Monthly Archives: April 2012

Genuine spirituality is homesick for heaven

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Eric Smith

Working on Sunday night’s message on Philippians 3:20-4:1, I ran across this fine quote from D.A. Carson: “Genuine spirituality cannot live long without an attitude that is homesick for heaven, that lives with eternity’s values in view, that eagerly awaits … Continue reading →

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I want to simplify my life

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Eric Smith

“The fear of the Lord simplifies life.” Ed Welch, When People are Big and God is Small (Philippsburg, NJ: P&R, 1997), 228.

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A simple question for treating the fear of man

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Eric Smith

Here, according to biblical counselor and author Ed Welch, is an essential component in treating the fear of man in our lives:  Love people more and need people (to satisfy our psychological cravings) less. [Ed Welch, When People are Big … Continue reading →

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A lifelong repetition of conversion

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Eric Smith

Christian believers never move beyond turning from sin in repentance, and turning to Christ in faith. As Charles Hodge notes below, the whole Christian life might be summed up as an ongoing repetition of our initial experience of conversion: “As … Continue reading →

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Flies Buzzing around the Sacrifice

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Eric Smith

Ever been frustrated by wandering thoughts during prayer or studying the Bible? Ever wanted to articulate that frustration with a vivid, Old Testament image? Look no further. I think I’ll always picture an exasperated priest swatting flies away from the … Continue reading →

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Oliver Hart’s Robust Understanding of “Preaching the Gospel”

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Eric Smith

When Baptist pastor Oliver Hart (1723-1795) charges ministers to “preach the gospel”, notice what all he assumes “preaching the gospel” will include: “Preaching the gospel will lead to an explanation of what the apostle calls “the form of sound words … Continue reading →

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Are you getting in on this?

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Eric Smith

No Christian is a member of a particular church at random. The sovereign Lord Jesus is purposefully  building his church, and the sovereign Holy Spirit is purposefully gifting every individual member for God-glorifying service more significant than we can know … Continue reading →

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But I need . . .

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Eric Smith

Is there something you think you need right now – – respect, love, a sense of fulfillment, acceptance, recognition, physical satisfaction — perhaps so much that you are taking questionable action to meet that need? Here’s the hard, biblical, life-giving … Continue reading →

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Repairing the Christian Temple

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Eric Smith

In 1785, Oliver Hart preached the Association sermon at the Philadelphia Association’s annual meeting in 1785. Now a revered elder statesman in Baptist life, he had labored mightily in gospel ministry for some 35 years. He titled his sermon, “A … Continue reading →

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Chapel Sermon at Union University

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Eric Smith

It was a tremendous privilege to preach in a chapel service at my beloved alma mater, Union University, last month. Going back and preaching in a place where the Lord has shown me so much grace, I felt a little … Continue reading →

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