Nature Miracles, Exorcisms, Healings, Resurrections
Four Categories for the Wonders of Jesus
We can notice a section of Mark’s Gospel where each category is represented. In Mark 4:35–5:43, we see a nature miracle (Mark 4:35–41), an exorcism (Mark 5:1–20), a physical healing (Mark 5:25–34), and a resurrection (Mark 5:35–43). I love how Mark has given us that series of stories so that we can see, all in... Continue Reading
Vatican Approves Transgender People Receiving Baptism, Becoming Godparents
Guidance is complicated by clarification that inclusion of people with gender identity disorders must not cause 'scandal' or 'disorientation'
The document is an official response to a dubia submitted by Brazilian Bishop Giuseppe Negri of Santo Amaro seeking guidance on the issue. It was propagated by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and signed by Pope Francis. However, in a somewhat ambiguous clarification, the guidance specifies that in order for individuals with gender-identity afflictions to... Continue Reading
God’s Wineskin: The New Testament According to the Bridegroom of Heaven
The Old, the New, and the Eternal
God’s Wineskin contains instructions as to how we may receive certain gifts from God, gifts that we desperately need, and gifts that are meant for our eternal joy. These include the forgiveness of sins, rescue from the peril of eternal punishment, adoption into the family of a loving heavenly Father, the indwelling of the Holy... Continue Reading
This Is My Father’s World
Written by Maltbie Davenport Babcock, an American Presbyterian minister, and published posthumously in 1901, “This is My Father’s World” packs a theological punch.
The church has a high calling to bear witness to the Father’s glory throughout the entire world, which ultimately belongs to him. “This Is My Father’s World” is no ordinary hymn; it’s a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and the goodness of his creation. Unlike many of the kitschy and theologically anemic songs of today, it... Continue Reading
In a World of Wonders, Only God Is Truly Glorious
When we experience an awe-inspiring panorama or constellation, it is a hint, spark, or glimpse of the glory of God.
Are you amazed by the glorious magnificence and power of God? God can feel abstract to us. Mediating on God’s perfections, such as his glory, helps us worship and know him better. Our contemplations do not require us to empty our minds but to seek truth and consider it deeply. We see God’s attributes throughout... Continue Reading
The Proclamation of Thanksgiving
In Psalm 100, there are five principles that are critical for us to understand as we reflect on God’s call in our lives here.
All those who have come to Christ in faith should take time this Thanksgiving to celebrate the victory we have in Christ by verbally recognizing His power in our lives to save and sanctify us. When Thanksgiving comes around, we truly have something to celebrate as Christians, because our God, the God of Israel, has... Continue Reading
Giving Thanks for the Goodness of God
Three Responses to God's Goodness
The goodness of God should stir us to grateful worship. For, in God, “infinite cheerfulness attends infinite goodness” (to quote Charnock one more time). “Who will show us some good?” the Psalmist asks. The answer is the Lord who shines the light of his face upon us. “You have put more joy in my heart... Continue Reading
The King is Calling
The King is summoning us. Come, and let us adore him.
Every Lord’s Day we go to heaven to be with the Lord. Most of the time we then return in order to carry on the work and battle here below. One day we will ascend and remain with the Lord, carried by angels to join Abraham and the saints who have fallen asleep before. We... Continue Reading
If We Love More, Will We Be Forgiven More? — Luke 7:47
If we don’t maintain the truth that God justifies the ungodly, we lose the gospel.
Why is it vital to maintain that the woman’s forgiveness in this story was the result of God’s good pleasure and not the result of her love for Christ? Because if we don’t maintain this truth, we lose the gospel. The good news is that God forgives us of our sin on the basis of... Continue Reading
How to Respond When Your Faith Is Questioned
Practical—and, I believe, biblical—tips for dealing with objections and questions while sharing your faith will be a help.
Our responses matter, but only Jesus saves people. We all need to recall and rest in these familiar words from Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Love, prayerfulness, humility, and other Christlike traits matter infinitely more than appearing to know all the answers.... Continue Reading
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