We take it for granted, “Actions speak louder than words.” This aphorism is true in public speaking too. That is, what we do while we are speaking is as important as the actual words we say, perhaps even more important . The force and impact [...]

A folded paper airplane hits a tree trunk, bounces back, and falls to the ground. By contrast, a sharp pointed arrow has penetrating power. In teaching and preaching, it is this “penetrating quality” that makes a gospel message effective (W.G.T. Shedd, Homiletics, 84). On one [...]

Labor Day is a good time to talk about work. God commands work. God said to Adam and Eve, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the [...]

Sharp, pointed, penetrating gospel arrows set forth the truth of God by the power of God. Expository preaching and teaching, gospel lessons and preaching demand explanation of biblical texts. “Without explanation it is not expository” (T.H.L. Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, 79). But thorough explanations are not [...]

When pointed and sharp gospel arrows strike a human heart, the impact is felt. In fact, the impact must be felt. The Westminster Divines tell us that those who preach and teach must set forth the truth so that those listening “feel the word of [...]

A solid gospel message is a gospel arrow. See my explanation of Psalm 45:5, “Your arrows are sharp; The peoples fall under You; Your arrows are in the heart of the King's enemies.” Click here. If a gospel arrow accomplishes its task, it follows a [...]

The mechanics of archery sets forth a precise sequence of steps to launch an arrow to a target. If the target is at some distance, one must aim high so that the arrow follows a precise arc in order to reach and hit the target. [...]

“Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you. (Ps. 45:5). There is little doubt that Psalm 45:5 speaks of Jesus Christ, His enemies, and the weapons of His warfare. Hebrews 1:8 quotes the very next verse, Psalm [...]

We often assume divine sovereignty and human freedom are irreconcilable. We presume they are contradictory. However, we do find them side by side in the Bible. The doctrines, therefore, cannot contradict each other. A common article of proper thinking is the so-called law of non-contradiction. [...]

When we discuss divine sovereignty and human freedom, we must properly define both and not compromise on either. One of the favorite texts relating both sides of the issue is Acts 2: 23. It speaks of the crucifixion of Christ and gives the ultimate and [...]