Christian Life

My advice to young people, and to people of all ages, is this same thing: “Choose your friends wisely.” Don’t just let friendships happen by circumstance. Make them happen by choice—careful, thoughtful choice.

Not only should we listen when people happen to speak, but also we should ask them the kinds of questions that invite them to speak further and at a deeper and more personal level. I love this article by Blake Glosson, a student at Reformed Theological Seminary, about the importance of asking others thoughtful questions as a way of ministering to them and showing interest in their lives.

"I believe that by caring for animals we are also caring for humans. We are providing them with God’s gift of emotional support and friendship through taking care of their pets. Do you think God approves of careers in veterinary medicine?"

We are in a season where it seems there have never been more strong opinions about a variety of topics, and more opportunities to offend others. So how do we navigate that with grace, and work towards reconciliation when we do offend one another? Here are some thoughts I shared with a reader who asked for advice.

If insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results, sin not only leads to insanity—it is insanity. In his book Life in Christ in 1 John, Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares these helpful definitions of sin, and why we must avoid it.

I love this analogy Eugene Peterson shared in his book The Jesus Way.

“For a believer, nothing in his or her life is unchanged by the gospel. If you look at life from the vantage point of the present benefits of the person, work, presence, and promises of the Lord Jesus Christ, nothing in your life looks the same.”

In this article, Daniel Darling addresses a temptation we as believers can often face on social media: “I’m a good person. I’m on the right side of all the right issues. And I’m here to publicly declare this to those not as good as me.”

There is a difference between initial guilt feelings/shame that is the conviction of the Holy Spirit (who is the convicter and comforter) versus residual and accusatory guilt/shame after confession and forgiveness that’s from Satan, the accuser.

Today's blog is a combination of answers to questions I’ve received lately on my Facebook page or through emails. Because I can't possibly respond to every question that comes in, our great EPM staff help me out with their responses to many of them. (I wish I could reply to more of the questions and letters I receive. Maybe on the New Earth!)