Few visitors will recognize Devay’s name. His features are also hardly distinguishable from those of other 16th-century reformers: same hat, same prominent nose, same long beard. In reality, his whole life is still clouded in mystery. He spent most of it on the run, moving from place to place and from prison to prison.  ... Continue Reading

The church, just like disciples, is meant to be self-denying for the sake of the kingdom. Doing things which are motivated by self-preservation are opposed to the ethics of God’s kingdom. A church might even “turn around” by a good focused mission. But if the foundation is self-preservation instead of kingdom-expansion, don’t be surprised when... Continue Reading

It is noteworthy that God begins questioning after the fall. In Genesis 3 and 4 questions prompt Adam and Cain to take stock of their situation and to take responsibility. The questions represent God’s interest and intervention. They lift eyes and ears to the God who cares and calls to be circumspect in the face of danger. ... Continue Reading

Christians don’t actually believe in the power of prayer—we believe in the power of God, and that is why we pray. So, when we pray, we are reminded of who we’re not—we’re reminded that we’re not God and that we’re not in control. We’re reminded that God is sovereign and in control, and so we... Continue Reading

There is an old word that describes going to war and killing sin. Mortify it. When you see that word, it means, kill zone. DEFCON 1. Going nuclear. Annihilation. Is this the posture of your heart toward your sin?   For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit... Continue Reading

I have been aware of many so-called Christian leaders proclaiming that the Gospel is not complete or not really preached unless it is within the framework of “Social Justice.” This “Social Justice,” however, is not simply Christians taking care of the widows and orphans and helpless as we are commanded in the Bible. No, this... Continue Reading

I must simply begin, and then I must continue with consistency and perseverance. Like the dust dwelling in my house, no progress can be made if I don’t begin to clean it. And no house will remain clean without a human (or a Roomba—though it has its limits) who consistently cleans it.   I lay... Continue Reading

In McCheyne’s description of his teenage years, he said, “I kissed the Rose nor thought about the thorn” — meaning, “I indulged in all the amusing and beautiful pleasures of the world, and didn’t give a thought to sickness and suffering and death.” But after his conversion, he spoke often of Jesus as his Rose... Continue Reading

The more religious you are, the less you worry about going to Hell, which makes sense.  Those who are not religious at all, of course, don’t believe there is such a place.  But among those in the middle, lots of people are scared.  Some 13% think it’s more likely than not that they will end... Continue Reading

Frankly, remembering what Christ has done in the past and is doing in the present, while necessary, isn’t enough. We must also remember the future. Paul shows us this in 1 Corinthians 15, arguing that the historicity of the resurrection and what the Lord has done in the past is nonnegotiable. If Christ hasn’t been raised,... Continue Reading