“Be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” And so we are reminded that our hope is not unreasonable, our hope is rooted in the works of God. As Peter says, “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous,... Continue Reading

Nehemiah fixed the focus of the people on what God had done for them. He planned a great parade to walk around the entire wall. What we see in verses 31-39 is Nehemiah creating two huge choirs, each complete with priests, Levites, musicians, instrumentalists, harpists, cymbals, stringed instruments, and vocalists. What were they going to... Continue Reading

“For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold upon his head. He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever. His glory is great through your salvation; splendor and majesty you bestow on him. For you make him most blessed forever; you... Continue Reading

Christ Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, wherein believers spiritually share in the blood and body of Christ (1 Cor. 10:16). It is a sign and sealing of His benefits to believers, as well as a mark of the bond that ties all believers together in Christ. Rightly understood, it truly is a thankful celebration. However,... Continue Reading

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” Proverbs 3:5,6.     When I am in dark and painful present as we have described, here is what I do: I get the right mindset... Continue Reading

As a Christian man, you should eat with the conviction that “to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21), rather than eating in a way that’s primarily self-indulgent and self-oriented. It’s often easier to gravitate toward snack foods that are higher in sugar and processed components. But the mission we’re called to isn’t about serving our tastebuds.... Continue Reading

We’d prefer to keep our powder dry. We call it the wise option. And with this hot topic? We’re the driest and wisest we’ve even been.  Here we are – good Christians to the back teeth who for decades have declared that the likes of Boy George are the weird ones, yet it may have... Continue Reading

We’re all alike. We tend to over-invest in relationships, tying our joy and sense of identity to people who are imperfect (just like us). Or we under-invest, choosing distance, detachment, self-protection. But Jesus shows us a third way: to love fully, serve sacrificially, without making it a transaction. Christ expected nothing in return.    ... Continue Reading

Our salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Baptism is not necessary in order to receive the forgiveness of sins. We only need to look to the thief on the cross as an example. If baptism is required for salvation, the thief on the cross is in Hell. Of course, Jesus... Continue Reading

Day after day, week after week, and even month after month the pattern continues. Wake up, feel the pain of the situation, pray, go to sleep. Wash, rinse, repeat. Over and over again. But eventually that period comes to an end. It likely doesn’t come to an end with an exclamation point – not some... Continue Reading