Practical Theology / Preaching

  • Confident in Truth

    2 Thessalonians 2:15

    It is hard to be a Christian in a culture that says the only certainty is that there is no certainty. We have a universal gospel that demands allegiance from all people without exception, and we must be clear on ...Read More

  • Expository Preaching

    Nehemiah 8:1–8

    Preaching can be a lonely and intimidating task. If you have a preacher who is faithful to Scripture as he preaches, make sure you take the time to thank him for feeding you the Word of God. Moreover, as we ...Read More

  • Isaiah Volunteers for Service

    Isaiah 6:8–13

    Matthew Henry writes, “Even the word of God oftentimes proves a means of hardening sinners.” This is seen most clearly in the ministry of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word of God Himself, whose parables were given to harden the hearts ...Read More

  • Judgment Day in Athens

    Acts 17:22–34

    Paul asserts all kinds of common ground with the Greeks. Paul does not confuse common ground with neutral ground. At every point, the Greeks have misinterpreted this common ground because they suppress the truth. They must repent and change. Don ...Read More

  • Judgment for Teachers

    James 3:1–2

    Today’s passage warns us about taking up the task of teaching too casually. When we accept such a position of influence over others, whether in an official, ministerial capacity or not, God will judge the words we speak more ...Read More

  • Law and Gospel

    Romans 3:21-31

    Our relativistic age does not like to hear that there is an eternal, unchangeable law that convicts all people. But the central message of the gospel is that we have broken this law and need to be reconciled to God ...Read More

  • Paul’s Confidence in the Gospel

    Philippians 1:18a

    Paul had such confidence in the gospel because he knew it belonged to God and is far greater than any one person’s ministry. When we understand this truth, we are free from bondage to the latest fads that seek ...Read More

  • Paul’s Ministry at Philippi

    Acts 16:11-40

    Paul never asked the civil magistrate to sponsor the Gospel. Following Jesus’ advice, the disciples avoided conflict with the “powers that be.” When calling on the magistrate was pointedly useful to the Gospel, however, the apostles did so. Here Paul ...Read More

  • Prayer for Boldness

    Ephesians 6:19–20

    Again we note that, just as in Colossians, Paul does not request in today’s passage to be released from prison but for more ministry opportunities (Col. 4:3–4). This is a model for us. It is, of course ...Read More

  • Teachers

    James 3:1

    God holds accountable all of the teachers in His church, whether they lead the two-year-old Sunday school class or teach a graduate-level seminary course. Thus, all Christian teachers must study diligently and work hard to present their subjects clearly and ...Read More

  • Teaching the Law

    Nehemiah 8:1–12

    Matthew Henry comments on today’s passage that “those who tremble at the convictions of the word may triumph in the consolation of it.” We can rejoice in the Lord’s grace and forgiveness only if we first understand our ...Read More

  • The Church in Rome Arises

    Philippians 1:14

    Seeing the truth of God’s Word confirmed can make us more bold in the proclamation of His gospel. As our doubts are assuaged, we see that we have given our lives to One who is absolutely trustworthy, and we ...Read More

  • The Highest Calling

    Romans 1:1

    The celebrity mentality that pervades our culture often causes many believers to wish they had polished, talented communicators as their preachers. But this is not how we should evaluate our ministers, and we should be grateful that we have pastors ...Read More

  • The Key of Church Discipline

    Psalm 7:11–13

    Dr. R.C. Sproul has often said that we must first understand the bad news if we are going to know the good news of the gospel. There is bad news for all the natural-born sons and daughters of Adam ...Read More

  • The Keys of the Kingdom

    Matthew 16:13–20

    There are two extremes when it comes to church authority. One extreme says that the church is always right no matter what it says. The other extreme says the church has no authority over the individual Christian. God’s Word ...Read More