If we are to appreciate the full vision that Augustine lays forth in this monumental work, then we should read it from beginning to end. His writing rewards the patient reader, and following him through the twists and turns of his prose will gain an education in how to think with integrity and intensity from... Continue Reading

Preaching should always move from understanding the meaning of the words of the text to seeing through the text to the reality to which it points so that its implications can be absorbed into our mind, will, and also affections, by which our understanding is existentially connected to the text and we appropriate the reality it... Continue Reading

When it comes to political division, often we as Christians celebrate those who align with us and tolerate those who do not. But we are to find our alignment with another kingdom and allegiance to our anointed Lord, something comprehensive and continual.   See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone… 1 Thessalonians... Continue Reading

James instructs us that there are two categories of faith—(1) faith that has works and is thus living and (2) faith that does not have works and is thus dead. Works and faith are not the same thing. Rather, works are produced by a genuine faith and are, therefore, evidence of it.   Dead Faith... Continue Reading

Pastors, the most gospel-centered thing you can do is to preach the whole Bible fearlessly. Don’t let the false peace of gospel-onlyism rob you of your prophetic voice….We are called not merely to make converts, but to make disciples who obey all that Christ has commanded (Matt. 28:19–20).   Pastors, the most gospel-centered thing you... Continue Reading

Not only does God provide the best government possible for a fallen world, but he also provides the best government for a redeemed world. The rule of Christ, a Christocracy, is the best and future government.   Exodus 18:1-26; Hebrews 3:1-6 A seventeenth century political theorist, Johannes Althusius, extolled: “I consider that no polity from... Continue Reading

If you’re feeling exhausted or guilty about resting today, remember that the type of productivity which pleases God isn’t the hustle-til-you-drop kind, it’s the type that admits, “He is God, I am not.” Learn to view rest not as a necessary evil, but as a blessed gift from a loving Father.   When my wife... Continue Reading

The root of our problem is a failure to worship God. But here’s the hope: when we turn to him, when we repent and place our faith in Jesus, He doesn’t just forgive us. He transforms us. He reorders our hearts, restores our relationships, and renews our lives. What sin distorts, God redeems.   Big... Continue Reading

The Wonderful Counselor, our Messiah, wants our minds transformed by Word of God. From the day Adam and Eve fell and our sinful mind became clouded, we have needed the wisdom of the Wonderful Counselor. Now we have the Holy Spirit to help us—but we must still be the ones to seek it. And if... Continue Reading

The Stoic conception of duty implies a law. They often spoke of “Natural Law” as a binding force on the conscience of man. But a law implies a lawgiver. A command implies a commander. In the Christian worldview, moral laws are coherent because they reflect the will and character of a personal God. We ought to... Continue Reading