The following article has been adapted from a piece by Dr. Tim Allchin, pastor and founder of the Biblical Counseling Center, an ACBC certified counseling and training center. We hear it over and over again. When people start training in biblical counseling, they are amazed by the outcome. They see...
In the news this week was the story of a luxury yacht that sank just minutes after it was launched on its maiden voyage. Something was clearly wrong. From all appearances, the yacht was perfect, beautiful, clean, shiny, modern, and attractive in every way. But she wasn’t what she appeared...
We are told in Hebrews 13:15 to offer a sacrifice of praise. That’s a powerful idea, but it seems almost contradictory. What’s praise got to do with sacrifice? Why did the author of Hebrews put this in here? What are the practical concepts on how we can apply this truth...
A few weeks ago, while reading the book of Joshua, my 3rd-grade daughter was shocked to learn that Rahab was “a harlot” (Josh 2:1, NASB). What scandalized her was not so much Rahab’s profession, but rather the fact that this had been hidden from her thus far. “They didn’t tell us...
Editor’s note: This quarterly "Good to Know" column is meant to provide timely and clear communication to the VBC church body. If you have a suggestion for items you would like to see in this column in the future, please email amanda@spokanevbc.org. Caleb Klontz is back on staff! Starting today,...
In the list of people that God has used to influence my life, few have had the varied and enduring impact of John MacArthur. For me, he progressed from myth, to teacher, to pastor, to godly example. When I was around the age of ten, our church hired a pastor...
Some people are naturally inclined to discipline. It is a great help to them in almost every area of life. I am not one of those people. Discipline is hard for me. Studying for this passage this week confronted my need to be disciplined by decision and not rely on...
March 14, 1590, was a day marked by battle and bravery. On that day, now known as the battle of Ivry, two armies met in a violent contest for the future of France. On one side were the soldiers supporting the Duc de Mayenne and the Catholic League in their...
Coming to the end of Hebrews 11 was a little like coming to the end of a good book for me. It was satisfying to see all the lessons of faith come together and secure themselves in Christ, but it was also a little sad to see this incredible journey...
Most of us can look back across our lives and see seasons in which God was accomplishing specific things. There are times of growth, accomplishment, and clarity. There are times of weakness, loss, and trial. One aspect of the life of Moses that is intriguing is the sharp and neat...
Editor’s note: This quarterly "Good to Know" column is meant to provide timely and clear communication to the VBC church body. If you have a suggestion for items you would like to see in this column in the future, please email amanda@spokanevbc.org. The Klontz Family Caleb and Linda Klontz (and...
Is it possible for our faith to get stronger? Can our faith grow so that we have a closer relationship with God? The answer is a resounding yes. Faith is not static; it is dynamic and meant to grow as we become more like Christ. The Essence of Faith The...
As a believer attending a Bible church, it’s quite likely your immediate answer to the question, “Is the Bible sufficient?” is a resounding “Yes!” And that’s to the good! But if I add the phrase “for counseling,” suddenly many of us aren’t so sure. I have had the privilege the...
If we haven’t heard the cliché recited to us personally, we’ve certainly witnessed it in one of the myriad films that continue to repeat the line. Suspended on a rope over a chasm, crossing a dangerous bridge far above a cataract, or navigating a ropes course at a summer camp,...
This last week I had the privilege of sharing some of both my story and my wife Amanda’s story with those who attended our adult Sunday School hour. I had shared that story before in other contexts, and I had often reflected on the various ways God has worked through...
The mission of VBC Bridge Ministry is to equip and minister to God’s people by skillfully applying the word of God to the difficulties of life. I am passionate about that work because I have become convinced that out of all the possible options, the Bible has better answers to...
Easter is past, but the hope of the resurrection does not fade. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith. It offers a hope that transcends the difficulties and darkness of this world. As the Apostle Paul said, “... that I may know Him and the power...
Heart change. What does that mean? We frequently use this term to differentiate between genuine actions from those that are not. For instance, we all want our children to obey, but we want them to obey with a sincere heart. How can you tell the difference? Sometimes it’s obvious, but...
“We have such a high priest.” These words were the central meditation of our time in Hebrews 8:1-6. I know I was freshly impressed with all that it means for us today to have Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, ministering on our behalf. At the close...
Editor’s note: This quarterly "Good to Know" column is meant to provide timely and clear communication to the VBC church body. If you have a suggestion for items you would like to see in this column in the future, please email amanda@spokanevbc.org. To see a printed summary of March 16's...