Preparing for the Lord's Day In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus makes a simple yet profound observation. He says that you will be able to recognize true believers from false prophets by their fruit. How people act is a much better barometer of their spiritual condition than what they say. He explains, "Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? So, every h...

Preparing for the Lord's Day Have you ever seen a house cat sneak out of the house for the first time? A cat that has lived its life entirely within the safe confines of a house is not equipped or prepared for the reality of life in the "real world." They are used to the sounds, smells, and sights of a controlled human environment. So, when they slip outdoors for the firs...

Preparing for the Lord's Day It seems that the Apostle Paul was a bit of a sports fan. Throughout his letters he often uses imagery from the world of athletics. He mentions the ancient games of boxing, wrestling, and running. In our passage for this Sunday Paul says, "You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?" (Galatians 5:7 ESV) Again, Paul employ...

Preparing for the Lord's Day The Sneetches were divided into two groups. There were those who had green stars on their belly and those who did not. Those with stars strutted about feeling superior to those who lacked stars. These yellow bird-like creatures were proud of their mark or ashamed of their lack. But when Sylvester McMonkey McBean arrived with his Star-on machin...

Preparing for the Lord's Day Throughout the book of Galatians Paul has been at pains to show that those who are of faith are the true sons of Abraham. It seems very likely that the false teachers focused on Abraham in their deceitful claims, that only those who were circumcised were truly members of God's family. In our passage for this Sunday, Paul explains that the Gala...

Preparing for the Lord's Day Paul Tripp in his book, Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands, explains that spiritual growth does not come through changing outward behaviors but rather through a process of heart change. To explain what he means he uses an example of a fruit-bearing tree. Imagine a tree that produces crab apples. They are hard and sour and generally inedible. ...

Preparing for the Lord's Day If you happen to come by my office on a Sunday morning between services, you are bound to see at least one of my children. My son may be hanging out waiting for Club 56 to begin, my youngest may be pulling books off of my bookshelves, and my other children may be searching through my desk for mints or other snacks. Thankfully, my office is not...

Preparing for the Lord's Day Over the past several years I have noticed that a member of our family has not been coming to family events. His wife comes with their child, but he is predictably absent each time. When we visit them at their home, he is cordial, personable, and warm. However, when the family is together as a group, he is never present. Recently I asked his w...

Preparing for the Lord's Day As we have continued our study of Galatians, we have continually seen Paul's defense of justification by faith apart from works of the law. He has defended the gospel from the assault of those who would have the Galatians keep the law's command of circumcision. Paul's argument seems to imply that the law is contrary to the gospel. As such one ...

Preparing for the Lord's Day This past week I found myself staying awake quite a bit later than normal to watch the NCAA tournament. I love to watch an underdog beat out a higher-ranked team. There is nothing as exciting as a game that comes down to the final seconds. Even those who only have a casual interest in college basketball can get hooked into watching with antici...