(This insightful article by Elsie is a reprise from 2016 that is just as relevant today)

When people come for counseling, there is typically a Presenting Problem. I usually ask something like, “What brings you to counseling at this time?” or “How can I help?” Often, though, when I meet with a person for the first time, they just start talking and tell me what their problem is even before I ask. Sometimes the presenting problem is not the real problem but rather a symptom of the real problem. Even so, the presenting problem gets the counseling process started. Just as there is a reason that brings a person to counseling, there is also an expectation or hope that counseling will solve their problem or at least make ...

When I graduated from seminary with a Masters of Divinity degree I pretty much thought I knew about as much about Christianity and the Bible as there was to be known. After all, I had spent three years studying at the feet of world class scholars, how could I not be ready to lead the church of the Living God? In case I need to tell you, that is called arrogance and even delusion. Shortly after graduation, Elsie and I received a phone call from my pastor in Yuba City, California. He called asking if I had finished seminary and would I consider returning to Grace Baptist Church in Yuba City to serve as his associate pastor. With much prayer and some discussion on finances, both Elsie and I felt God was leading in this and agreed to move to ...

We live in a stressful, anxiety-producing world. Between soaring gas prices, supply chain blockages, illegal immigrants flooding our southern border, a pandemic which morphs into variants, infiltration of Critical Race Theory into our schools and universities, sexual identity battles, cancel culture, and a multi-trillion dollar federal budget, it’s enough to keep you awake at night!

So what’s the answer? It isn’t political nor is it economic nor is it religious. Good and noble as those may be, none of them can solve the issue of worry. So who can? God!  God alone can solve the insolvable. He can work miracles. He is the God of the supernatural but we have systematically eliminated God from our daily lives. Church ...

Introduction

We now approach the single most frightening topic in the Bible, the Great White Throne Judgment. It is frightening because all the unsaved on earth will stand judgment before the Righteous Judge of all the Universe. There is no plea bargaining. There is no commutation of sentencing. There is no parole. There is only just and righteous judgment, sentencing, and punishment. Let’s talk about it.

I.  What is the Great White Throne Judgment, who will be the judge, who will stand in judgment, what is the criterion of judgment, what is the purpose of it, and what is the fate of those found guilty?

1. The Great White Throne Judgment – Following the Millennium, the Bible declares that Satan will be released from his ...
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