A Lifetime of Puritan Reading...

In as much as I have been asked repeatedly for a list of good books to read, I came across this list of puritan writings which would give anyone a lifetime's worth of reading.
Devotional Manuals and Works of Practical Piety
Richard Alleine (English), Instructions About Heart-work
Vincent Alsop (English), Practical Godliness
Isaac Ambrose (English), Looking Unto Jesus
Isaac Ambrose (English), Media: The Middle Things
Richard Baxter (English), The Saints' Everlasting Rest
Richard Baxter (English), A Christian Directory
Lewis Bayly (English), The Practice of Piety
Robert Bolton (English), General Directions for a Comfortable Walking With God
Samuel Bolton (English), The True Bounds of Christian Freedom
John Bunyan (English), The Fear of God
John Bunyan (English), The Pilgrim's Progress
John Bunyan (English), The Holy War
Jeremiah Burroughs (English), Irenicum
Jeremiah Burroughs (English), The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
Jeremiah Burroughs (English), A Treatise on Earthly-Mindedness
Daniel Defoe (English), Religious Courtship
Arthur Dent (English), The Plain Man's Pathway to Heaven
James Durham (Scottish), Christ Crucified: Or the Marrow of the Gospel in 72 Sermons on Isaiah 53
Jonathan Edwards (American), Charity and Its Fruits
Jonathan Edwards (American), The Religious Affections
John Flavel (English), Keeping the Heart
Thomas Gouge (English), Christian Directions, shewing how to walk with God all the day long
William Gouge (English), Of Domestical Duties
William Guthrie (English), The Christian's Great Interest
Robert Harris (English), The Way to True Happiness
Matthew Henry (English), The Secret of Communion With God
Robert Hill (English), The Pathway to Prayer and Piety
Oliver Heywood (English), Heart Treasure
John Howe (English), A Treatise on Delighting in God
Jacobus Koelman (Dutch), The Duties of Parents
John Owen (English), The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded
John Owen (English), The Glory of Christ
John Owen (English), Communion With God
Samuel Rutherford (Scottish), Letters of Samuel Rutherford
Henry Scudder (English), The Christian's Daily Walk
Richard Sibbes (English), The Art of Contentment
Henry Smith (English), "A Preparative to Marriage"
Richard Steele (English), The Character of an Upright Man
George Swinnock (English), The Christian Man's Calling
Willem Teellinck (Dutch), The Path of True Godliness
Thomas Vincent (English), The True Christian's Love to the Unseen Christ
Thomas Watson (English), The Art of Divine Contentment
Thomas Watson (English), The Godly Man's Picture
Thomas Watson (English), All Things For Good
Thomas Watson (English), The Beatitudes
John Wing (English), The Crown Conjugal


Worship and the Sacraments
William Ames (English), A Fresh Suit Against Human Ceremonies in God's Worship
Jeremiah Burroughs (English), Gospel Worship
Daniel Cawdrey (English), Family Reformation Promoted
David Clarkson (English), "Public Worship to be Preferred Before Private"
Thomas Cobbet (English-American), Gospel Incense, or A Practical Treatise on Prayer
John Cotton (English-American), On Psalmody
James T. Dennison, Jr., The Market Day of the Soul
Thomas Doolittle (English), A Treatise Concerning the Lord's Supper
Thomas Ford (English), Singing of Psalms: The Duty of Christians under the New Testament
George Gillespie (Scottish), English Popish Ceremonies
William Gouge (English), The Sabbath's Sanctification
William Gouge (English), A Guide to Go to God: Or an Explanation of the Perfect Pattern of Prayer, the Lord's Prayer
Archibald Hall (Scottish), Gospel Worship
George Hammond (English), The Case For Family Worship
Matthew Henry (English), A Method for Prayer
Matthew Henry (English), "A Church in the House: Family Religion"
Matthew Henry (English), The Communicant's Companion
Oliver Heywood (English), The Family Altar
John Preston (English), The Saints' Daily Exercise
Richard Steele (English), A Remedy for Wandering Thoughts in the Worship of God
Thomas Watson (English), The Lord's Prayer
Thomas Watson (English), The Lord's Supper
Herman Witsius (Dutch), The Lord's Prayer


