So if this is the way we received Christ Jesus the Lord, Paul’s reasoning is that this is the way we continue in him. And that’s why we must abound in thanksgiving. Any growing, any maturing, any deepening, is all a work of grace and not owing to any special ability or spiritual level I... Continue Reading

I don’t want to focus here on arguments about what one may or may not do on Sunday; my concern is about what the heart of Sabbath means. Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).  It was given to give us rest, but not just rest, rest... Continue Reading

The strange facts of this case do point to the wonder of our salvation in Christ. As sinners who have rebelled against our good creator, God handed us over the ruling power of sin in our lives, which the present manifestation of his just wrath against us (Romans 1v18-32). We are subject to a life-sentence... Continue Reading

Elders are not to lord over the church, but be examples to the flock (1 Pet. 5:3). Since example implies a template for others to follow, elders should model the life that characterizes godly community. What pastors long to see among the body, in other words, must be evident among the elders.   A recent visitor seemed surprised by... Continue Reading

When I landed in my GP surgery at the start of the year, my only complaint was some pain in my foot. I left his office in the knowledge that my blood pressure was sky high, that I had to take two weeks enforced leave, and that some major changes would need to take place... Continue Reading

I’ve experienced the triumphs and travails of ministry firsthand in my own small town, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting rural pastors from around the country and the world. I’ve found that many of these small-town pastors are doing remarkable work. They have vision and energy and passion and skill. And, like all pastors... Continue Reading

Regarding his cultural moment, Bavinck noticed in his era an “aversion to the common, Christian faith.” For this reason, he suggested that “before all else, what strikes us in the modern age is the internal discord that consumes the self.” Denying the fact of humanity’s subordination to God, of our standing as creatures before the... Continue Reading

The courtroom metaphor provides a powerful and glorious picture of the salvation God applies to His people. Magnificent as it is, however, it is only one of several metaphors, and it must not be pressed beyond its limits. How might that happen? I can give an example.   We must beware of mixing the metaphors... Continue Reading

The irony of this parable is that both of these men were going to the Temple to pray. On face value both of them seemed to be praying to the same God. Both men came to the same place of worship. Both were members of the same covenant community. Both were men of the working... Continue Reading

Many Protestant churches continue quietly and modestly thriving. Beyond the stage of the Big Eva boys, anonymous pastors and congregations go about the business of the church. In the congregation where I worship, the minister faithfully preaches the word and administers the sacraments throughout the year. The elders and deacons care for the souls and... Continue Reading