How Should We Remember?
We will want to become lifelong learners of God’s grace to us in Christ.
If we are to “remember Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:8) and daily experience the grace and power that come from the Holy Spirit from doing so, it is vital to seize upon the opportunity to saturate our lives with the words of life in the Bible. This will mean cultivating habits of regular Bible reading, study, and meditation, but especially hearing the Word preached regularly in corporate worship. It can also mean making the most of other avenues for hearing God’s voice in the Scriptures, whether through reading Christian publications, conversing with fellow believers about matters of substance, or even the intentional use of podcasts, social media, and articles online. As we witness and partake in the sacraments also, we experience God’s Word as it is made visible to us.
Saying Yes To God’s Unexpected Plan
Mary’s acceptance of God’s surprising plan for her life didn’t come all at once.
Mary hears from the Lord, and she accepts his surprising plan for her life: Let it be to me according to your word. Mary’s humility is what I long to see in my own heart. She’s a servant of the Lord, willing to do whatever he asks of her. She entrusts herself to fully to God. Mary’s... Continue Reading
Christmas Is About Satan, Not Santa
Jesus appeared to take away sins and to destroy the works of the devil.
The hold of your enemy is broken by Him who came as your substitute to destroy his works. By faith in Jesus you are freed from sin’s guilt, freed from sin’s power, and freed from sin’s penalty. Your Adversary has been disarmed, defeated, and will one day be destroyed. We find a number of... Continue Reading
Magi, Wise Men, or Kings? It’s Complicated.
Christian tradition finds meaning in each of these mysterious monikers.
Call them Magi. Call them wise men. You can even call them kings if you’d like! When it comes to Matthew’s Christmas narrative, the more the merrier. Each label shines a light on a different facet of the story. Whatever you choose to call them this holiday season, these men are the first in the... Continue Reading
No Gullible Bumpkins Here: Christmas and the Virgin Birth
There are two kinds of women who never, ever give birth: very old ladies and virgins.
On the surface, that might sound reasonable. But if you look closely, you will see that it does not really do justice to Luke’s narrative. Mary and Zechariah and Elizabeth were not gullible bumpkins who didn’t know how babies were made and believed fantastical stories (nor, for that matter, were Luke and his original readers).... Continue Reading
The Myth of the Pagan Origins of Christmas
Extensive research shows that the December 25th date arose entirely from the efforts of early Latin Christians to determine the historical date of Christ’s death.
Of course, to Christians, it really doesn’t matter that much whether or not they co-opted December 25thfrom the pagans, or vice versa. The Christian faith doesn’t stand or fall on that detail. But it’s nevertheless valuable for all of us to give closer scrutiny to shibboleths—such as that of the pagan origins of Christmas—which are continually repeated... Continue Reading
When God Changes Your Plans
God is weaving the details of your life into something beautiful, with Jesus at the center
“Isn’t it possible that when God does something unexpected in your life today, it may not mean that he has forgotten you or neglected you? Could it be that he’s working on a better, grander plan that you don’t see yet?” There is an art to writing a résumé, where you find a way... Continue Reading
The Christmas Present in Lot’s Cave
The cave seemed like the perfect hiding place, but soon it became the setting for one of the most heinous scenes in all of the Bible
“When you trace back the lineage of Jesus you come through Lot’s cave. And the stench of sin in that cave is overwhelming; just as the stench of sin throughout the Old Testament is nauseating. However, the long-awaited Son of David was born to bring salvation to the nations. Here is the bouquet of grace!... Continue Reading
Why the Jewish Messiah is the Most Important Individual in History
It’s difficult for a 21st century audience to appreciate the century-long yearning which the Hebrews had for the Messiah’s arrival.
However, he will differ from all other human beings: he will also be God. We know this for a few reasons. First, as mentioned in Micah 5:2Open in Logos Bible Software (if available), his existence has no beginning. That can only be said of an individual who is self-existent and uncreated; who is prior to all created things. The Hebrew Scriptures (and logic) tell us that such a being must be the God and Creator of all things. Second, Isaiah 7:14Open in Logos Bible Software (if available) mentions that he will be known as, “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” Third, Isaiah’s second prophecy states that he is called, “Mighty God.” It would be blasphemous to call someone, “God,” who was not. Thus, the Jewish Messiah would be both fully human and fully God, making him unequivocally significant in history.
Child Mortality & Divine Grace
In 1800, the year after Washington died, global young child mortality was over 40%. Today it’s about 4%.
Often someone will complain cluelessly that our present times are the worst. But in fact, even in today’s troubled world, we are living in the best times, the most privileged and blessed times. How many are aware and grateful? That millions and millions of young children who once routinely died now unexceptionally survive and thrive around the world should be cause for endless thanks, right?