Ecclesiology and Preaching
Richard Baxter (English), The Reformed Pastor
Thomas Boston (Scottish), The Art of Man-Fishing
James Durham (Scottish), Concerning Scandal
Thomas Foxcroft (American), The Gospel Ministry
George Gillespie (Scottish), Aaron's Rod Blossoming
James Guthrie (Scottish), A Treatise of Ruling Elders and Deacons
William Perkins (English), The Art of Prophesying
London Provincial Assembly, Jus Divinum Regiminis Ecclesiastici or The Divine Right of Church Government
Samuel Rutherford (Scottish), The Due Right of Presbyteries
Samuel Rutherford (Scottish), The Divine Right of Church Government and Excommunication


Meditation
John Ball (English), A Treatise of Divine Meditation
Edmund Calamy the Elder (English), The Art of Divine Meditation
Joseph Hall (English), The Art of Divine Meditation
Joseph Hall (English), Occasional Meditations
Nathaniel Ranew (English), Solitude Improved by Divine Meditation
William Spurstowe (English), The Spiritual Chymist: or, Six Decades of Divine Meditations on several Subjects
James Ussher (Irish), A Method for Meditation: or, A Manual of Divine Duties, Fit For Every Christian's Practice
Thomas Watson (English), The Christian on the Mount: A Treatise on Meditation


Divinity and Systematic Theology
William Ames (English), The Marrow of Theology
William Bates (English), The Harmony of the Attributes of God
Thomas Boston (Scottish), Human Nature in Its Fourfold State
Thomas Boston (Scottish), Commentary on the Shorter Catechism
Wilhelmus à Brakel (Dutch), The Christian's Reasonable Service
Jeremiah Burroughs (English), The Evil of Evils, or The Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin
Stephen Charnock (English), The Existence and Attributes of God
David Dickson (Scottish), Truth's Victory Over Error
James Durham (Scottish), A Practical Exposition of the Ten Commandments
Jonathan Edwards (American), Freedom of the Will
Edward Fisher (English), The Marrow of Modern Divinity (with notes by Thomas Boston)
James Fisher (Scottish), Ralph Erskine (Scottish), Ebenezer Erskine (Scottish), Fisher's Catechism
John Flavel (English), The Mystery of Providence
Abraham Hellenbroek (Dutch), A Specimen of Divine Truths
Edward Leigh (English), A Systeme or Body of Divinity
William Lyford (English), The Instructed Christian
Walter Marshall (English), The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification
Christopher Ness (English), An Antidote Against Arminianism
John Owen (English), The Death of Death in the Death of Christ
William Pemble (English), The Justification of a Sinner: A Treatise on Justification
Thomas Ridgley (English), A Body of Divinity on the Assembly's Larger Catechism
Richard Owen Roberts, ed., Puritan Sermons, 1659-1689
Obadiah Sedgwick (English), Providence Handled Practically
Three Forms of Unity
Francis Turretin (Swiss), Institutes of Elenctic Theology
James Ussher (Irish), A Body of Divinity
Ralph Venning (English), The Sinfulness of Sin
Thomas Vincent (English), The Shorter Catechism Explained and Proved From Scripture
Thomas Watson (English), A Body of Divinity
Thomas Watson (English), The Ten Commandments
Westminster Standards
Samuel Willard (American), A Compleat Body of Divinity
Herman Witsius (Dutch), The Apostles' Creed
Herman Witsius (Dutch), The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man


