How Did We Get the New Testament? (1)
The New Testament is not a random collection of religious opinions. It is the apostolic, covenantal, Christ-centered witness to Jesus Christ, received early and widely in the churches. The Scriptures are given not merely to inform, but to form, correct, rebuke, train, and comfort.
Modern people often forget what an ancient world is like. There are no printing presses. No email. No overnight shipping. Letters must be copied by hand. Communities are scattered across the Roman world. Persecution is real. Communication is slow. So it should not surprise anyone that universal, explicit “lists” emerge later than the books themselves.... Continue Reading
As Below, So Above
If you hear Him knocking on the door of your heart, answer, and be refreshed as you sup with Him once more—for, the promise given in Revelation 3:20 is to those who are already His.
As below, so above; if our heart for the Lord Jesus Christ runs lukewarm for Him below, who are we to suppose that some great change will occur when we see Him face to face? At death, there will be a great change, but only according to the treasure of our hearts. If we seek... Continue Reading
Where the Gospel Still Costs Everything
When you hear these stories of faithfulness, of trusting in God’s provision, is your response to praise God for his greatness?
“Don’t pray that we won’t be persecuted. Jesus told us we would be persecuted. Pray that we will be faithful when the persecution comes.” We could add to that prayer request the prayer that God raises up some godly men to lead as elders in this church. A few years ago, two Brazilian women... Continue Reading
Better Than Feeling Seen
Don’t settle for feeling heard and feeling seen. In Christ, you have perfect validation.
He sees your hidden labors to love a difficult spouse. He sees your sleepless nights serving sick children. He sees what never escapes the anonymity of your four walls. He sees your work that will never be Instagram-worthy or garner offers from corporate sponsors. He sees diary entries never published and remembers prayers never heard... Continue Reading
Why Almighty God Listens to Us
The Lord will use ordinary people to do (or pray) extraordinary things.
The great prophet was merely human, and could be frail, fragile, and fail — yet he was also a righteous man whose fervent prayer was answered by the Lord. Elijah’s heart was in tune with God’s, and he was much used of the Lord. ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show... Continue Reading
The Thief on the Cross
More than ‘Just Believe’.
Many people want the thief to mean that faith is merely a sentence spoken at the end. The cross teaches something stronger. True faith turns. It turns toward God. It turns away from self-defense. It turns toward Christ with a seriousness that can be heard. The thief did not polish his words. He did not... Continue Reading
Christ Clothes His Bride in Splendor
The sacrifice Jesus made for his bride, the church, is the ultimate measure of love.
Sacrificial love is an essential aspect of both earthly marriage and our relationship with Christ. In other words, the love that a man and a woman have for each other gives us an important picture of what our relationship with God is like. As we submit to our Lord, so wives are to recognize the... Continue Reading
What Makes God Angry?
To understand what makes God angry is not merely to fear judgment—but to marvel at grace.
Proverbs 6 condemns “a heart that devises wicked plans.” This echoes God’s grief in Genesis 6:5, where humanity’s thoughts were “only evil continually,” prompting judgment. Sin incubated in the heart is not neutral. Jesus later confirms this when He locates murder, adultery, and slander in the heart before they ever reach the hands (Matt. 15:19).... Continue Reading
God’s Silence Does Not Mean God’s Absence
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT)
In my darkest moments… when I can’t see clearly… I remember that King David had been there, too. He knew the wilderness. He knew the silence. He knew what it felt like to cry out to a God who felt far away. In Psalm 22, David pours out words so raw that Jesus Himself... Continue Reading
Don’t Be Bullied About Your Income
Don’t let the money bullies bully you and let’s be careful to not be like them.
In 1 Corinthians 9: 7-10 the Apostle Paul teaches on the principle that God gave in His law that those who do work deserve to be paid. We work hard and wisely and we earn what we earn. The detractors of our income must be ignored. If you earn a generous salary, don’t let... Continue Reading
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