People may and usually do trust Christ without knowing the full description and definition of His person and work. But that does not diminish the importance of having a description or definition. When you encounter someone who believes in a false Christ, then the defense of these creedal descriptions and definitions takes center stage.  ... Continue Reading

Going deep in a single book of the Bible takes a lot of time and mental energy. However, your effort is more than worth it in the end. Reading through the Bible in a year is great, and we should all make a habit of consistent Bible reading. But be sure to also make a... Continue Reading

Raising up believers to maturity in Christ is a daunting task. It’s only possible due to the Spirit’s enlivening and sanctifying work. But beloved, be encouraged in the task. The Lord uses more than the scheduled events, the carefully planned sessions, and the lovingly crafted sermons. He’s also ordained ordinary Christian speech as a means... Continue Reading

Even in our darkest valleys we will determine to take God at his word. It means that even when we don’t know what to do or where to go, we will look to God with faith and, as either an immediate instinct or a deliberate act of the will, anchor ourselves on the One who... Continue Reading

When rightly understood, election brings us to a state of humility and prevents any boasting in the Lord. God has not revealed to us his mystery of election so that we would debate it. God has revealed to us in the pages of Scripture the doctrine of election in order to shape our spiritual formation... Continue Reading

If an interpreter of Romans does not see its threefold structure and/or does not understand Romans 2:13 to be an expression of the law (as distinct from the gospel) or should she reject the law/gospel distinction in principle, then that interpreter is not a reliable guide to the meaning of the epistle to the Romans. As Luther said, “Therefore... Continue Reading

Abortion is not just a policy or ideological debate; it is a deeply personal and spiritual issue in our communities, congregations, and families. And the only way forward is to speak the truth in love and be the Good Samaritan Christ calls us to be to everyone we encounter, for we are all made in... Continue Reading

Whenever we pray, it is fitting to do as David does, to pause and glorify God for his incomparability. Not only is the Lord worthy of this praise, but it also brings us much encouragement. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re not pleading with some run-of-the-mill God, or venting our pain into a disconnected microphone.... Continue Reading

More and more people are single or married without children because they are selfish and enslaved to foolishness. There are various reasons to be celibate, and some of them are not admirable at all. It may be remarkable, impressive when you compare yourself– but not automatically admirable. Yes, that is a credible profession of faith.... Continue Reading

The implication from Eliphaz’s speech is not lost upon Job. If Job was really the righteous and upright man he claimed to be, then he would not be suffering. Furthermore, if Job does not admit that Eliphaz is right, then Job is a hypocrite as well.[6] Job is indignant and stands his ground and makes... Continue Reading