Lust for power, craving access to the inner circle, never satisfies, but always enslaves. The corrective words of John prove just as potent and important today as they did in the first century: “Little children, keep yourself from idols.” We MUST render to Caesar the things that are his; worship is NOT one of those... Continue Reading

Preaching is an act of paradoxical confidence. We are clay jars, fragile yet filled with treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7). We proclaim ancient truths with fresh power, trusting the Spirit to breathe life through them. This is the preacher’s trust: that God works through our inadequacy, so “your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but... Continue Reading

Affirming the inerrancy of Scripture is not just a theological detail. It’s a declaration of trust in God’s character and God’s promises. Inerrancy assures us that what God said, he meant, and what he promised, he will fulfill. The unbreakable Word of God is our unshakable foundation. On this rock we will not be moved.... Continue Reading

In Hebrews 12, we find ourselves surrounded by a heavenly assembly where the faithful in Jesus belong. It’s more impressive than even Sinai. But whereas Sinai was unapproachable, verses 22-24 describe a place of celebration—awesome, yes—but also accessible.   This morning I spent time in Hebrews 12:18-24 during my morning reading in God’s Word.[1] I... Continue Reading

Discernment is based on an objective standard, the Word of God—not a subjective feeling or experience. It encompasses everything that can be classified as good or evil, including our beliefs regarding truth and error and our actions as being either righteous or unrighteous.   In 1 John 4:1, the apostle gives us an exhortation to... Continue Reading

Let the church be a place where names are safe. Where reputations are protected. Where speech is guarded. Where Matthew 18 is not optional, but instinctive. And let the ninth commandment no longer be seen as a footnote in the Decalogue, but as a flaming sword guarding the peace of the body of Christ.  ... Continue Reading

Spiritual authority belongs to the Bible, churches, and pastors. It’s the authority that Scripture asserts over every person’s life, particularly as Scripture is mediated and applied in the lives of believers by churches and pastors. To be sure, Christians do not depend directly on church authority for their salvation. For that reason, they should remain... Continue Reading

Jesus took upon himself the very thing that breaks mankind’s dominion over this world: the curse of sin, which is death. But Jesus did not remain dead. He rose from the grave and was lifted to God’s right hand, where he sits now enthroned and crowned with glory and honor, waiting until the fullness of... Continue Reading

In a world that mocks sex or mutilates it, Scripture redeems it. In a culture of one-night-stands, the Bible exalts the eternal embrace. In a generation of pornography, hookup apps, and sterile marriages, the Song of Songs—and all its shocking, dripping, God-breathed sensuality—calls the Church back to Eden.   The Need for Sexfulnes There is... Continue Reading

Jesus meant for Christians not only to preserve the decaying world, but to flavor, enliven, and make tasty a bland insipid world of vice. So we are to see ourselves as flavoring agents. This is part of our identity. Amidst a society in decay, we are to have a characteristic flavoring ministry.   Matthew 5:13-16... Continue Reading