What Is Evangelical Repentance?
“It is not sound and orthodox to teach that we must forsake sin in order to our coming to Christ.”
The concern of those who affirmed the Auchterarder Creed was that those who rejected it viewed repentance as a legal condition of the covenant of grace. In other words, those who opposed the creed functionally taught that the moral reformation of a sinner was necessary if he were to be welcomed by Christ for the forgiveness of... Continue Reading
Sanctification: Justification & Sanctification, What’s the Difference?
Distinguishing the once for all act of justification from the ongoing process of sanctification is a hallmark of the Protestant doctrine of salvation.
A feast is not made up of one ingredient, or even one dish. At the same time, culinary taste requires an appreciation for the different ingredients and techniques that go into an interesting meal. Each time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, our salvation in Christ is pictured as a feast. The spiritual food is always... Continue Reading
Born to Rule Himself
Recovering a Lost Dream for Men
We have ground to reclaim. The church, the world’s lighthouse, must not dim as the spirits of confusion wash over her shores. God calls his people to speak clearly, repeatedly, and without apology, for, as the men go, so goes the world. What is a man? Many continue to ask, and many offer new... Continue Reading
Running a Race Already Won
The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the finished work of Christ to bring salvation.
The writer makes the case for Jesus as God’s final word (Heb. 1:2). The whole of the ceremonial law with its sacrifices, strictures and structures anticipated the One who would be perfect priest and perfect sacrifice. He was the reality that cast the shadow of promise under the old covenant. The Christian race is... Continue Reading
Soul Food and Spiritual Drink
If God provides physical things for our bodies, how does He nourish our souls?
God offers a full course meal for his people. Besides the word, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper also nourishes our souls. In the story of the Last Supper, Jesus instituted His sacrament in a most unforgettable way. It’s told in three gospels (Mt. 26:26-29, Mk. 14:22-25, Lk. 22:14-20) and mentioned in one epistle (1 Cor. 11:23-26).... Continue Reading
The Christian is Free From Managing Their Own Reputation
Here we are – seeking likes, and fearing dislikes, so we spend our energy in managing our reputations.
What does life look like when you spend your energy in reputation management? It’s a life constantly on edge; constantly monitoring; never able to really speak or feel freely, but instead just dipping your toe in the water of authenticity to see whether the winds are flowing favorably in your direction at a given moment.... Continue Reading
The Drama of His Glory
The Worth of God From Genesis to Revelation
The biblical story is, in large part, the drama of God’s glory: “The triune God who is glorious displays his glory, largely through his creation, image-bearers, providence, and redemptive acts. God’s people respond by glorifying him. God receives glory and, through uniting his people to Christ, shares his glory with them — all to his... Continue Reading
If Death Is in Your Cup
None live, either for a longer or for a shorter period, than infinite wisdom has assigned to them.
If the door of death is opening for our departure, it is because the tender Savior, whom we love and trust, is summoning us to be forever with Him! Shall we, then, rebel against His appointment? Shall we doubt the love and wisdom of His determination? If death is in our cup, that cup has... Continue Reading
Unusual Does Not Equal Untrue
At one time a man walked the earth who was 100% man AND 100% God? Yes!
It is unusual for someone like Jesus to die for someone like you and me. The innocent, sinless Creator of all life, died for His death-deserving enemies? The Sinless, dying for the sinner? Jesus Christ tasted excruciating death that we may taste eternal life (Hebrews 2:9-10). The glory of this good news is so heavy... Continue Reading
Facing Fear
When fearful, we, like Paul, need to be filled with God-breathed words.
As we know, Paul engaged in the intellectually and emotionally rigorous work of reasoning with Jews and Greeks. As some believed and others did not, opposition increased. No doubt, Paul spent relational capital as he dealt with opposition and shepherded new believers who were also. All of us in battle, either physically or spiritually, know... Continue Reading