Intentionally or not, the writers of this screenplay portrayed the sinful downside of popular, image-driven piety as well as has ever been done. While saying grace, the narcissistic and vapid Ricky reveals that he prefers an oddly specific (8 pounds, 6 ounces!) version of Jesus—the pudgy, non-threatening, cute baby version common to the seasonal piety of... Continue Reading

Sadly, the blessing that was enjoyed in paradise was lost as a result of the fall. The rest of the Bible tells the unexpected story of how God’s blessing from creation is rediscovered by means of God’s gracious covenant. Hints of how this would be accomplished were given to Adam (Gen. 3:15), Noah (Gen. 9:1),... Continue Reading

We are not ultimately in control of this world we did not create. In fact, as Job learned when he asked why all of the bad things had happened to him … a good person …, his questions were answered with other questions. They were harder questions asked by God that revealed Job’s ignorance about... Continue Reading

Observing the landscape today in Christianity, the idea of taking dominion is often viewed with skepticism, if not outright hostility. Some will say it is simply sinful to care about any earthly good. Others will concede some earthly good is appropriate, but not too much, and you must achieve it through pious means. This aversion... Continue Reading

Sin immediately affected Adam and Eve’s relationship. They began to live selfishly and blame others for their own sinful actions (3:8-13). The perfect unity that they enjoyed since their creation with God and one another, of which their sexual relationship was a symbol, was now damaged. And the corruption of sin would wreak havoc on... Continue Reading

The next time you’re paralyzed by inaction, ask yourself why. Is it because you don’t know what the next step should be, or how to take the next step? Or is it because you know what to do, but aren’t doing it? Don’t just pray for wisdom. Also pray for strength and courage to take... Continue Reading

We must shed the chameleon’s skin and rise as the radiant bride of Christ, unashamed of the Gospel and unafraid of the world’s wrath. Pastors must stop pandering to the culture and start proclaiming the unfiltered Word of God. Congregations must stop shrinking in the shadows and start blazing with the light of Christ. Let us... Continue Reading

Amid this world’s darkness, the Enemy’s relentless attacks, and the weakness of our flesh, we are continually finding grace from our Father, even in the wilderness. In fact, especially in the wilderness. And why is that grace so abundant? “I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” His persistent love—even in... Continue Reading

To live in this age will always be a mixed bag. We will always be dual citizens. We can appreciate and celebrate all that is true and good and beautiful in this world. But we also know that there is so much that is evil and horrible and ugly and demonic. We have to live with... Continue Reading

Christian couples don’t ever fall out of love, they fall out of being repentant. The gospel hope for our broken homes is our broken and contrite hearts that turn daily to Jesus Christ and His brokenness for us on the cross as our Savior and Lord.   Every home is dysfunctional because everyone is sinful.... Continue Reading