Though God has warned a thousand times concerning the fruit of forbidden sin — that “in the day you eat of it you shall surely die” — the devil never tires of telling Adam’s children, “You shall not surely die” (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). “No, no,” he says. “What danger could there be in one small... Continue Reading

Christ is far, far, better than Asa both in devotion and duration. Devoted to true religion, His Gospel removes idols and His Spirit empowers preaching. His love compels saints praise. Messiah fortifies His Church – truth’s pillar and bulwark. Founded on apostolic doctrine, with Christ Himself chief capstone, the Kingdom of God is now comprised... Continue Reading

Corruption, selfishness, greed, racism, abuse, and murder continue to abound as they have since Genesis 3. Such realities often tempt us to simply give up. But, don’t forget, believer, that Revelation 21 is coming. Don’t give up. Keep fighting the good fight and shining the light as you push back the darkness. Doing so will cost... Continue Reading

Humility is the basis of all application. If we see no need to change, we won’t. Those who would be humble appliers of the Bible must be courageous, because this humility requires a terrifying prayer: God, please show me my sin. Bring people and situations into my life that show me my need to change.... Continue Reading

Assurance fills our hearts with love for Christ. He is not only the foundation of assurance, but he is himself the fountain from which we daily drink. He quenches our thirst. Assurance of salvation is assurance of Jesus. He becomes everything to us.     Assurance of salvation is one of the most precious Christian... Continue Reading

We often talk about turning to Jesus and repentance and faith, and God forgiving your past, remaking you in the present, and guaranteeing your future. That’s what it means to follow Jesus: we turn to him with empty hands of faith and we’re transformed by him, and we follow him for the rest of our... Continue Reading

As I’ve thought about it this week, I think that this is the moment, as pastors’ families, that God has positioned us to be true ambassadors of optimism. It doesn’t mean that we can’t weep a little at what has been lost. But we can also look ahead with anticipation to what God has planned... Continue Reading

People often talk about our need to think God’s thoughts after him. This is certainly true, but we should also love what God loves. God transforms not just our thinking but our affections as well. And when the things I know and love change based upon God’s work in my life, my commitments will change... Continue Reading

The new life we have by the blood of Christ is ultimately how we must measure victory in this age. True success, as God measures things, is the only path to true joy, even if it leads to our death (Ps. 28:7). Our joy, our victory, and our success are not measured by the things... Continue Reading

We have in William Tyndale an example of a faithful servant who did not shrink from trying to better his conditions, yet he was nevertheless content to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ, if necessary. At length, however, we read of the translator’s true desire: “But most of all I beg and beseech your clemency... Continue Reading