If no-one is saved through works of the law, and you go back to the law, you know you are guilty. You are a sinner under God’s judgement, and not a free person trusting in Jesus. Going back to the law is the disaster.  It doesn’t mean you are taking following God more seriously; it... Continue Reading

Though he is a towering figure in Christian history, Paul never sought the glory of men even though he deserved to be honored in the sight of men. Is our greatest desire to be faithful to the Lord in our work? Or are we ultimately after another prize, one that fades, such as the Nobel... Continue Reading

  Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, is the ground of our confidence. It changes everything, as Thomas finally understood. We need not ever shrink back from any honest inquiry. We need fear no question about Christ. Every question that can be asked of Christ has been asked, and well answered, countless times over the last... Continue Reading

Jesus, while kind and gentle to His sheep, was fierce toward those who perpetrated evil, false religion, and deception. John Calvin understood this when he wrote, “The pastor ought to have two voices; one for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of... Continue Reading

The doctrine of the Son’s begottenness from the Father is called eternal generation. It is a classic and crucial Trinitarian doctrine, but it also a mystery beyond human description. Eternal generation is like human generation in that one essence begets the same essence, but it is unlike human generation in that it does not involve... Continue Reading

Jesus’ death is not only a sin-bearing death, but also a life-giving death. And not simply because it secures life that goes on eternally, but life filled with the beauty of righteousness and love to the extent that the world will sit up and take notice (13:35). Because if you kill and bury the one... Continue Reading

Getting older has some drawbacks, but it comes with some benefits that more than compensate. There are old guy benefits that should never be underestimated by the young. Many people see aging negatively, but there’s beauty in loving the same woman for decades and enjoying the joy brought by grown children and their children. There’s... Continue Reading

A truly blessed life, filled with joy and peace, will be experienced through our commonplace minor actions and decisions. We have the Holy Spirit to help us weave this into the rhythm of everyday life. Reorienting our faithfulness may take only five minutes at the beginning of each day; or ten minutes during a lunch... Continue Reading

What does it mean to live a life that’s truly good? Culture may constantly shift its standards of right and wrong, but God’s goodness remains the ultimate guide. His nature shows us how to live, love, and make choices that honor Him.   Life can feel overwhelming and uncertain sometimes, but the goodness of God... Continue Reading

If you are a church leader, do you think about church ministry with Christ’s activity in view? When you woke up in the morning, after the coffee cleared the fog, does this reality focus your motivation? Are you committed to building up those whom Jesus loves?    What’s your reaction when you hear, “It’s time... Continue Reading