Spiritual Warfare, Affliction, Assurance & Casuistry
Joseph Alleine (English), An Alarm to the Unconverted
Richard Alleine (English), The World Conquered By the Faithful Christian
William Ames (English), Conscience and the Power, With Cases Thereof
Isaac Ambrose (English), The Christian Warrior
Robert Asty (English), A Treatise of Rejoicing in the Lord Jesus in All Cases and Conditions
Robert Bolton (English), Instructions for Comforting Afflicted Consciences
Thomas Boston (Scottish), The Crook in the Lot
Thomas Brooks (English), Heaven on Earth: A Treatise of Assurance
Thomas Brooks (English), Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices
Thomas Brooks (English), The Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod
Anthony Burgess (English), Spiritual Refining
Thomas Case (English), A Treatise of Affliction
John Downame (English), The Christian Warfare
James Durham & David Dickson (Scottish), The Sum of Saving Knowledge
Daniel Dyke (English), Michael and the Dragon; or, Christ Tempted and Satan Foiled
John Flavel (English), The Method of Grace
Richard Gilpin (English), A Treatise of Satan's Temptations
Thomas Goodwin (English), The Vanity of Thoughts
Thomas Goodwin (English), A Child of Light Walking in Darkness
William Gouge (English), The Whole Armour of God
William Gurnall (English), The Christian in Complete Armour
Thomas Hooker (English-American), The Poor Doubting Christian Drawn to Christ
Christopher Love (English), The Dejected Soul's Cure
Matthew Mead (English), The Almost Christian Discovered
John Owen (English), Mortification of Sin
William Perkins (English), The Whole Treatise of Cases of Conscience
Timothy Rogers (English), A Discourse on Trouble of Mind and the Disease of Melancholy
Obadiah Sedgwick (English), The Doubting Believer
Thomas Shepard (English-American), The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Richard Sibbes (English), The Bruised Reed
William Spurstowe (English), The Wiles of Satan
Lewis Stuckley (English), A Gospel Glass
Joseph Symond (English), The Case and Cure of a Deserted Soul
Jean Taffin (Dutch), The Marks of God's Children
Gisbertus Voetius & Johannes Hoornbeek (Dutch), Spiritual Desertion


Bible Commentaries
John Diodati (Swiss) - Whole Bible
Dutch Annotations - Whole Bible
Joseph Hall (English) - Whole Bible
Matthew Henry (English) - Whole Bible
Matthew Poole (English) - Whole Bible
Westminster Annotations - Whole Bible

Thomas Adams (English), 2 Peter
Henry Ainsworth (English), Pentateuch, Psalms, Song of Songs
Jeremiah Burroughs (English), Hosea
Joseph Caryl (English), Job
David Dickson (Scottish), Psalms
David Dickson (Scottish), Matthew
James Durham (Scottish), Song of Songs
James Durham (Scottish), Job
James Durham (Scottish), Revelation
William Gouge (English), Hebrews
William Greenhill (English), Ezekiel
George Hutcheson (Scottish), John
George Hutcheson (Scottish), Minor Prophets
William Jenkyn (English), Jude
Thomas Manton (English), Jude
Thomas Manton (English), James
Thomas Manton (English), Psalm 119
John Owen (English), Hebrews
Charles Spurgeon (English), Psalms


Eschatology
Jonathan Edwards (American), A History of Redemption
Thomas Manton (English), Sermons on 2 Thessalonians 2
Iain Murray, The Puritan Hope
Francis Turretin (Swiss), "Seventh Disputation on Antichrist"
William Whitaker (English), The Roman Pontiff is That Antichrist
James Wylie (Scottish), The Papacy: Its History, Dogmas, Genius, and Prospects


Christian Biography and Church History
Theodosia Alleine (English), Richard Baxter (English) and others, The Life and Letters of Joseph Alleine
James Anderson (Scottish), The Ladies Of The Covenant: Memoirs Of Distinguished Scottish Female Characters
James Anderson (Scottish), Memorable Women of the Puritan Times
Jean-Henri Merle d'Aubigné (Swiss), History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century
Jean-Henri Merle d'Aubigné (Swiss), History of the Reformation in the Time of Calvin
Joel Beeke & Randall Pederson, Meet the Puritans
Thomas Boston (Scottish), Memoirs of Thomas Boston
William Bradford (English-American), Of Plimoth Plantation
Benjamin Brook, Lives of the Puritans
John Brown of Bedford (English), The English Puritans
John Bunyan (English), Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners
J.D. Douglas, Light in the North
Jonathan Edwards (American), The Life and Diary of David Brainerd
John Foxe (English), Book of Martyrs
William Hetherington (Scottish), History of the Westminster Assembly
Don Kistler, A Spectacle unto God: The Life and Death of Christopher Love
Peter Lewis, The Genius of Puritanism
Cotton Mather (American), The Diary of Cotton Mather
Cotton Mather (American), Magnalia Christi Americana - The Great Works of Christ in America
Michael McGiffert, ed., God's Plot: Spirituality in Thomas Shepard's Cambridge
Thomas M'Crie the Younger (Scottish), The Story of the Scottish Church
Thomas M'Crie the Younger (Scottish), Annals of English Presbytery
Alexander Mitchell, The Westminster Assembly
Daniel Neal (English), A History of the Puritans
J.I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life
Jock Purves, Fair Sunshine
James Reid (Scottish), Memoirs of the Westminster Divines
Richard Rogers (English), Seeking a Settled Heart: The Diary of Richard Rogers
Philip Schaff (Swiss), History of the Christian Church
Alexander Smellie (Scottish), Men of the Covenant
William Sprague (American), Annals of the American Pulpit
William Symington (Scottish), Historical Sketch of the Westminster Assembly of Divines
James Ussher (Irish), The Annals of the World
J.G. Vos, The Scottish Covenanters
B.B. Warfield, The Westminster Assembly and Its Work
J.B. Williams (English), Matthew Henry (English), The Lives of Philip and Matthew Henry
James Wylie (Scottish), History of Protestantism
James Wylie (Scottish), History of the Waldenses


