It was the ultimate condescension. The Son laying aside His God-powers temporarily and leaving the halls of heaven to inhabit a human body. The greatest work had to be done, and this was the way it had to be accomplished. And now, God was literally with us in flesh and blood.   The birth of... Continue Reading

The newborn baby laid in the manger wasn’t wearing the well-made, beautiful clothes of a high priest; rather, he was wrapped in cleaning cloths for animals. He didn’t look glorious or important, but his job was the most important in the world—to give himself throughout his life and in his death on the cross to... Continue Reading

What makes a true leader? The early church faced this question when rapid growth sparked a crisis. Their response revolutionized leadership—and their insights are just as vital today.   What does a leader look like? In a traditional Zambian court, observers once noticed that a chief’s advisor looked more like a chief than the actual... Continue Reading

There could hardly be better news for the people of Israel. Oppressed by the Egyptians, they called out to the God of their fathers. Their cry, far from falling on deaf ears, was heard by the one who created the heavens and the earth, the skies and the seas. God heard them, knew their plight,... Continue Reading

The High King delegates to us the shaping of life on Kingdom Earth as the population grows and diversifies, developing the earth’s resources. But we are to rule our portion of the kingdom FOR him, in alignment with the moral law of God written on every heart (Romans 2:15).   As we pursue a clear mission... Continue Reading

Confessional, orthodox Protestants should take no satisfaction in Rome’s increasing resemblance to the old enemy of liberal Protestantism. Rome still has the money and institutional weight to make a difference in these great struggles over what it means to be human. If Rome equivocates and falls on these issues, the world will become colder and... Continue Reading

This is the sacred calling given to those who suffer—to lift trembling hands, to raise tear-stained eyes, to sing with wavering voice, to praise God as much in taking as in the giving.    Imagine that you are sitting in a prison cell. This is not some posh or even stark 21st-century prison cell, but... Continue Reading

In Jesus Christ, God pours out His wrath, taking it upon Himself. He thereby shows Himself just, for sin is punished in Christ, and also full of mercy, for the atonement of Christ means that He can now be propitious, or favorable, to sinners who turn from their sin and trust in Jesus (Romans 3:21–31).... Continue Reading

As we plead before our heavenly Father for his intervention on behalf of our nation, as we plead for a mighty work of the Holy Spirit throughout our land bringing people to repentance and faith, it is essential that we take Ezekiel’s words seriously.   Then the word of the LORD came to me: “Son... Continue Reading

During this Advent season we are reminded that in glory the Lord Jesus—our Messiah—does not stand alone; He is surrounded by a multitude whom no one can number, a multitude that sing the endless Hallelujahs before his throne. As we long to join that worship and look eagerly for His coming, Christians can find great... Continue Reading