Christian formation is impossible apart from Christian faith. It’s faith that leads us toward formation to begin with, and it’s faith that keeps us on the path….Even when everything in us wants to quit and settle for less. We press on, in faith, by faith, and for faith.   “I don’t see any change taking... Continue Reading

In previous times, an older woman teaching younger women, if not in the context of the assembled church, would by necessity be in some form of in-house small-group meeting. Now, with podcasts and conferences and social media, a conservative female influencer may be targeting an audience of females, but her teaching is definitely public. What... Continue Reading

Happiness in God involves an act of will toward the God who’s there and who loves us, even in sickness, hunger, war, and prison cells. It’s built on His all-encompassing sovereignty, love, goodness, grace, gladness, and redemptive purposes in our lives.   The prophet Habakkuk understood that there is a joy that transcends all circumstances.... Continue Reading

We hope this little catechism will help you and your children to praise God.…by the time your baby has mastered this catechism he or she will probably be time to move on to memorizing short Bible verses, and a children’s catechism.    My wife Emily and I found significant challenges in feeding our first baby... Continue Reading

Our days overflow with countless gifts we easily overlook….evidence of God’s goodness. In the middle of running, parenting, working, pastoring, and living our ordinary lives, it is good to be reminded, “What a privilege!” God is so good in giving us so many gifts that we tend to overlook.   If you’ve ever run a... Continue Reading

Do not envy the wicked. Their prosperity is a vapor. Do not cling to your tithe as if it will save you. Do not scoff at holiness. Do not mock the God of justice.   Malachi 2:17–3:5 The temple courtyard smelled of burnt flour and warm oil. Smoke floated like a veil over the worshipers... Continue Reading

There is something going on. It’s an exciting time to be part of a church and see people coming through the door for the first time.…People are looking for hope, purpose and meaning. We believe that it’s possible, as Charlie Kirk put it, to “pursue the eternal” and in doing so “seek true joy.”  ... Continue Reading

Winthrop wanted the Christian commonwealth in Massachusetts to be a beacon for Christ and to differ from the rest of the world. He wanted the people to keep covenant with God, lest His wrath break out on them for breaching that covenant.   Many Europeans who fled religious persecution in the old country came to the... Continue Reading

How can we respond to such a great salvation? The only possible reply is to fall on our knees before our gracious God in humble awe at His eternal purpose. We ought to cry with thankful tongues, “Lord, why was I a guest?”   One of the mottos associated with the sixteenth-century Reformation is the... Continue Reading

We do not have the moral character to measure wrong perfectly or even well. But the God of the Bible does. He stands as an eternal, ever-present, and ever-truthful witness, as well as an ever-wise, ever-merciful, and ever-just Judge.   Judgments in Revelation There are three series of judgments in the book of Revelation. First,... Continue Reading