3 Things You Should Know about Philippians
Philippians sets forth not just how to think, but how to live.
Paul then shows the church what that “mind” looks like—Christ not insisting on His rights but lowering Himself for others to be exalted (Phil. 2:6–8). Have this Christ-shaped mind in you, which is not solely a way of thinking (important as that is) but also of feeling and acting toward one another. In other words, Paul wants Christ to be heard and seen in us.... Continue Reading
The Style of Puritan Preaching
“Spiritual Preaching”
This emphasis on religion as spiritual and not ceremonial was a marked characteristic of godly preaching, and in time the Puritan preachers came to be known as “spiritual preachers” in contrast to the “witty” preaching of their opponents. They not only were to be understood by the people, but they were to stir their emotions,... Continue Reading
The World’s Easiest Theological Question
The Pharisees—Israel’s foremost scholars, teachers and theologians—won’t answer a question about whether they should perform a good act or an evil act. What in the world is happening here?
How should we respond to the bad shepherds in our modern day? The same as Jesus. The text tells us that he was “grieved at their hardness of heart” (Mark 3:5). We should mourn for those sheep who lack good shepherds. But, I think we can also follow Jesus’ lead in another way. We can distinguish... Continue Reading
When a Ministry Partnership Must End
As ministry partnerships come and go, Christ’s commission to make disciples and his commitment to build his church endure.
Throughout the highest joys of laboring alongside fellow believers in gospel work and the deepest pains of relational strain and conflict, the Lord preserves his people and accomplishes his sovereign purposes. He may bring resolution to disagreements and restored relationships in this life—as with Paul and Mark—or he may wait until the life to come... Continue Reading
What Do Bells on Horses Have to Do with Discipleship?
What is this verse trying to tell us?
As disciples, we cannot compartmentalise between secular and sacred duties. God’s desire for us is that “the bells of the horses” will be every bit as consecrated to Him as the priestly uniform. He wants every square inch of our lives to be inscribed with the glorious placard, “Holy to the LORD”. Let’s be... Continue Reading
For Thine Is the Kingdom
Because the kingdom and the power belong to God, all glory rightfully belongs to Him.
The Bible speaks of God’s glory in two ways. His intrinsic glory is the revelation of all that God is. It is the sum total of all His divine perfections and holy attributes. There is nothing that man can do to add to the intrinsic glory of God. He is who He is. Additionally, there... Continue Reading
WCF 10: Of Effectual Calling
God Effectually Calls Dead Sinners
We were deaf to his words of warning and affection; now we hear his voice and we want to follow him (John 10:16). God’s work of regeneration transforms elect sinners. It isn’t a complete renewal—that happens at glorification. But it is a real start. And what God starts he always finished (Phil. 1:6). Salvation is... Continue Reading
Jesus is the Main Character of the Bible
Remove him, and you have nothing left.
Jesus is everywhere in the Bible. He is the meaning and purpose of every word, every story, every book, every genre, every section, every theme, every figure, every image, and every storyline. When you realize that, the Bible becomes like the movie, The Sixth Sense. Once you know the ending, you can’t help but see... Continue Reading
Technology and Its Fruits: Digital Technology’s Imago Dei Deformation and Sabbath as Re-Formation
The information age’s digital revolution parallels the serpent’s deceptive promises in the garden.
The serpent tempted Adam and Eve to become more like God on their own terms, yet this tragically resulted in them becoming less like God. Digital technology extends a similar promise to make humans more like God on their terms and has a deforming effect on our minds, bodies, and souls. Weekly Sabbath observance is... Continue Reading
Worship Regulated by Scripture
Our worship aesthetics, must be formed and shaped by the Word of God.
The critical point is to extend biblical authority to every aspect of our worship—elements, content, structure, and aesthetics: If we understand the formative role of corporate worship in making disciples, and if we consequently recognize that such disciple-forming corporate worship must be formed by Scripture, then we must be sure that our liturgies and how... Continue Reading
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