Jesus conquered the enemy we would never be able to conquer on our own through his resurrection from the dead. Because Jesus rose again, we do not have to fear the fangs of our worst enemy. Jesus triumphed over death and by his grace, we will as well.   A few months ago, I walked... Continue Reading

Pick up a history book–any history book–and see how many times the oppressed, when given the opportunity, become the oppressors. Is it power that corrupts? Or is it possible that the corruption is already inside of us, just waiting for the right set of circumstances? That’s them, not me, we tell ourselves. But why? Why do we think... Continue Reading

Theology is not merely about living: it is about living for God, through Christ. Its chief end is God’s glory, and the great means it seeks to that end is our union and communion with God (103), which comes only through the Mediator, Jesus Christ (102).   Previously I discussed how Petrus van Mastricht, in... Continue Reading

To be sure, abridging and editing a book like “The Marrow” is no easy task, and we all might go about it in a slightly different way.  But in my opinion Wilson’s summarization is a good and accurate one.   Many of our readers are perhaps familiar with Edward Fisher’s excellent 17th century publication called “The... Continue Reading

Throughout the history of Christianity, one of the greatest tools for teaching theology has been music. After all, one of the earliest Christian hymns is the great Christological passage of Philippians 2. If it’s true, then, that we are learning from our songs whether we mean to or not, then we ought to pay very... Continue Reading

Do we, as God’s people, mourn over sin? Or is sin too comfortable for us: is it an understandable failing on our part or a most horrific offense in the sight of God? The people’s sin reduced Ezra to a disheveled beggar with torn robes and hair, fasting until evening. That is, I think, how... Continue Reading

Contrary to those who argue Scripture normalizes violence by including narratives of war, pillaging, and sexual assault, it’s more likely such passages are included to compel God’s people to confront the uncomfortable realities of sin and brokenness in our world.   During my past six years serving as a college pastor, some of my most... Continue Reading

How many times have we all heard the argument, “They shoot horses, don’t they?” Its logic is that if the suffering of animals and humans is essentially the same, they both should be released from suffering in the same way. “You wouldn’t let a dog suffer like this…” But if the animal-human parallel works for the... Continue Reading

Believers should attend to the God-given rhythm of life since it both corrects laziness and offers relief to those who feel pressure to be industrious at all times. He teaches us to work, then pause to sleep, eat, pray, and rest each week. In the beginning, there was work, then rest, for God created, then paused... Continue Reading

Ask God to enlighten the eyes of your heart to see people from an eternal perspective. Ask him to give you the same compassion for the lost that Jesus felt when he looked upon the shepherdless crowds (Matthew 9:36). Ask him to help you see that Jesus suffered for sinners and desires for them to... Continue Reading