Paul prays to the Father (Ephesians 3:14–19) that the Ephesians would be strengthened by the Spirit so that the Son would dwell in their hearts by faith. This kind of Trinitarian prayer is not simply a formula to follow; it is the natural movement of a mind instructed in gospel truth and a heart enflamed... Continue Reading

The pursuit of temperance shows us that we need something outside ourselves to bring us into harmony or peace with ourselves, each other, and even God.   We struggle with constant distractions. Our phones demand attention, notifications pull us away from important tasks, and our goals often remain unrealized despite our best intentions. But distraction... Continue Reading

While Missouri Presbytery exercised its rightful discretion, doing so enabled TE Johnson to leave the PCA with his ordination intact and now his attempts to join the EPC threaten to split that communion.   Many months ago I received a phone call from a minister in the EPC. He asked me about Greg Johnson and... Continue Reading

When we read and interpret the familiar stories in light of what’s going on in the Pentateuch as a whole, our appreciation for the familiar increases. Those familiar stories are understood at an even greater depth. And sometimes we might find that we don’t know those “familiar” stories as well as we think we do.... Continue Reading

If we’re going to stand firm in this battle, we need to know: What’s the enemy’s playbook and strategy? Chapter 13 delivers precisely that. Chapter 12 provides an overview of Satan’s war against God’s people, while Chapter 13 focuses on how this battle plays out through two main figures in the dragon’s army.    Big... Continue Reading

Our minds tend to invert the Ten Commandments, considering the latter half of the list weightier than the first. God disagrees. Our humble worship is the starting point for a moral life, and false worship is the most heinous error.   What was David’s worst sin? Every Sunday School child knows the answer to that... Continue Reading

The Lord’s character is on display all over the book of Jonah as a God filled with grace, who is not limited to geographical borders, and whose plan to save is mighty and grand and extends to all of creation, including animals whom the Lord had made even before humanity.   When I preached on... Continue Reading

Immediately upon creating Adam and Eve, God did something that he had not done with anything else he made. He spoke to them. This mundane moment was a moment of transcendence! The Lord, King, and Creator of the universe was speaking the secrets of his divine wisdom into the ears of the people he had... Continue Reading

Pastoral transitions are among the most delicate moments in a church’s life. Retiring pastors, incoming leaders, and church leadership teams each have a vital role to play in ensuring a smooth and God-honoring transition. When approached with humility, wisdom, and trust in God’s sovereignty, these transitions can strengthen the church for generations to come.  ... Continue Reading

There is absolutely no question that this is indeed a cult—a devilish cult that preys on little children. It is so good to see people raising their voices about this trans monstrosity. And one can’t help but think that a millstone around the necks of these radicals would be too soft of a punishment for... Continue Reading