Psalm 34:22 – Redeemed and Not Condemned

“The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” (Psalm 34:22) Two promises are in this verse. First, we have the work of the LORD: He redeems the life of his servants. Second, we have the promised freedom from condemnation for all who take refuge … Continue reading Psalm 34:22 – Redeemed and Not Condemned →

A Biblical Study of Water Baptism

“Baptize” - A Definition “Baptize” is a word that was carried over from biblical Greek (baptidzo). It means “to immerse” or “dunk.” There are different kinds of baptism in the Bible. There is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This takes place when the Lord Jesus baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit into his body … Continue reading A Biblical Study of Water Baptism →

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit: Introduction

Blogger's Note: This post is a manuscript of a Sunday School lesson taught at First Baptist Church of Ticonderoga, NY, on July 20, 2025. You can find an audio recording of this lesson here. Please join me in John 14:16-18. As you turn there, I want to give you idea of our purpose today. We are … Continue reading The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit: Introduction →

Hebrews 13:5 – I Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say,“The Lord is my helper;I will not fear;what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5–6) We have two commands at the start of this passage. First, … Continue reading Hebrews 13:5 – I Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You →

Psalm 77 – Confidence in a Faithful God

The Psalms have been a source of comfort and help in recent months. I find the raw transparency of the Psalmists an encouragement for my own prayers. I find their continual return to the character and faithfulness of God a pillar for my faith. In Psalm 77, Asaph begins with a confident statement of God’s … Continue reading Psalm 77 – Confidence in a Faithful God →

Lesson Learned: The Need for Strong Teaching

"Strong teaching makes strong Christians. And it makes soft-hearted, tender, loving Christians. But soft teaching makes hard, callused Christians. Soft teaching is for people who have itching ears. They do not wish to have their lives interfered with." - Jim Wilson1 Jim Wilson is becoming one of my favorite authors. He went to be with … Continue reading Lesson Learned: The Need for Strong Teaching →

Lesson Learned: Slow Change Is Still Change

"Be patient with yourself. A sense of urgency, yes; but not a sense of hurry. Overnight transformations are the exception, not the norm. Slow change is still real change." - Dane Ortlund1 I have enjoyed Dane Ortlund's books. I read Gentle and Lowly2 when I was facing a dark time of struggling with assurance of … Continue reading Lesson Learned: Slow Change Is Still Change →