We parents want to have deep, meaningful conversations with our children about the important things of life: the gospel, of course, but also other matters of theology, Christian living, purity, character, leadership, etc. Often real life situations provide opportunities for these conversations to happen, but sometime they don’t just occur organically. Having established a pattern of... Continue Reading

The great tragedy in this story is not so much Judas’s lack of repentance, rather his unbelief. Judas made a choice. He sinned. He knew it and confesses to it. But look where he goes to find reconciliation. He has a choice. He can go to Christ (whom he’s walked with for a few years)... Continue Reading

As I’ve followed with interest these controversies over the past few years, I’ve come to see that although there is a lot of discussion about these things, most of it has involved throwing terms and philosophies around with little clarity, and there are very few places to go that carefully explain the nature of concerns... Continue Reading

God taught me that if I do take up my cross and lay down my life, then I’ll find my life. Over time, I have come to experience this truth. My life of following Jesus has not been the life I envisioned for myself, but it has become the life I want: a life used... Continue Reading

A basic problem is an inability to regard non-Christians as confronting real life situations that believers also face, or portraying Christians as people with similar problems to non-Christians — juggling multiple loyalties, avoiding temptation, maintaining integrity, or even looking up to people without faith for insights into the human condition. Is it possible, for instance,... Continue Reading

I’ll get a pretty distinct impression that I ought to go talk to somebody, or do some thing, and I’ll debate forever whether or not its actually the Lord. I suppose I’m worried about being seen as a fool—or maybe even being a fool. I don’t want to be one of those loons who gets... Continue Reading

I’m reminded to cling to Christ. More specifically, I’m reminded to cling to the good news of Christ—the gospel. It is life and death. The wind is howling, the waves are building, and life is coming at me with all its fury. What have I to cling to? Hold fast to the gospel. Cling to Christ.  ... Continue Reading

The atonement was not conditional. Like election, it was unconditional because the love of God is unconditional. Christ did not atone for those who do their part. The atonement is not effective when we meet a condition. Rather, Synod celebrated Christ the Bridegroom who came for his bride, who redeemed her, who sent his Holy... Continue Reading

We have spent so much time as conservatives in a liberal denomination that the best we can usually muster is a letter and a few empty threats. In this, we have accepted, to some degree, that we are playing something of a political game. A free church friend pointed some of the horrors of this game out... Continue Reading

Humans are radically corrupt because of the fall. Our sin problem goes much deeper than any outward, “do it yourself” remedy can fix. What we need most is a rescuer, not a role model. We need a substitute, not a better version of ourselves. Reading the Old Testament through a “moral of the story’ lens... Continue Reading