God’s rules are good. The law is perfect. The problem is us; we are not perfect, not by a long way. We must not focus on the rules, for they can never save us; they were not designed to do that. Instead, we should focus on Jesus whom the law leads to. It is only... Continue Reading

If you choose to be the primary point of regular pastoral care and counsel…get to know the person, find ways to quiet the body, retell their story in and through Christ, and offer help for living in the present. Also consider meeting with a trusted, well-informed adviser for ongoing consultation.…While you have the utmost confidence... Continue Reading

It is said that much of communication is non-verbal, but God has designed humans to be creatures of words. Do not underestimate the impact your words have on the people around you. Always strive to glorify God, build up others, and point others to the Scriptures.   Words are important things. Think of how words... Continue Reading

The Son has risen. Jesus is King. He’s advancing his kingdom in this world, and we have the privilege every day of bowing the knee to him, of surrendering our lives, and submitting and proclaiming his message so that others would give their lives to his reign and his rule. Look Up The kingdom of... Continue Reading

Human beings are made in the image of God—computers never will be. We can use them as tools to glorify God, or to promote the Devil’s work. But at the end of the day our task remains exactly the same in the 21st century as it was in the first—we proclaim Christ “admonishing and teaching... Continue Reading

It is no wonder that Isaiah 52:13–53:12 occupies such a cherished place in the life of the church. In this central text about the cross of Christ, the Lord promises a remedy for the biggest problem every person faces: separation from Him because of willful disobedience.   Fresh out of college in May 2004, I was worshipping... Continue Reading

Questioning details of the life and death of Christ, explicit in Scripture or implied by good and necessary consequence, leads almost invariably to questioning details of his resurrection and ascension. The worst heresies are couched in smug hyper-biblicism (e.g., Socinianism). That tendency was first workshopped in the Garden and has plagued the church ever since.... Continue Reading

We are to distinguish between an outward call and an inward call. The outward call is what is done by men, according to the appointment of Christ, after examining the person…with solemn prayer and laying on of hands, for the ministry….The inward call is the Lord signifying His mind… inwardly to the man…that He is... Continue Reading

Even if creaturely Fathers and families are pale representations of the Father’s prime, unique, and transcendent fatherhood, they contain a reflection of God the Father. Attacks on the family are attempts to suppress the truth of God.   You check the news, your inbox, and your bank account—and your heart sinks. Somewhere in the background,... Continue Reading

The church is a community where we can love one another, be loved, and find a real sense of belonging. Truly, we all long to belong. People desire to be part of something bigger than themselves. People want to find that place where they experience true community, acceptance, and love.   What is love? Love... Continue Reading