The Anatomy of Church Office
Godly and capable church officers are a precious gift to the church from Jesus Christ the King.
The officers of the church will take the lead in the great task given for holy service and witness bearing, for better or for worse. May the Lord grant His bride qualified men to guide her well, and may He give the members grace to identify them. To all the saints in Christ Jesus... Continue Reading
Four Views on the Lord’s Supper: Spiritual Presence
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”
For those who hold to the spiritual view of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus is truly present, and these benefits are truly enjoyed by means of the Holy Spirit and believer’s union with Christ. In Matthew 26:26-28 Jesus spoke a few simple words that have been the cause of a great many differences between Christians.... Continue Reading
The Example of Christ’s Humility (Part 2)
We have no idea how much pride is still at work in us, secretly sabotaging every nook and cranny. The answer is kneeling again in the shadow of Calvary.
Have we not looked at the stars to realize our smallness? Have we not stared at the ocean, contemplating our powerlessness? Yet, a hundred times more, when we stare at the picture of Calvary, our life issues all begin to fade, the want of heaven and eternal glorification grow, and the marvelous nature of our... Continue Reading
Male Authority in God’s Creational Design
Understanding Paul’s Prohibition in 1 Timothy 2:12
Male leadership in family, church, and society is firmly rooted in God’s creational intention and design. This leadership is not, in the first instance, a result of the fall, though the fall is also a part of the equation. Paul’s grounding of male authority in 1 Timothy 2 in the creation account in Genesis 1–2,... Continue Reading
Faith, Doubt, Sickness, and Healing
Complex issues with no easy answers.
We can all praise God when people are healed of various diseases and illnesses. But we can also praise God when that is not the outcome. Our faith rests not in our circumstances but in a loving and gracious God who is still on the throne. There are some understandings of the sorts of... Continue Reading
When Is the Last Time You Thought of the Fact That You Will Die?
Death is no less inevitable than it’s ever been, but many of us don’t have to see it or even think about it as a daily presence in our lives.
Throughout the pages of the Bible, whether law or history or poetry or prophecy or gospel or letter, death is a fixation far more common than in our lives today. For biblical authors an awareness of death and its implications for life is crucial for a life of wisdom. An Unpleasant Topic When is... Continue Reading
If I’m United to Christ, Why Do I Still Sin?
Dr. Sinclair Ferguson offers biblical insights and relatable examples to address this common spiritual question.
The very fact that you are concerned about the presence of sin and that you fight against it is only possible because you have been released from the dominion of sin and have been brought into the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. If I’m united to Christ, why do I still sin? Let... Continue Reading
The Conquest of Canaan
Driving out the Canaanites and their wickedness helped preserve a holy line in Israel until the Messiah was born.
Israel as a nation never did fully drive out the Canaanites but was enticed to follow them in their sin again and again under the old covenant. Nevertheless, God in His grace preserved a faithful line in Israel. From that line, He sent Jesus, the true Israel of God, who by His person and work... Continue Reading
How Do You Recover from This?
The Psalms of David offer insight into how he maintained perspective during difficult times, recognizing the Lord as his Rock.
Strengthen your heart first, then inquire of God. Looking to God for the next step may take many forms, including seeking the help of others. At a minimum it includes prayer. It is a known fact seen repeatedly in the Bible that God loves to hear and respond to the desperate prayers of His own... Continue Reading
Pastoral Ministry: A Weighty Calling
Eternal realities hang in the balance.
Pastoral ministry is a sacred calling that requires profound discernment and a deep sense of responsibility. It isn’t merely a career. As we reflect on what it means to be called to ministry, it becomes clear that discerning one’s call is essential for faithfully stewarding the weighty task of shepherding God’s people. The Christian... Continue Reading