Author: Tim Challies

This week the blog is sponsored by Thomas Nelson Bibles. This post is adapted from the introduction of the Timeless Truths Bible by Matthew Z. Capps, Sr. Pastor of Fairview Baptist Church (Apex, NC), who served as its general editor. What is the most important thing you need to know about the Bible? In my opinion, it is crucial to understand that Scripture is God’s perfect treasure, a revelation of himself to humankind. Christianity is dependent upon the belief that God has graciously, intentionally, and lovingly chosen to reveal himself and his will to humanity. If God has revealed himself to us, our desire should be that as we study God’s Word, we do so in a way that seeks to understand every passage accurately in light of his divine self-disclosure. That doesn’t mean it is always easy, though. There are times when the historical distance between the modern reader and ancient text makes it difficult to understand certain parts of scripture. But the good news is that when you read the Bible you are not alone. Because the Bible is one of the most printed books in human history, it also has one of the deepest wells of insightful commentary that we as modern readers can draw from. Enrich your journey with wisdom from the past In a modern world that too often sprints along in what C. S. Lewis called in Surprised by Joy “chronological snobbery,” that is, believing that ancient resources are obstacles to our progress, retrieving the past can help clarify our historical shortsightedness and…See AlsoThe New Grace and Truth Study Bible: A Q&A with Dr. MohlerA La Carte (9/23)A La Carte (2/22)

You probably heard about the recent mishap with Alaska Airlines flight 1282. Shortly after it departed Portland, a door plug blew out of the aircraft’s hull which caused the immediate and uncontrolled decompression of the cabin. The pilots quickly descended to an altitude at which the air was breathable and subsequently brought the plane and all its passengers safely to the ground. Thankfully, no one was killed or seriously injured in the incident. The incident quickly garnered international coverage and many experts offered their comments on what it might mean for the airline and for the plane’s manufacturer. Patrick Smith, who writes at Ask the Pilot, provided an interesting perspective on all the attention the story garnered. “The amount of coverage we’re seeing serves to remind us of just how safe flying has become.” The story was so big simply because flying is so safe. His comment got me thinking about the way Christian media and social media cover pastors who make shipwreck of their ministry through immorality or apostasy. Certainly this happens with some regularity and certainly it is never less than tragic. When it does happen, there are always victims, whether it is people the pastor has harmed through his unrestrained lust or people who have become confused about their own faith as they’ve witnessed the destruction of the pastor’s. Any time a pastor falls it is a major incident to those who are closely involved, and rightly so. And yet just as flight 1282 can be a reminder of how safe flying…See AlsoWhy You Really Need To Be Praying For Your PastorWeekend A La Carte (October 5)Weekend A La Carte (February 28)

It is a question we all wonder at one time or another: What can we do to repay the debt we owe to Christ? What can we do for the One who has done so much for us? What cost would be sufficient and what length of service would be adequate? James Edmeston once pondered this in the form of a poetic prayer and concluded that there is nothing we can do for “earthly years are all too few” and “earthly treasures all too few.” His poem, titled “Gratitude,” is worth reading and lifting as a prayer to the Lord. What can I, my Saviour, do,To repay the debt I owe?Earthly years are all too few,Earthly treasures all too low! Shall I cease with men to dwell,Every mortal love resign;Hide me in some hermit’s cell,And feast in solitude on thine? Shall the sun of noontide day,And the lamp of middle night,Witness how I praise and pray,Ceaseless as the moment’s flight? Shall I labour for thy poor,For the souls whom thou hast bought;Pain and poverty endure,To afford thy children aught? Shall I fly to spread thy nameIn the lands of heathen night?Shall I court the martyr’s flame,And seal my faith with suffering bright? Shall each talent thou hast givenWholly consecrated be,And rise, like incense, up to heaven,Offered gratefully to thee? Vain to pay the debt I owe,All the service I can do!Earthly good is far too low,Earthly years are far too few!See AlsoA La Carte (August 6)Out of the OverflowPrayer Request Update