Charles Hodge writes a column each month for the Gospel Advocate. “On the Banks of Onion Creek” is a favorite section of that magazine for many people. Brother Hodge’s writing style is truly his own. More than the style, however, is what he says. Hodge’s articles are always thought-provoking and make the reader do some self-examination. The same is abundantly true with the book My Daily Walk with God. Published by Resource Publications in 2000, this book has been used by many adult Bible classes. While very good for that purpose, I believe the book would best be used in a personal study, because of the self-examination it causes. Brother…

What can I possibly say about the 23rd Psalm that hasn’t already been said. Every time I write one of these posts I feel inadequate, but that is especially true when writing about a psalm that nearly every person on earth has read. The 23rd Psalm contains such beautiful language, and is used countless time to help those in times of trouble. Just a couple of thoughts that are helpful to me when I read this beautiful poem of faith. 1. I have always been touched by the personal language of the psalm. Phrases such as “MY shepherd” and “MY soul” fill the psalm. This reminds us that God, while…

I just wanted to share some articles from around the ‘net from this past week that I thought you would enjoy. Jeremiah Tatum talks about how the Roman Empire’s fall may be a precursor to America’s problems in “The Real Enemy,” posted in Ancient Words. Dale Jenkins presents 101 Good Words on his new blog, called 101 Good Words. Phil Sanders gives us a story from one of his students about being converted from Pentecostalism. The story is here. Okay, this has nothing to do with the Bible, but I’ve always loved Citizen Kane. That movie was named the greatest of all time on the American Film Institute’s top 100…

1. This psalm is one of the Messianic psalms. There are some 15 quotations or allusions used in the New Testament from this psalm. Some commentators call this 31 verse psalm “The Fifth Gospel.” 2. Verse 1 opens the psalm with a lament that would later be used by Christ Himself, as He hung on the cross. However, nearly every person has said much the same thing at one time or another. While we know that God is ever near, we sometimes still feel forsaken. 3. In verses 2-5, David seems to be trying to convince himself that God will hear. He thinks God has not heard his prayer, but…

1. Reading the psalm straight through, there is an obvious change from verse 6 to 7. Verses 1-6 are a statement of thanksgiving for a victory. Beginning with verse 7, though, David uses that confidence in God to anticipate future victories for God’s people. 2. The end of verse 1 uses a phrase that is used (in similar language) throughout the psalms: “In Your salvation how greatly he [the king] will rejoice.” Notice that it is “God’s salvation,” not our own. When we are saved, we should rejoice! 3. Verse 3 speaks of God’s blessings and uses a phrase to describe superior blessings from God: “You set a crown of…

“We live in a Christian society. Oh, sure, people aren’t quite what they used to be, but it’s not as bad as people would have us think.” Christians, it’s about time we stopped living with that mentality. We have stood on the sidelines far too long, and now we may be paying for it. A bill is before both the United States Senate and the US House of Representatives that would greatly impact Christians who stand for the truth. H.R. 1592 and S. 1105 would make it illegal to speak of homosexuality as a sinful practice, categorizing such as “hate speech.” The House of Representatives version of the bill, for…

1. In reading this psalm, it seems as though David is giving his armies a war cry of some sort. Some believe this psalm may have been used in a pre-battle ceremony of some sort, partially due to the “you” language, as opposed to other psalms that use “me” language. 2. God may continue to be in heaven, but He is not so “far away” that He is incapable of aiding us (verse 2). We understand that God, in reality, is everywhere. He is near to each of us. 3. While the psalm is talking about battle, the end of verse 5 is a phrase that, to me, seem very…

My brother-in-law posted an interesting article today, and I wanted to post a similar one. Please take a moment and read his article by clicking here. (Also, if you wish, you may read the original tract in its entirety by clicking here.) After carefully reading the tract he answered, I decided to email the “pastor” who wrote the tract. Below is a transcript of the email I sent him. I hope it shows both Biblical direction and love. (The questions, from the tract, are in purple.) Mr. Martin, I discovered your tract online and read it carefully. Before looking individually at the questions, let me say a couple of things:…

Leadership is, without doubt, lacking in most places, including many congregations. Using the first four chapters of First Corinthians, John Stott shows some principles needed in congregations for leadership. Basic Christian Leadership is an easy read. It comprises just 114 pages, and several of those are used to quote the text from First Corinthians that serves as the basis for each chapter. While the volume is simple to read, though, it is packed with helpful thoughts. First Corinthians 1-4 is filled with principles of leadership that Stott is able to pull out for us to learn. There are leadership ideas for preachers, elders, teachers and every member. One major drawback…

1. Those who espouse evolution should take careful notice of the tense of the first phrase of this psalm. The NASB (from which the quotes in this series come) translates the verse very accurately: “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands” (emphasis added). There is no “might be” about it, and it is also significant that it is in the present tense. When we look at the heavens, we learn about God. 2. Verse 2 speaks of the amount of knowledge we can learn from just witnessing the creation: “Day to day pours forth speech.” 3. Verse 4…