Category Archives: Theology

These light afflictions

This past Sunday, Elder Gregg Wren preached at GCA. Sadly, we had a problem with the lavalier microphone that usually is the direct feed for our recordings. However, we did have a room mic in place and it recorded Greg’s message. The recording is ambient, Greg sounds a little distant, and the room noise is sometimes as loud and clear as he is. But, Greg’s message is worth hearing and worth the extra effort to listen to. He talked about why the Apostle Paul could refer to the suffering of this life as merely “light affliction.” It was encouraging, uplifting, and soaked in the gospel of God’s free and sovereign grace. So, after much audio processing to make it as listenable as possible, here is the recording of Elder Wren preaching to the congregation of GCA.

Also, for those of you who would like to hear about (and from) Elder Wren, he is the pastor of Saint’s Chapel in Mesquite, TX. You’ll find their website here:

The Saint’s Chapel

2022 Embracing The Truth Conference lectures

It was my honor and distinct pleasure to return to the ETT Conference this year. It’s certainly one of my favorite annual conferences and I’m happy that it has reconvened after taking a year off owing to Covid. Below you’ll find the two lectures I presented this year as mp3 files, as well as a YouTube link to the second lecture. My assigned topic was “The Importance of the Local Church,” a subject I was more than happy to address. Again, thanks to Elders Pickett and Spickard for the invite and for letting me stand behind their pulpit one more time.

The Importance of the Local Church – Part 1
The Importance of the Local Church – Part 2

Two New Lessons on Prayer

Owing to various health struggles, I was unable to join the Texas chapter of the Sovereign Grace Bible Conference last week. I hear they had a splendid time. I did, at Elder Wren’s request, record two audio lessons on the subject of prayer.

The following links will connect you with those lessons. The titles of the two lessons are:

“Praying to a Sovereign God”

“The Lord’s Prayer”

Politics and Christianity

Through the years, as a public preacher, I have avoided commenting on politics.  Still, I am asked occasionally about my stance on our current political machinations.  It would be easy to buy into the daily soap opera that is world politics. But, world politics are the antithesis of Christian doctrine.  For instance — 

Our King is not up for election.  It’s just the opposite. He elects us.  

Christianity is not a democracy.  The mob doesn’t rule.  Instead, the Sovereign rules the mob.

Christianity does not determine truth based on popular opinion.  The only opinion that matters is God’s. Our job is to align ourselves with His revelation of Himself. 

Every tyrant and every benevolent leader who ever wielded power in human history died.  Our King ever lives to make intercession for us. 

I was talking to one of the young girls who play piano for us and in our five minute conversation she used the terms “intersectionality,” “genderism,” and “critical race theory.”  Those terms didn’t exist a couple years ago.  That’s how quickly political speech changes.  Theories of governance change. Leaders change.

Our Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I take the long view of history and Christianity.  Christianity began when Rome dominated most of the known world. Despite Rome’s persecution and attempts to stamp it out, Christianity prevailed.  Despite two thousand years of authoritarianism, dictators, despots, tyrants, oppressive governments, Communism, and atheism, Christianity prevails.  

So it has, so it will.  Since the faith of Christianity does not emanate from this world, this world cannot prevent it nor stop it. Christians are in this world, but not of this world. Our hope is in the future. 

Our current political environment is a passing situation.  A blip in time. I have lived through enough presidents to know that, whatever the current situation, God will protect His own. 

So, should Christians engage in politics?  Sure.  But, that’s not the primary reason we are here.  Should we vote?  Should we be good citizens?  Sure.  As emissaries of Christ in the world, we are to be examples and advocates for Godly wisdom and behavior.  And, to whatever degree we can sway political outcomes toward more Godly outcomes, we should certainly do it.

But, this world is not our home.  Don’t get tied down to the earth.  It is still “the domain of darkness” and we see demonstrations of that fact every day.  One day, the righteousness of God will cover the earth like the waters of the seas.  That’s not up for a vote.  That’s the promise of the Almighty, who has said it and He will do it.

So, why don’t I engage in politics?  Because it already pervades every area of life.  I am more interested in telling people — all people, from any side of the political spectrum — about the unchanging, dependable, eternal word of God.  

No matter how much political acumen you may accrue in this world, the inevitability of death looms large.  And eternity is a long time. So, concentrate on eternal things because the kingdom to come is right around the corner and that King deserves our attention.

And worship. 

And adoration.  

And thanksgiving.