Every book, every chapter, every sentence, every line – even “the smallest letter or stroke” (Matt. 5:18)—proceeds from God, and has been given to us by God so that we might know Him more intimately, worship and serve Him more faithfully, and proclaim Him more urgently. So when it comes to selecting texts of Scripture... Continue Reading

Scripture shows that well-instructed believers develop a determination to rejoice. They will rejoice in the Lord. Habakkuk exemplified this in difficult days (see Hab. 3:17–18). He exercised what our forefathers called “acting faith”—a vigorous determination to experience whatever the Lord commands, including joy, and to use the God-given means to do so. Here are four of these... Continue Reading

At the turn of the twentieth century, Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck (1854–1921) found himself confronted by a society increasingly hostile to human flourishing according to divine design. Sufficiently alarmed, he busied himself with a counteroffensive, which has been passed down to the anglophone world under the title, The Christian Family. The family was in trouble, and one... Continue Reading

We have become adept at responding to and sniffing out (sometimes with an overly-heightened sense of smell) the aromas of bigotry while the pot is still warming. This is generally a good thing. We’re willing to listen more. With one exception. Even as we strive to become better at appreciating diversity within people’s backgrounds and... Continue Reading

If there is an organizing theme, it is, as the title indicates, about life together in the church: how we can maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3) and grow into maturity together in Christ (vv. 13–16). My 15 suggestions apply to race most specifically, but I hope that... Continue Reading

In his book, Ryle gives an account of the life of Rowland Taylor (1510-1555), the English Protestant Martyr. At the time of his death (he was 44), Taylor was Rector of Hadleigh in Suffolk. He was burnt at the stake at nearby Aldham Common on the 9th of February, 1555. His parting wishes to his... Continue Reading

Others will write of Packer’s personal conversion to Christ; his academic career as a minister, administrator, and teacher; his defense of biblical authority; his painful struggles with colleagues and friends; his constant travels as a much-loved speaker; and, perhaps most of all, his many powerful books, which have shaped generations of Christians throughout the world.... Continue Reading

We watch the news and are shocked to see young people who are without Christ and without hope behaving like the sinners they are. Had you encountered me during my teenage years, you likely would have been repulsed at my attitude, my language, my clothing, everything. I went out of my way to try to... Continue Reading

God’s providential care frees us from the stress and burdens of life. As His adopted children, we are not left as orphans but are instead entrusted to His care in all things. He is the sovereign God over the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, neither of which fall victim to... Continue Reading

The Bible talks a lot about evidence and self-deception. My favorite passage to go to is Matt 12:38-40. The Pharisees and Scribes ask Jesus for a sign. But here is the kicker: Jesus had been doing signs, in fact, the Pharisees had previously conspired against Jesus because he healed a man on the Sabbath. (Matt... Continue Reading