Human wisdom—the wisdom of the world—and the wisdom of God through the knowledge of Christ are mutually exclusive. So, the source of a believer’s wisdom must be God alone, through the knowledge of Christ, by the means of God’s Word.   Last time, I began with an attempt to begin to answer the question, What... Continue Reading

Distinctive among the Four Gospels, John’s Gospel’s escalating storyline, message, and themes climax with a purpose statement that invites readers to believe that the promised Messiah is none other than Jesus of Nazareth (John 20:30–31).   John’s Gospel is a distinctive and theologically profound work in the New Testament. It presents a unique perspective on... Continue Reading

What comes to mind when you think about God is of the utmost importance. Like David, you want to be able to exclaim, “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!” (Psalm 139:17) as you consider His protection, presence, purpose, penalty, and purity.   When you think about God, what comes to mind? The... Continue Reading

Classical theism is a family of views that by its very nature is broad enough to include various theological “schools.” Classical theists should feel free to inhabit Thomism, Scotism, or other variegated traditions without immediate worry that they are no longer inhabiting the classical Christian tradition.   Classical theism, given its storied tradition, has many... Continue Reading

Tell the whole story, and both ditches lose their appeal. The covenant was never about tribal pride. It was about Christ. And Christ is still gathering a people, from Israel and from the nations, into one redeemed family.   Right now, if you scroll long enough through conservative Christian feeds, you will see two very... Continue Reading

Don’t you just love the simplicity of it all: sow the word, work hard at it, keep sowing. This obviously includes the work of prayer. But go to sleep! God gives the growth, but you don’t know how He does it. Be sure of a gradual, but certain harvest. Keep going.   I’m not sure... Continue Reading

“Today I experienced Acts 3:19. If I ever wander, I pray God will keep His promise never to leave me and find a way to remind me of this passage so that I will know to come home.”   Owen Kincaid hadn’t been to the small town where he grew up in over thirty years.... Continue Reading

BCO 55 is about more than just polity; it’s about the heart’s need for truth. We gather to say out loud what we believe because we so easily forget it. We recite these things because they provide a “broad summary” of our hope when our own strength and clarity are failing.   While the Book... Continue Reading

As sons, God “vouchsafeth” for us; He identifies Himself with us as His own for whom He has responsibility.  Adoption implies freedom from slavery.  Not only pardon from punishment, but acceptance and restoration.  We are not estranged.   During our Westminster Standards teaching time last Lord’s Day evening, our memory work with the Westminster Shorter... Continue Reading

This is what we’re being called into. We’re people whose identity is rooted in Christ. We’re marked by real, visible devotion. We’re growing through God’s Word, prayer, and community. We’re showing up for others with love, truth, and action. None of this is about earning anything. It’s all grace.   As I continue in my... Continue Reading