Kings records this important word from God through Isaiah: “Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass” (2 Kings 19:25). Not only does God have the power to make the utterly unthinkable happen in 24-hour cycles; he also has the patience... Continue Reading

Why, when three gospels were already available, did John write another? He seems to have been aware of the other gospels; he felt no need to re-announce Jesus’ birth or detail his baptism. He left no record of Jesus’ calling of the disciples, or repeat his parables or the Lord’s Supper narrative. He left out... Continue Reading

It is true that in our present condition God’s image in us is blemished by the remains of indwelling sin. But it will not always be so. When in death we shall have died wholly to sin, and when on the resurrection morning we shall be raised incorruptible, we shall be altogether pure like Christ.... Continue Reading

Cremation seems to be a rarity in our churches so this may not be much of an issue for us today, but when you consider that cremation has gone from 4 per cent of Canadian funerals in 1961 to 46 per cent in 2001, it’s clear we will have to think about it soon. It’s... Continue Reading

Perhaps no man in all of history demonstrates the integration of these two godly virtues as well as William Wilberforce (1759-1833) did throughout his life.  A member of the British Parliament, he introduced anti-slavery measures year after year for 40 years.  He never wavered.  He never tempered his fervency.  And yet, he never resorted to... Continue Reading

The author discusses how discernment relates to the pursuit of truth, honor, purity, justice, and what we commend or condemn with our speech. These are very practical and challenging chapters that address issues of day-to-day holiness. These are also issues that affect our witness as we live in community with our neighbors and fellow Christians.... Continue Reading

I fully understand the “burn it to the ground” instinct. I understand that people are simply trying to safeguard the church. But I fear that their efforts will not just be unsuccessful, but positively counter-productive. If I were a proponent of critical theory, I would like nothing better than to see evangelicals insisting loudly that... Continue Reading

God is revealed by his word, which Jesus says he has “given” to his disciples just as he had “manifested” God’s “name” to them. Speaking with the same certainty he had about his work having been finished before it was done in time and space history, he declares that his future apostles know his identity... Continue Reading

Spurgeon was severely criticized because he did not practice Victorian pulpit etiquette. That is, he preached without pretenses. He charged his students, “Be yourselves and not anybody else.” Studied oratory is the death-knell of preaching and a sermon should not be delivered as if it were a work of literature. Jesus did not say, “Go... Continue Reading

For many of us, the grace of mortification will play out slowly and painfully over a long course of life, with many discouragements along the way – those who struggle with same-sex attraction often chronicle this struggle, to which we should respond with loving encouragement in the Lord. But struggle we must, seeking to keep... Continue Reading