Aside from the Psalms, Christ quotes Genesis more than any other book. When He does so, he quotes from the first 11 chapters more often than any other section of the book. Christ clearly believed the Genesis account to not only be accurate, but true exact history!

The business of revenge should be left to the only one who can permanently end the cycle. "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Rom 12:19

Dad came for a visit to Oz. We've got 3 generations of Brazzell men watching star wars (ep 4) together

Feed the flock of God, preacher! A steady diet of sugar will make them sick, but a total lack of nutrition will cause rebellion. Those who feed the flock sparingly or without substance will soon find their people will chase after something or someone else.

I believe the main concept behind baptism is obedience. It teaches us that in order to grow as a Christian, the first thing we must do is obey! Yes, there are other things of importance, but spiritual growth will always require obedience to what is taught by the Spirit of God!

In our age, we need men of courage. These are not perfect men, men who are always right, or men who are completely unflawed. These are men who are studied up, prayed up, and ready to do battle for Jesus!

Words have meaning. One of the atrocities of our modern era is that if people don't like something, they just change the meaning of the words. Strength of character is wrestling with truth until it changes you. Weakness is "changing" truth to fit one's self.

The Liberalism of J. I. Packer's day is not dissimilar to the Liberalism of our day. Only, the damage of his day has compounded to the turning against the truth and those who hold to it as if we are the problem. What starts as a "different understanding" became hostile.

The fallacy of emotional sensationalism is something everyone must be careful of in every circle. It's easy to see it with the "Charismatics", but within our own circles, we often equate tears and emotion with the "moving of the Holy Spirit".

Praise God that Christ is big enough to take care of the "big" sin alongside the "little". When we see our sin as too big to forgive, we are being prideful of our sin. When we see ourselves as worthy of forgiveness, we are being prideful in our own sense of worth.

Persistence is a trait many do not possess and do not attempt to learn. The age of the quick learning, quick riches, and quick answers is upon us! May we learn to be men who plug away for the long haul and not give up when the wind tears at the tent!

God is love. This simple truth shows us the fallacy behind many a false doctrine. No one is created to be destroyed. No one is beyond hope of salvation. But no sin will ever go unpunished. These truths are not in conflict in God's character due to the sacrifice of Christ!

Continuing a valentine's day tradition that we started on deputation! Sweets for my Sweets

Until I entered the ministry in earnest, I did not really understand this concept. Not sure I do still... However, I do know that nothing is ever only for me. Every teaching, lesson, and experience is for me, and to aid me in my task of shepherding God's people in this place.

Looks like the land of John Bunyan is at it again. Pray for more John Bunyans in the UK

False doctrine often starts as a difficult passage taken exactly without contextualizing it within the Scripture as a whole, asking who it is said or written to, or checking elsewhere in Scripture for further understanding. We must be men who understand matter within the whole!

C. S. Lewis is an interesting character as he reasoned his way to spiritual things in the early part of his life, but later realized his own reasoning wasn't going to be enough. Reasoning isn't enough, we need the Spirit of God to illuminate His Word to us!

What is the answer to having the blessing of God on your life? Simple obedience. Yes, God wants your heart! That's important! But many give their heart to God in the emotional sense, but never in the literal sense. A heart given will be a heart to obey, always!

No sermon is an island. A sermon properly studied, arranged, and prayed for is only part of the preparation! A powerful sermon is one in which the life of the preacher is mingled with the content. Not just illustrations, but passion, vigour, and desire to see others changed!

Often new believers will ask me the question, "What about the lovely little old lady who just never heard the gospel? Is she condemned?" Sadly the answer is yes. Not only for her sin, but in her failure to recognize God in creation followed by a desire to know Him!