“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:29–30).  ... Continue Reading

We ought to acknowledge that abuse happens. In speaking with Ministerial colleagues from time to time, one of the constant battles we face is counseling (predominantly) men who struggle with addiction to pornography. Harvey Weinstein may be in jail, but he is very much in our homes as well. Even a cursory glance at many... Continue Reading

Paul draws attention to this in what he says in Ephesians. Having expounded the grace of salvation as experienced by God’s people collectively as the church in the first half of the letter, he goes on to show how this is worked out practically in its second half. The fact he begins this applicatory section... Continue Reading

Both our economy and our healthcare system, our president has assured us repeatedly, are unlike anything in human history. “And they are coming back,” he repeats—“and quite quickly.” I’m not so sure. For two reasons, the freedoms we inherit on the other side of this tragedy will be altogether different from what we experienced coming... Continue Reading

The hazards involved in questioning dominant media narratives highlight that freedom of speech and expression are definitely on the endangered list in much of the West, and unending vigilance is required to guard our God-given freedoms. Perhaps our temporary ‘house arrest’ in North America will help us value and fight for our freedoms more attentively when... Continue Reading

When Jesus returns, those who have already died will be brought with him as a great, royal entourage. Those believers who are alive on the earth will rise to meet the returning Lord after the bodily resurrection of those who have already died. Notice how the Lord returns: with a “a cry of command, with the... Continue Reading

I’m not convinced we should never land on the specific sins and issues of particular people in our congregation. It seems to me, application that lands is application that is relevant. The broader your application, the less pointed it is and so the easier it is to distance myself from it. Can we really expect people to... Continue Reading

Every Christian serves Christ, but none of us serves the Lord as we would like to serve Him. All who love Christ worship Him, but none of us worships as we would like to worship. Don’t you find yourself at times asking, “Why is my heart so sluggish? Why is my response to the grace... Continue Reading

God was not changed by the incarnation; the Word (logos) was made flesh, not by a conversion of the Word (tou logou) into flesh, but by an assumption of the flesh to the hypostasis of the Word (logou). It is one thing to change the will; another to will the change of anything. God can will... Continue Reading

The truly Born Again will have love growing at the center of the character. It will be the central part of their new nature. Yes, God will make each of them an exhibit of His own holiness through them, but He will also bring each to places where this love for one another will be... Continue Reading