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A friend of a friend. That's who Sam was to me when I was finishing high school and preparing to go to Moody Bible Institute. I knew Sam loved the Lord and also was pursuing ministry training. Our paths crossed a few times because of mutual friendships. Conversation with Sam was always rich. One conversation sticks in my memory even to this day. A conversation about polar bears.... Keep Reading

The story of Elijah is sparse of details, but rich in implications. Take, for example, Elijah’s introduction, or the lack thereof. 1 Kings 16 ends with a very bleak outlook for the northern kingdom of Israel: blatant idolatry and complete disregard for the Word of God. 1 Kings 17 opens with the statement that “Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab…” We receive no introduction to this incredibly bold prophet and we know nothing of the arrangement of Elijah’s appearance before Ahab. He just shows up and speaks.... Keep Reading

Paul's letter to the Romans is considered by most Christians to be one of the finest and most comprehensive explanations of the gospel. Paul starts the letter by declaring that he is "not ashamed" of the gospel because it is the power of God (1:16). That power lies in the righteousness of God revealed in Jesus Christ (3:22). Because of the sacrificial work of Christ, God is able to accept sinful people as righteous by their faith in Christ.... Keep Reading

Paul’s letter to Titus is highly informative for church leaders to learn how to structure church. Paul says in 1:5, “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order…” We know this is a temporary task for Titus, because Paul closes his letter by encouraging Titus to join him at Nicopolis as soon as possible (3:12). So Titus has a limited amount of time to put things in order so that the church could be healthy. What makes for a healthy church?... Keep Reading

Several years ago a good friend of mine made a very curious statement: “We consume relationships.” He was reflecting on how a consumeristic society has shaped and influenced all areas of our lives. We had talked extensively about how consumerism had impacted our Christians’ perspective on worship and church programs. But relationships?... Keep Reading

In a slew of eleven commands that begin Psalm 105, the command “seek” is given twice in verse 4. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! In classic Hebrew poetic form, the commands are parallel with one another. To seek the Lord is to seek his presence. To seek his presence continually is to seek his strength. In the New Testament we are commanded to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33) and “seek, and you will find” (Matt. 7:7). Even the nature of saving faith is associated with seeking God: “Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb. 11:6).... Keep Reading

This past Sunday at Oak Hills we sought to answer the question, “If Christians are new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17) and have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (Gal. 5:24), why do they still sin and struggle with sin?” I believe the apostle Paul wrote Romans 7 to describe this very real struggle for Christians and provide hope. In this chapter, Paul explains that while a Christian is redeemed from the power of sin (Rom. 6:6) and has been given new spiritual life with God with new desires, delights, and will (Rom. 6:4) he is still afflicted by the lingering influence of sinful flesh (7:14 & 23). This is the identity of Christians and explains the mystery of the struggle.... Keep Reading

The word “affluenza” has been prominent this past week, especially in light of the ongoing parole case involving the “affluenza teen” in Texas. To be honest, I don’t recall ever seeing this word before (I missed the teen’s original trial, I guess). I joined with millions of others and made the word “affluenza” the ninth most Googled on Wednesday. I’m intrigued by what I found.... Keep Reading

This past week I finished reading through the book of Exodus. If it wasn’t for my Bible reading plan, I’m not sure what would motivate me to read all of the way through Exodus. The first half is exciting with Moses and God’s miraculous powers displayed in the land of Egypt. Once the Israelites reach Mount Sinai, though, there are a lot of chapters detailing the construction of the Tabernacle and the preparation of the priestly garments. Why did God care so much about all of those intricate details and what difference does it make for Christians today?... Keep Reading

The story of Crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 14 is a Resurrection story. In fact, it gives us a glimpse into the resurrection life we enjoy now in Christ. Let me set up the story and then highlight the focal point. The Israelites have just been rescued from death-like bondage of slavery by God's miraculous power. For 400 years the children of Jacob have multiplied and grown in the land of Egypt. Pharaoh, however, subjected the Israelites to demeaning and strenuous labor. In fact, he feared their multiplication, so he sought to have male babies killed. Life for the Israelites in Egypt was dark, hopeless, despairing, and marked by death.... Keep Reading