While one may easily get lost in this literary labyrinth — literally, too, as Jean Valjean, the novel ’s hero, scurries about the streets of Paris with Javert the police inspector hot in pursuit — the artistic genius is evident at every turn. Virtually every major scene, for example, is doubled, finding a poetic and... Continue Reading

Theological health and fidelity have often come not by way of innovation, but retrieval. This occurs when insightful theologians, looking backward, see that the Church previously stated and conceived of different theological realities with greater clarity than in their own day. Theological retrieval roots itself in Christian theologians prizing nuance over novelty, which in turn,... Continue Reading

No one can speak for the biblical Timothy. However, in these letters, I will be taking on the mantle of Timothy writing to my “Paul.” God has blessed me with many Pauls. He has given me several pastors, mentors, and professors. These men were and continue to be God’s gift to me. The label of... Continue Reading

Antiracist activists routinely chastise people for merely being personally opposed to racism when what is needed -in their view- is sustained political action that transforms laws, policies, and institutions that produce inequitable outcomes. Some Christians have similarly criticized churches that merely preach against racism and teach that it is a sin, but are politically disengaged and are not actively demanding... Continue Reading

If someone has swallowed postmodernism (the idea that truth is relative), you won’t get very far trying to convince them that sex outside of marriage is wrong. To them, they are the arbiter of right and wrong. The critical discussion that needs to take place is at the worldview level so they can see that right and wrong are... Continue Reading

Though I do love Him, and truly I do, I still have some love for sin. There is still some of the traitor in me. I pledge allegiance to Him but too often prove allegiance to myself. What could there be for Him to love here? I’ve had this all wrong. As I study God’s Word... Continue Reading

Pro-family conservatives ought to be doing all they can to keep these generations connected to one another, not least by encouraging families to take responsibility for their elderly relatives rather than sending them to institutions. Such practices also help strengthen local community bonds by making space for neighbors, churches, and other local groups to help... Continue Reading

Your glorified Savior is meek and mild with his lambs, and his voice is one of tender freedom—freedom from the would-be oppressors. The spirit of this world, your flesh, and the devilish hoard want only to enslave and control you. They do not have your freedom and best interest at heart. Yet they will disguise... Continue Reading

We long for every wrong to be punished with exactly the punishment it deserves.  We long for every good deed to be rewarded with exactly the reward it deserves. Isaiah saw that Jesus’ rule would be perfectly fair, and that it would bring about exactly this kind of perfect justice: “He will reign, establishing and... Continue Reading

Loving God and our neighbor begins with those under our roof (Deut. 28:1–6; Matt. 22:36–40; Acts 16:31). So do the next small thing at home. Fix supper, wash dishes, bathe kids, rest and relax with those you love. We often talk about discipling our kids and what devotional we use or questions we ask (and we... Continue Reading