A.W. Pink plainly describes God’s decree as “His purpose or determination with respect to future things.” The Westminster Shorter Catechism is slightly more expansive saying; “The decrees of God are His eternal purpose according to the counsel of His will, whereby, for His own glory, He hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.”  The most incredible [...]

One of the Scripture references that my spiritual father Carl Vargo used to regularly sign off his letters to me with was the following. "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18 [...]

As we come to the Lord's table, who should partake in communion? The Bible gives 2 stipulations. The answer...wait for it...only those who are first reconciled to God(believers) and also reconciled to others. But we need to answer from the Bible "Why?" As NoCo listeners and readers I am sure this question had already crossed [...]

Though it's been 25 years since I graduated seminary(No I'm not that old I'm just that much wiser), I can remember like it was yesterday Prof(Howie Hendricks) telling us that at weddings and funerals to always preach the Gospel. Since then it's been forever etched in my mind. To me it's part of being in [...]

If only I had studied more for this test, I would not be failing this class. If only I had just apologised and asked for forgiveness, I would not be in this strained relationship. If only I had thought more before I spoke, I would not have turned so many people away. If only I [...]

You are out of town and for Sunday you visit one of the local churches with your family. After all, whether at home or away, you want to be with God's people for corporate worship. As you and your family enter the church building, you are greeted in the foyer by a friendly family. They [...]

"God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." That statement is bad evangelism, but good Trinitarianism. It is bad evangelism because the Gospel does not begin with the love of God but with the wrath of God (Romans 1:16-18). Furthermore it is bad evangelism because the Gospel is not about a wonderful [...]

"No creed but the Bible!" "Deeds not creeds!" Catchy sayings. Biblical? Partially. The revelation of Holy Writ reveals the inspiration, the inerrancy and therefore the sufficiency of Scripture. The Bible also reveals that we're not saved by deeds or good works(Ephesians 2:8-9) but nonetheless saved unto good works(Ephesians 2:10). James actually says that the proof [...]

A little boy floating down the river while sitting on top of a bear in the middle of the jungle. You guessed it. The little boy is Mowgli and the bear is Baloo from the Disney classic Jungle Book. This was one of my daughters' favorite scenes as they sang The Bare Necessities of Life. [...]

Why does the church gather? What is the purpose of our meeting Sunday? Is it just to get a spiritual shot  in the arm to get me through the week? Is it to have a social outlet that is at least spiritual? Is it to hear a biblical sermon? After all, isn't that what we [...]