All of us should leave footsteps for others to follow to walk the Christian life as we do. But this begins by us ourselves walking in the footsteps of other godly people who are walking with the Lord. This is how Paul speaks of the matter in Philippians 3:17. Not only were Christians to “join in... Continue Reading

Lament is the God-given language that bridges suffering and praise. It allows believers to process pain honestly while moving toward trust. Far from opposing joy, lament creates a pathway to it. A third of the Psalms are laments, using this “minor-key” language to wrestle with grief and reaffirm confidence in God’s grace. Lament is a... Continue Reading

By considering the whole of the Gospel of Mark, we’ll observe real people as illustrations of the four kinds of heart-soils that either reject or receive the sown Word of God. Where do the Herodians and Pharisees fit in? What about Judas? Peter?…Mark situates these and the other persons in his Gospel to show you... Continue Reading

While all Christians are called to live faithfully, salvation is completely the work of God alone. Just as sometimes children disobey their parents and are disciplined accordingly, God disciplines us because we are his beloved children in Christ and our status never changes, and he will use our failures to teach us through the work... Continue Reading

I read a lot of history, but it is not the lives of the Roman emperors, military generals, and world leaders that most interest me. The stories I want to hear are the stories that have only been written in heaven, in the books God will open on the last day. I want to hear... Continue Reading

As I gazed out at the beautifully chaotic landscape of ice and falling branches, this truth about God stood out in sharp relief. Paul observes that believers groan under the effects of the fall; and creation groans with us (Romans 8:22). God’s amazing creation under the curse of sin and death does not please him.... Continue Reading

Many notable Christian figures tend to possess certain natural gifts that commend them to positions of leadership. Regrettably, polished speech, infectious charisma, and a pleasant appearance can often conceal a significant amount of theological and ethical deficit for the less-than-faithful ones. Given the prominence of Paul’s letters in the New Testament, we might assume that... Continue Reading

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3: 23,24).   Hopefully, you have grown in your understanding of the Christian life, so that you no longer believe that it’s... Continue Reading

It’s remarkable that despite such pervasive resistance, Pamphlet’s desire for Christian unity and mutual accountability drove him to pursue inclusion in the Baptist association. His leadership was instrumental in showing that good faith and an iron will could help other Christians to consider the implications of their evangelical doctrine on social and civic life.  ... Continue Reading

Why should I not be willing to be offended, just as Christ was “and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). The next time you are offended—by anyone or anything—pause and pray for discernment, for... Continue Reading