Based on the acclaimed 1966 novel by Japanese Catholic writer Shusaku Endo, Silence is a book about 17th century Jesuit missionaries trying to make inroads for the gospel in the inhospitable “swampland” of Japan, facing intense persecution by a Japanese shogunate determined to wipe out Christianity’s influence in their realm.   It’s been 28 years... Continue Reading

“Isn’t it possible that when God does something unexpected in your life today, it may not mean that he has forgotten you or neglected you? Could it be that he’s working on a better, grander plan that you don’t see yet?”   There is an art to writing a résumé, where you find a way... Continue Reading

The idea of a “War on Christmas” has turned things like holiday greetings and decorations into potentially divisive political statements. People who believe Christmas is under attack point to inclusive phrases like “Happy Holidays” as (liberal) insults to Christianity.   It’s that time of year again, folks. It’s time for the War on Christmas. What... Continue Reading

“Here‘s how Alan Jacobs is praying for everyone in Washington but president-elect Trump: I am praying that people in our government who hold some power power and possess at least a little intelligence will impede Trump, will place enough obstacles in his way that he will be able to do minimal damage to the body... Continue Reading

“When you trace back the lineage of Jesus you come through Lot’s cave. And the stench of sin in that cave is overwhelming; just as the stench of sin throughout the Old Testament is nauseating. However, the long-awaited Son of David was born to bring salvation to the nations. Here is the bouquet of grace!... Continue Reading

“Jesus is the Friend of sinners (Mt. 11:19).  Jesus is our brother (Heb. 2:11).  Jesus is our Advocate (I Jn.2:1).  Jesus is the Good Shepherd (Jn. 10:11). Jesus is our Counselor (Is.9:6).  Jesus is full of love (I Jn. 4:19),  mercy and compassion (Mt. 20:30-34).”   Jesus’ name is Holy and Awesome (Ps. 111:9).  Jesus’ name... Continue Reading

All the women heard Paul speak about the Gospel. And yet only one of them ended up believing and getting baptized. What accounted for the difference? That stunning phrase in verse 14, “the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.”   The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ given... Continue Reading

“Time and again we are told that Gnostics were just as widespread as orthodox Christians, and that their books were just as popular too (if not more so).  The reason they did not prevail in the end is because they were oppressed and forcibly stamped out by the orthodox party who had gained power through... Continue Reading

“That’s why we don’t pray for God’s saving love based upon any kind of superiority over others. Rather, we plead that we are deplorable and deserve to be deplored. But that’s also the first step to becoming, in God’s eyes, an adorable deplorable.”   Living in Grand Rapids, where there’s a lot of Republican money,... Continue Reading

“All differences aside, however, I am generally encouraged by the direction of the Acts 29 Network, and regardless of how much the remaining member churches continue to move towards a more denominational identity or not, I am supportive of their desire to plant reformed, Gospel-centered congregations.”   In March of 2017 I will have been a... Continue Reading