Establishment Principle
William Balfour (Scottish), The Establishment Principle Defended (preface by James Begg (Scottish))
James Bannerman (Scottish), The Church of Christ
C.J. Brown (Scottish), Christ's Kingship Over the Nations Maintained and Defended in the Establishment Principle
William Cunningham (Scottish), Discussion on Church Principles: Popish, Erastian and Presbyterian
James Dick (Scottish), Civil Rulers Serving the Lord; or the Scriptural Doctrine of National Religion
Thomas M'Crie (Scottish), Statement of the Difference (preface by George Smeaton)
Robert Shaw (Scottish), An Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith [on Chap. 23] (also see the introductory essay by William Hetherington (Scottish))
George Smeaton (Scottish), The Scottish Theory of Ecclesiastical Establishments
George Smeaton (Scottish), National Christianity and Scriptural Union
William Symington (Scottish), Messiah the Prince

Parenting Advice Sermons

Live Verse By Verse Bible Teaching

e are excited to announce that Pastor Fred Wolfe Ministries will now offer live streaming verse by verse Bible teaching every Sunday, right here on pastorfredwolfe.com!

Every Sunday at 10:30, there will be a box just like the one below:


Here you will be able to listen to the teaching, and interact with a chat feature that will be included.



If you would be so kind, please post a link on your facebook, myspace, twitter, etc. to try to get the word out. This teaching has the potential to reach thousands all over the world, and will be brought to everyone free of charge.



Also, if you have any suggestions or ministry needs, please feel free to post them in the comments section.

Thanks for all of the support,

Pastor Fred

Pastor Fred's Plans

To all who have sent supportive notes and messages, I thank you. During this time of transition in the life of my family, there are a few options before us. For the time being, I will be teaching at a small home gathering. My hosts there have left an open invitation to anyone who would like to come attend and fellowship with us. There will be worship, the Lord's Supper, and expositional teaching, beginning with the Gospel of John. Here is the info:

When: Sunday, 10AM
Where: 10675 Park Place Drive- St. Petersburg, FL 33778

Please call with questions:
727-545-3943

It is a small, intimate gathering, and we would love to have you!

More updates soon.

Why Should Christians Celebrate the Sabbath?

Why Celebrate the Sabbath?

From one of my online followers who recently sent me a critique:

Should a Biblical Woman Work Outside the Home?

Wrapping up a sermon series on Biblical Manhood and Biblical Womanhood has given me great perspective on my congregation. I am convinced that the church I am charged to teach, and many other churches today would greatly benefit from a Biblical outlook on the roles God has entrusted all of us with. By far, the most controversial aspect of my series was my stance on women working outside the home. During my Q&A session after the sermon, I was confronted with several objections to this teaching, and would like to opportunity to stabilize both my original stance, and clarify the explanations given to the objections.

Prov. 31:10–31 An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence. As the esv footnote to v. 10explains, this wisdom poem is an acrostic, in which each verse begins with the successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The poem begins and ends with mention of the woman's “excellence” (vv. 10, 29–31). The probable intention of putting this together with the acrostic pattern is to show that this woman's character runs the whole range of excellence. The woman is married (as expected in that culture), and she is devoted to the well-being of her household (vv. 11–13, 15, 17, 19, 21–22, 25, 27), to which she contributes by her participation in outside economic concerns (vv. 14, 16, 18, 24). At the same time she makes her home the center of ministry by giving generously to the poor (v. 20) and by instructing her children and household workers in true kindness (v. 26; neighbors may be included in this audience). So her husband and children enjoy their lot and honor her for her industry (vv. 11–12, 23, 28–29). This lofty portrait of excellence sets such a high standard that it can be depressing to godly women today until its purpose is understood. First, the woman embodies in all areas of life the full character of wisdom commended throughout this book. This shows that even though the concrete situations up to now have generally envisioned a cast of males, the teaching of the entire book is intended for all of God's people (see the discussion of “concreteness” in Introduction: Literary Features). Second, as with other character types, this profile is an ideal: a particular example of full-scale virtue and wisdom toward which the faithful are willing to be molded. It is not expected that any one woman will look exactly like this in every respect.

