Author Archives: St. John Studies

Sometimes our problems exist for a reasonably short season and then they improve or go away.  Sometimes our problems last for what seems a lifetime, what I call a long-term problem.  I have had such a problem.  Over a period … Continue reading →

Recently, I have posted on “inward trials.”  J.I. Packer writes that when Christians have problems, they should rely on their faith to get them through their trouble.  Sadly, many don’t know how to apply the sacrifice that Jesus made to … Continue reading →

Inward trials… That’s what J.I. Packer calls troubles.  That’s what he calls times when we are confused by life and our response to it and we can begin to doubt our faith in God.  That’s when we lose our peace … Continue reading →

One of the most common misconceptions about becoming a Christian is that when you give your life to Christ, you no longer have fun.  Another equally perplexing misconception is that when you have frustrations in your faith it is because … Continue reading →

Sometimes in life, one has to pause… Some of you are aware that on Friday, July 17, J.I. Packer passed away. I will not post my thoughts on his book Knowing God today. I will share words from Leland Ryken … Continue reading →

I don’t know how many times I have done this. I wake up on Sunday morning and I have serious problems, normal human problems.  Maybe I am sore-boned and tired.  I don’t want to go anywhere, much less to church.  … Continue reading →

In recent posts, I think I have established that J.I. Packer believes God is our Guide.  Chapter Twenty of Knowing God makes a strong case “to know” God is to recognize one of His characteristics is He is our guide … Continue reading →

Knowing what to do and how to do it is a problem for everyone [believer or nonbeliever].  I have had times in my life when I was so confused that I just wanted someone, anyone  to give me a direction.  … Continue reading →

From the hymn  “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah” some of the lyrics say: “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy powerful hand.” J.I. Packer … Continue reading →

In this journey we have been on to get to know God better, J.I. Packer adds another characteristic of our Father.  He is also our Benevolent Guide. If “God Be For Us…” is the section of his book we are … Continue reading →