Without strong encouragement, the fainthearted will quickly succumb to the pressures of the world, the stubborn will become more set in their ways, and the faithless will fall away from the living God. On the other hand, a strong encouragement from a brother or sister in Christ can act like a balm that softens our... Continue Reading

The doing and dying of Jesus (recounted in the good news of the gospel) only makes sense against the backdrop of the bad news–the broken covenant of works in which we all sinned in Adam, but we are given eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ (cf. Romans 5:12-19).   In Hosea 6:7, the prophet... Continue Reading

When trans activists first attacked Jordan Peterson for his refusal to cede language to them and their state enforcers, it looked likely that his career would be cancelled. Instead, his stance inspired millions, his ideas became global bestsellers, and his measured, meticulous manner of speaking and articulating ideas became so ubiquitous that it has inspired... Continue Reading

The contemporary western church is moving from a post-Christendom relationship to culture back to being a besieged minority. This is the reverse trajectory of the early church. Careful study of the changing relations of church and culture in the first four centuries  has much to teach contemporary western Christians about our relationship with a changing... Continue Reading

The Puritans were not completely aligned on all aspects of theology, and their views of eschatology demonstrate this well. The different perspectives reflect the diversity of interpretations and the complexity of understanding eschatological passages in the Bible, as well as the variety in theological perspectives amongst the Puritans themselves. The takeaway for Christians today is... Continue Reading

“We must realize that to know the truth and to practice it will be costly….We must keep on speaking and acting even if the price is high. We must keep on preaching, even if the price is high. There is nothing in the Bible that says we are to stop. The Bible rather says, keep... Continue Reading

Young seminarians are being steeped—in seminary—in an expressive individualism that is contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ and that will, if it’s not nipped right in the bud, lead actual people into hell.   A few years ago there was a piece published somewhere that expressed a sentiment buried deep within the hearts of... Continue Reading

Claiming that religion can have no part in public discourse, in government, in law, etc., is not a neutral stance regarding religion. It is an overtly hostile and antithetical stance whatever its claims about tolerance; it is hostile to God and therefore to most of what is good, true, and just in the world.   ... Continue Reading

There is an ever present need to take heed to ourselves. Our lips are always a few steps ahead of our feet. There, we must be resolute in guarding against the multitude of temptations that Satan will seek to use against us.   This past Tuesday, I had the privilege of giving a pastoral charge... Continue Reading

You can’t say everything but you have to say something. Be content to say something the text says and make sure that your audience hears, understands, and appreciates that teaching through your exposition, explanation, illustration, and application.    I’ve been around for awhile. I’ve preached many sermons and I’ve listened to many sermons. Like just... Continue Reading