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

Let us cleave to Christ more closely, love Him more heartily, live to Him more thoroughly, copy Him more exactly, confess Him more boldly, follow Him more fully. Religion like this will always bring its own reward. Worldly people may laugh at it. Weak brethren may think it extreme. But it will wear well. At... Continue Reading

And that’s precisely what we have in Jesus.  He is God come in the flesh to save us from our sins, and to restore us to that great end for which we were created: to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”  As we behold the face of Jesus by faith through the Word and Sacraments,... Continue Reading

As priests, we are privileged to be chosen by God.  God has chosen us to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  As priests, we have purpose, e.g., “to proclaim the praises or excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” by both the Word and life. ... Continue Reading

There, even in heaven, dwells the God from whom every stream of holy love, yea, every drop that is, or ever was, proceeds. There dwells God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, united as one, in infinitely dear, and incomprehensible, and mutual, and eternal love. There dwells God the Father, who is... Continue Reading