sermon. I usually shorten it, but I also ask several crucial questions to make certain it is achieving six fundamental goals. Here are the six questions that help me reach those goals.... Read More

What Equipment Is Needed to Create a Podcast

You’ll find varying equipment lists around the web, but you ultimately need to find what works for your budget and your needs. So here is what I use for the podcasts I produce. Read More