His kingdom is still a now and not yet.  The people of Isaiah’s day looked forward to the coming of that king from Galilee, we can look back and say that He is here.  He shines His light on us, but there are still dark shadows.  At this very time those trust Him can celebrate... Continue Reading

Every morning we awake, God gives us just enough mercies to handle today, just enough pain to not overwhelm us, just enough pleasure to fix our gaze on him. And even our lament can be a gift, for tears remind us that we are still alive and recipients of God’s grace. God gives everything in his... Continue Reading

First, we must attend to the ordinary means of grace (Word, sacraments, prayer). Our understanding of the love of God for us and our corresponding love for Him will grow as we continually exercise these Spirit-ordained means. Second, we must gather with the saints regularly to stir one another up to love and good works (Heb.... Continue Reading

Each day, as you live with your children, you are presenting a view of reality. You are showing them that you believe that God is good and the rewarder of those who seek Him. By loving God and others, you model the truth that the law of God is good. As you make a priority... Continue Reading

Peter tells us these mighty and terrifying beings were extremely curious about one thing: how and in what time the Christ would come. No wonder it was an angel who delivered the news to Mary in Luke 1. No wonder the myriads of angels rejoiced before the shepherds in Luke 2. No wonder the angels rejoice... Continue Reading

Hinn’s discussion of “Spirit-filled worship” (Chapter 6) was my favourite part. Denouncing charismatic razzmatazz on one hand and hidebound conservatism on the other, Hinn calls for worship which is “lifestyle … every moment of every day” (108–109). Worship which prioritises truth and holiness and doesn’t shy away from sin. Best of all, worship that focuses... Continue Reading

Ezekiel was called to prophesy and to preach, but God was the One who brought dead sinners to life by His sovereign power.  Similarly, though we do not hold the office of prophet, preachers are called to proclaim God’s Word.  We are called to preach about who God is and who man is; we are... Continue Reading

Why would something that sounds so freeing be crushing? Well, let’s say your whole identity is built on what you can achieve or do. Perhaps you want to be smart, successful, and make lots of money and your identity is wrapped up in that. Now, compare yourself to everyone else who is also embarking on this... Continue Reading

None of our good works could save us from the wrath to come. God will read from books containing all that we have ever done, and He will judge us based on what is written in the books. It will become plain on that day that there are none good, no not one. But God,... Continue Reading

Once we’ve detected the Old Testament quotation or allusion and explored the Old Testament background, now we must take a step back and ask the million-dollar question: How is the apostle using the Old Testament? New Testament writers don’t interpret and apply the Old Testament the same way each time. Most contemporary readers assume the... Continue Reading