Confessions are like suitcases; they enable us to pack a lot of content in a small amount of space. They flow from a recognition that, as creatures, we can’t say everything all of the time. And so we must condense. We must distill.   The people of God have always been a confessional people, offering... Continue Reading

God entrusts people with different blessings or privileges—because he values faithfulness, not parity. We should do the same. We’re not instructed to pursue parity. We’re instructed to pursue faithfulness and biblical justice.   There are many great sermons, podcasts, and articles about social justice and critical theory. But there aren’t many good books about social... Continue Reading

For veteran preachers of the advent season, each Christmas brings an even greater challenge to open the eyes of our people to the wonder that should never cease to make us wonder.   Advent season has begun. Pastors all around the world are desperately looking for texts and angles on the theme that will enable... Continue Reading

The virgin birth is essential to Jesus’ right to govern Israel. Without the virgin birth, Jesus could not be the Christ, the Messiah who will bring in the promised kingdom.   Old-line liberals used to argue against the virgin birth of Christ. They saw it as an unreasonable and unscientific theory that was, on their... Continue Reading

Advent, the season of waiting and preparation before the high feast of Christmas, is a chance to regain spiritual sanity, and create fresh and healthier rhythms personally and as a family and as churches.   These have been dark days in 2020, even in the light of spring and summer. Those spared great personal suffering... Continue Reading

Your spiritual disciplines will not usually yell at you, but when you neglect them, there are reminders. Learn to tune your heart and mind to the gentle tug of spiritual disciplines.   He always lets me know when it is time. He doesn’t care if it is freezing cold, raining, or a blazing hot South... Continue Reading

In these two short phrases, Paul begins to reflect on the circumstances of Jesus’ birth, and they in turn move us to ponder the humiliation of Him who is from all eternity the glorious Son of God.   But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born... Continue Reading

Even when the home life is fraught with difficulties and challenges, a Christian mother has a great opportunity to influence her children for Christ. Her family is her mission field.   One of the greatest challenges that a child can face is growing up in a home where dad is either absent or spiritually disengaged.... Continue Reading

Instead of the 1% at the top, we need to be looking at the 10 or 20% at the bottom. Which, if you’re in America, does not include you. The Bible persistently calls us to look at and have regard for the poor.   Did you know the that top 1% own over 50% of... Continue Reading

Non-Christians often don’t ask religious questions because down deep inside they have a sneaking suspicion of what the answers might be, and they don’t like them. But Christians also are afraid of questions for the same reason, so they get into trouble.   Sometimes it is less important to have the right answers than to... Continue Reading