This list is not exhaustive, but here are some key character qualities and basic life skills to aim at in your own life and with your children: Genuine conversion to Christ (not just a "decision," but a heart changed by God) God-focused life (glorify and please God, not be a people-pleaser) Trust in God (Prayer in everything) Knowledge of God's Word (a bibl...
Keep Reading Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, "I sometimes think that the whole art of the Christian life is the art of asking questions." (Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure[Eerdmans], p. 224.) Here are a few questions to ask yourself and others you are working with in the Lord: What spiritual goals are you currently working on? If you haven't thought about it, begin by pictur...
Keep Reading (Updated Revised, June, 2020) Bringing good Christian books into your home is like inviting godly, wise Christian leaders to share their insights with you and your family. It's a worthwhile investment. I recommend that you budget money to purchase good Christian books. If you spend money for cable TV, videos, movies, why not budget some money for books to help you and y...
Keep Reading Original post date - October 22, 2010 Preaching, I have discovered, is a hazardous occupation. I first learned this a short time after starting in the pastorate, when I made the mistake of preaching a series on the Christian and his money. I did not consider the subject personally threatening. My finances were above reproach. I sought to live a simple life style. I was ...
Keep Reading Original Post Date - April 11, 2006 A question I frequently ask people is, "If you were to die and stand before God and He said, 'Why should I let you into heaven?' what would you say?" Most people recognize that it's a crucial question! The answer I most frequently hear goes like this: "I've tried to do the best I could. I've never hurt anyone intentionally. I've been a...
Keep Reading Original Post Date - December 1, 1996 I sat staring at my computer screen for over an hour, trying to think of some warm, fuzzy thoughts on the holidays for this issue of our church newsletter. I'm sorry to disappoint some of you, but I'm just not a warm, fuzzy holiday sort of person. I truly hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, but I often fee...
Keep Reading WHAT CAN THEY DO OR NOT DO? Pastor Steven J. Cole and FCF EldersFebruary, 1996 (Revised) The issue of women's roles in the church is complicated and emotionally charged. These comments are only a brief synopsis of some of the issues. As elders, we affirm the rationale, purposes and affirmations of The Danvers Statement (see below, or go to: http://www.cbmw.org/about/danv...
Keep Reading Original Post Date - September 29, 1996 I want to answer a very practical question for Christians living in this sex‑saturated society:How can we win the war against lust and the overt sexual sin which results from lust?We're bombarded daily with sensuality. You can't watch TV, read a news magazine or drive past billboards without being confronted with blatantly sexual ...
Keep Reading Original Post Date - May 1, 1996 Christian unity is a hot topic. Here in Flagstaff, there have been a number of inter-church "Unity" services and other cooperative events which often include both Catholics and Protestants. I recently received an invitation to attend a worship service being held at the Nativity Catholic Church, where Dr. Emilio Castro, former General Secre...
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