In the end, we actually have very good historical reasons to accept Origen’s list as genuine. And if it is, then we have evidence that (a) Christians were making lists much earlier than we supposed (and thus cared about which books were “in” and which were “out”); and (b) that the boundaries of the New... Continue Reading

If Jesus’s words are more permanent than the ground below or the sky above (“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away,” Mark 13:31), and if Jesus has a proven track record on a massive prediction in world history—the destruction of the temple (“This generation,” that of his apostles, “will not... Continue Reading

In the Garden, Jesus acknowledged that He had a spiritual army ready to report for active duty: “Or do you think that My Father can at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt 26:53). Satan had his soldiers and Jesus had His soldiers. The legions of angels ready to do... Continue Reading

Our finish lines often come suddenly, with little or no warning. There may be no home stretch — only Home, as quick as a wink. And so, given the here-today-gone-tomorrow reality of our vapor-like lives, the best way to finish life well is to finish each day well. We need to run with the heart... Continue Reading

While the contemporary humanities professors might object to discussing God in a secular university classroom (though I am not suggesting they are correct in objecting), they are remarkably bold in promoting their own agenda. However, this agenda is deeply confused. For example, within their worldview, they are unable to make even the most basic distinction... Continue Reading

A true image of God is not to be found in all the world; and hence that His glory is defiled, and His truth corrupted by the lie, whenever He is set before our eyes in a visible form. Now we must remark, that there are two parts in the Commandment — the first forbids... Continue Reading

Because the Spirit is at work in our lives, we can become more like Christ. His work, however, demands a response. We must renew our minds with Scripture, submit to the wisdom of God’s Word, and prayerfully depend on God’s Spirit to empower us to grow in grace.   Spiritual growth is possible because of the... Continue Reading

If you transform our hearts we will long for what is good, we will think thoughts that are pure, we will speak words that are sweet, we will do acts that are selfless, we will even follow in ways that are difficult or that cut hard against our natural desire for ease. So please do that... Continue Reading

Readers will also find the work to be of easily manageable length. The main body of the book, not including the helpful addendum materials at the end, is just 137 pages. If you’ve never read a book about the Stams, this would be a great place to start. Even if you have read other books about... Continue Reading

Putting away sin and walking before the face of God in victory and deliverance is akin to awaking from a dead sleep. It is as if God pours cold water over our heads. We awaken from our slumber and self-imposed darkness caused by the pursuit of self-gratification in  a way so jarring that it is... Continue Reading