Living awake, sober, and armed characterizes the Christian life in these times. This doesn’t change in the ups and downs of culture or in the shifting of society. It’s the posture we are to have as we serve God and wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers... Continue Reading

Because of the great privilege of continual access into the very presence of God himself, we should look for no other city, temple, sacrifice or priesthood. The perfections of Jesus provide all we need, both for this life and for that which is to come.   Introduction People in today’s secular world ordinarily think very... Continue Reading

Most Christians agree that viewing p*rn is sinful. But do we realize that dogpiling, creating filthy memes, doxxing, sharing private information, goading, belittling, and manipulating are just as sinful?   When I was a young man, I played bass guitar in a Christian rock band. Our band played many church events throughout the south. Youth... Continue Reading

Jesus appointed eyewitnesses; by the Spirit He ensured that they would witness successfully; He prophesied the acceptance of this faithful witness; these witness-documents show signs of mutual affirmation under the authority of Jesus; and the witness ended with the last apostle. Church history shows that the church obeyed Jesus, fulfilling His prophecy and accepting the... Continue Reading

When all is said and done, finishing well ultimately depends on God. I can take heart because God always finishes what he starts. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).    Turning 50 hit... Continue Reading

Calvin does use the term deaconess, but it refers to the widows mentioned in 1 Timothy 5. He is explicit that this is not an ordained office, applying the qualifications of 1 Timothy 5 rather than those of 1 Timothy 3. Those who invoke Calvin to support their position to ordain women often find themselves... Continue Reading

If we are ever wavering between confidence and doubt with regard to our standing with God, it will be difficult if not impossible to be decisive in spiritual matters. Obedience often requires earthly sacrifice, and if we are unsure that we possess eternal life we will be unable to endure earthly trouble for the sake... Continue Reading

When an individual or a society is God-fearing, the focus is on the inward (Matthew 22:37-39). This leads to a depth of life that is truly worth living (John 10:10). As the Roman Empire pursued show and luxury, they experienced instant gratification (Philippians 3:19), but missed out on what truly brings satisfaction (John 6:35) and... Continue Reading

Peter and the disciples feasted on Jesus as the true bread from heaven. But they also recognized that to feed on this bread required that they feed on his words. The food of the word gives access to a feast of life-giving flesh and blood.   The Gift of Nourishment The word of God is... Continue Reading

Respect for God and for one another is good, right, and loving. Yet honoring God and others also requires upholding God’s revealed order for his church. Church leaders must therefore take care not to place women in ecclesiastical roles that Scripture does not expressly authorize.   When it comes to any matter related to the... Continue Reading