If there is anything the book of Nehemiah teaches us when it comes to living in a society which tolerates the Christian faith, it teaches us that opportunities are often rife. Yet much wisdom is needed to take hold of those opportunities. When a little wisdom is added to the mix, with the blessing of... Continue Reading

It is important that we remind ourselves that distractions are one of Satan’s powerful weapons to achieve his purposes of diverting us from the path of righteousness and truth.  The last thing our Spiritual Enemy wants us to do is remain steadfastly focused on God’s Word.     Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze... Continue Reading

This sole church is said to be catholic, or ecumenical [universal, world-wide], spread through all the globe, as it were. “Often” (says Calvin) “by the name ‘church’ we designate the entire multitude of men spread about the globe that professes to worship one God and Christ.”   Where can we see the Christian church? Obscured... Continue Reading

As the light of God’s word reveals our transgressions and we sense greater depths of our shame, we may feel overwhelmed. But your sin does not overwhelm Christ. If you say to him, “I am afraid, for I cannot bear my sin,” he will say to you, “Fear not, for I already bore your sin.”... Continue Reading

Systematic theology is typically divided into a number of loci, or topics….Not every systematic theologian or systematic theology textbook organizes the presentation of doctrine in exactly the same way….Nevertheless, because these various loci of theology are frequently mentioned by Christian pastors and teachers, as well as in publications such as Tabletalk, it is helpful to have a guide to... Continue Reading

Should we care today to revisit John Calvin—who he was, what he thinks—and believe that what he taught is still significant, still valuable? Yes, he still does matter.  John Calvin matters still above all because he was a teacher of truth.    There can be no serious doubt that Calvin once mattered. Any honest historian of... Continue Reading

Everything will come to fruition on the day that Jesus returns. The posture of all saints is a posture of waiting. That day is the believer’s hope. As Paul tells the Colossians, “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).   What has kept you going... Continue Reading

Envy is even more insidious than sinful jealousy. It is painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another, joined with a desire to enjoy the same advantage or at least have the advantage taken away from one’s rival. Jealousy says, “I want what my rival has.” Envy says, “I don’t have to have what my... Continue Reading

The Kingdom of God advances as believers invest in one another–primarily in the context of their own local church–encouraging faith, strengthening understanding, and sharpening one another in love.   Jesus told his disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” (Matt. 28:19–20). His words... Continue Reading

Scripture tells us that we must continually reorient ourselves toward God through not only meditating on his word…and through prayer—but also by thinking on and doing anything and everything that will point us to him (Philippians 4): by participating in the true and the good and the beautiful—not idolatrously, but gratefully—as a way of participating... Continue Reading