Prov. 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? reminds the reader that a good wife is from the Lord (see 12:4; 18:22; 19:14). vs. 11 Tells us, the heart to her husband trusts her. This means she has been through a lot with him, as she has made great decisions in the past.

Prov. 31:12 does him good. The diligence of the good wife (vv. 13–19) is not for herself alone but also for her husband and household.

Prov. 31:13 seeks wool and flax. She is skilled in working with textiles to provide for the clothing needs of her household. She works hard at home.

Prov. 31:14 Trading ships is a poetic analogy; she does not literally sail the seas. She goes out of her way to secure fine food for her family. Another reference to her work at home.

Prov. 31:15 By providing for her household and her maidens before the day begins, the “excellent wife” (v. 10) multiplies the effectiveness of her work, because her planning enables everyone else in her household to be productive throughout the day. She does not lie in bed and wait for servants to attend to her. She is a good manager, she plans and executes the needs of her household.

Prov. 31:16 She is not confined to the home but is engaged in business. This verse demonstrates remarkable financial independence for a woman in the ancient world: she herself considers a field (indicating wise judgment) and buys it(indicating control of a substantial amount of money). This may be where the question came from, but my teaching in no way confines women to the home. They can conduct the business of the home as it is all a part of the management of it. Remember that she has gained the trust of her husbands heart because of her wise dealings, and is therefore entrusted with a large sum of the families money. This in no way refers to a career, as there would be no one to raise her children, and she would be in violation of Deuteronomy 6.

Prov. 31:18 Profitable indicates that she is able to realize economic gain from the diligence of her labor, which she uses to purchase a field (v. 16) and provide for her household (v. 15). Her lamp does not go out at night. See v. 15, “She rises while it is yet night”; if the verses are taken to a literal extreme, they would imply that she never sleeps at all! But surely that is not true, nor is it intended (see Ps. 127:2). Rather, this is an idealized picture of a woman who is diligent to complete her work both in the morning and in the evening. Again, here she has responsibilities to the home.

Prov. 31:19 A distaff is a staff with a fork at the end that holds flax or wool that has yet to be spun, from which thread is drawn when a person is spinning thread or yarn on a spinning wheel. A spindle is a rod with tapered ends on which thread is wound once it has been spun by hand. The point of this and several other verses is the remarkable range of manual, commercial, administrative, and interpersonal skills at which this woman demonstrates excellence. She makes clothes for her family,and is so skillful, she can sell her work to make a profit for her family.

Prov. 31:20 Active concern for the poor is a cardinal virtue of all wisdom literature.

Prov. 31:21 Her careful preparation of necessary clothing in advance means that she is not afraid of sudden changes in weather, for they will not catch her unprepared.

Prov. 31:22 Fine linen and purple indicates clothing of beauty and considerable expense, appropriate visual indications of the excellence of her work and character.

Prov. 31:23 Gates were the center of civic and economic life in an Israelite city, where the leading men gathered. The wife's excellent work and noble character have contributed significantly to her husband's success and reputation when he sits among the elders of the land.

Prov. 31:24 Making linen garments and sashes, which she sells to the merchant, indicates skill in creating clothing of beauty and value. Such activity exemplifies a high degree of entrepreneurial skill and responsibility in making financial decisions and undertaking commercial activity (cf. note on v. 16). Notice that none of her business dealings require her to be away from her children. She can bring them to the market, teach them and experience life with them.

Prov. 31:25 Strength and dignity are so much a part of her character and conduct that they seem to be almost like her clothing. She laughs at the future, in contrast with being worried or fearful about it.

Prov. 31:26 Although Proverbs has often used men as concrete examples of wisdom, the proverbs apply equally well to women, and the wisdom that God teaches in Proverbs can be well understood by both men and women (cf. note on1:8).

Prov. 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household focuses on this woman's diligence in caring for her home and her children and servants. Her rejection ofidleness embodies one of the chief virtues of Proverbs. Again, a clear reference to her priority to the home.

