Posts
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The Removal of Sin
Sin is a ravaging menace, a bloodthirsty criminal, an ever-present threat to our joy in Christ. And yet, as one in Christ, we are recipients of God’s grace and mercy in that He has removed sin from us in various ways, some immediate, others progressive. Charles Spurgeon, the famous London “Prince of Preachers,” noted that…
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He Even Loves You
Recently we were eating our family dinner and Jovi wanted to hear “The Solid Rock.” She absolutely loves it. After it ended, I turned on “He Will Hold Me Fast,” by the Norton Hall Band at Southern Seminary. It’s one of my favorite songs and I knew she’d love it, too. Before turning it on,…
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The Christian’s Responsibility to Pray for Rulers
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) When was the last time you prayed for Joe Biden, the…
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If God is Sovereign over Salvation, Why Evangelize?
One of the many criticisms of the doctrine of unconditional election is, “If God is sovereign over salvation—if He already chose whom would be saved—then why evangelize? It’s going to happen!” Most of the time, this question is offered in a condescending manner, void of any grace or good-faith discussion. It’s a common caricature of…
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All Other Ground is Sinking Sand
“The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” (Deut. 32:4). I watched the final episode of the Netflix docuseries Quarterback recently and was amazed at what I saw and heard. This series followed three National Football League quarterbacks throughout…
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Why is God Becoming Flesh Significant?
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) The Christian faith teaches that God—the Creator and Sustainer of the entire cosmos—condescended to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, as shown…
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Friendship with the Friend of Sinners
Have you ever wondered what it means for Jesus to be your friend? Do you only relate to Him as Savior and Lord, but not your friend? In his new book, Friendship with the Friend of Sinners: The Remarkable Possibility of Closeness with Jesus published by Baker Books, Jared C. Wilson—author, pastor, and professor at…
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Having Assurance of Salvation
David grew up in the church. If the church doors were open, David was there. This was mainly because his father was the pastor, but still—David was in church nearly everyday. As a teenager, he became increasingly aware of his sin and, one evening, decided to walk the aisle during Wednesday night youth group. The…
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How Can We Control our Tongues?
The most careful, intentional, and slow-to-speak people in the world should be Christians.
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Yes, You’re Going to Die
The other night as I was tucking my oldest daughter into bed. After I asked her if she had a good day, she responded, “Yeah.” I’m always glad to hear that, so I said: “Any day alive is a good day.” Innocent enough, right? She replied, “Am I going to die?” I froze monetarily, and…
Blake Long 