There are actually only ever two pastoral problems you will ever encounter. The first is this: persuading those who are under the dominion of sin that they are under the dominion of sin. That's the task of evangelism. And [second], persuading those who are no longer under the dominion of sin that they are no longer under the dominion of sin because they're Christ's.

Do I learn through dark providences, or simply seem relieved when they are over?

The problem is not in the clarity of the revelation. The problem is in the darkness of the human mind.

Twentieth-century man needs to be reminded at times that work is not the result of the Fall. Man was made to work, because the God who made him was a 'working God.' Man was made to be creative, with his mind and his hands. Work is part of the dignity of his existence.

The true church is too different for the world to tolerate it.

God does something to us as well as for us through the cross. He persuades us that He loves us.

Jesus Christ is able to set us free because He has dealt with the sin that enslaves us.