Prov. 31:28–29 In a loving family, the members recognize the value of each other. Here the children and husband offer their praise. Verse 29 gives the words of the husband, or perhaps of both husband and children. Excellently recalls “excellent” in v. 10.

Prov. 31:30 The mention of a woman who fears the Lord at the end of this long list of excellent qualities brings back the theme of the book of Proverbs stated in1:7 ). It reminds readers that this woman excels in her fear of the Lord, and therefore that she is a model of the character traits and wisdom taught throughout the book's 31 chapters. The appearance of this woman's fear of the Lord at the end of this list is also a reminder that this quality is more important than even great skill and talent, and is foundational to the wise and right use of all activities and skills. A godly woman may well have outward charm andbeauty, but these are of secondary importance to her godliness.

Prov. 31:31 Although it is the husband, and not the excellent wife, who sits among the elders (v. 23), the wife's works are known and appreciated in the gates, and therefore throughout the town. Give her of the fruit of her handsmeans that she should be given some personal reward for her excellent work. let her works praise her. The excellent character and work of such a woman calls for public honor.

"Obsession" Radical Islam's War With The West- FULL FILM

Contains graphic violence-no young viewers, please.

Let Us Give Thanks

Have you ever heard an amazing testimony of God’s grace and victory in someone else’s life…and been discouraged by it? I have to confess that sometimes when I hear about God’s work in the lives of other Christians, I become focused on my own shortcomings rather than on what God has done. When I hear stories of people who boldly trust God to meet their needs, I am reminded of my own lack of trust. When I hear about acts of sacrifice and self-denial, I often feel convicted about my own selfishness. Rather than rejoicing in what God has accomplished in and through these saints, I find myself asking, will I ever be in that place of victory?

While it is good for us to be mindful of our own sin, I believe that the line of thinking that causes me to be discouraged by the victory of other Christians is essentially dishonoring to God. It fails to take into account one of the crucial doctrines of the New Testament, the idea that those who follow Christ are all members of his body. In the book of Romans, Paul puts it plainly: “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us”(Romans 12:4-6). This is completely contradictory to our modern climate of competition. Far too often this atmosphere infiltrates the church, leading us to view other Christians as our competitors rather than as our allies. When God does extraordinary things in the life of one of his children, some of us may be tempted to feel that this person has “blown the curve,” causing the rest of us to be judged more harshly.

However, a true belief that we are the body of Christ should rule out all jealousy, competitiveness, and comparisons. If a good thing happens to one part of the body, it enriches you as a member of the same body. Ask yourself a question: Would you be just as happy for the Christian in the pew in front of you to receive a spiritual blessing from God as you would be if you received it yourself? If you’re like me, you probably answered no. But I believe that the answer to this question could be a resounding “yes” if we prized the doctrine of the body of Christ. Think of how your joy could be magnified if you considered the good of others your own good!

Listen to the words of the apostle Paul: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). As members of the same body, we are called to peace, not competition. We are also called to thankfulness. Paul doesn’t specify exactly what we are to be thankful for. Could it be that our differences should be one cause of thanksgiving? If your neighbor excels in an area that is your weak point, this is cause for rejoicing, not shame. God has made us different to help one another. When I hear of someone who has the gift of mercy to the poor, I shouldn’t focus on my own shortcomings in this area, but rejoice that Christ is alive and working through his body. If God answers the prayer of my brother or sister, it should be to me as if He’s answered my own prayer.

We all know what it is to feel the weight of others’ problems; let us not miss out on being lifted by others’ blessings. God is giving good gifts to members of his body all over the world, even as you sleep. The glorious doctrine of the body of Christ should magnify our joy and call forth our thanksgiving.

The Light Shines in the Darkness

The other day I heard yet another preacher say that he likes to evangelize in nightclubs, bars, or basically anywhere there are degenerates like himself. He echoes the kind of admonition that I have heard from really cool looking speakers that I looked up to in Higher Education. I was convinced that truly sold-out evangelists would take their message to the places where people were sickest. We were to be present in these places and in so doing, turn them into hospitals for the spiritually sick. I couldn't stand on the inside of the church looking out at the sick world and condemn them. They were sick. They needed doctor Jesus to make them all better, and if I wasn't brave enough to take it to them, God would be up a creek without a paddle.