When we let the New Testament shape our view of the Old, we discover Jesus and His Apostles saying the Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35) and that the Old Testament is all about Christ and His glory (Luke 24:25). It has great power to instruct us in the love of God and love of neighbor (Matt. 22:37–40) and to... Continue Reading

Esther 8 doesn’t contain the gospel. There is no mention of God or grace. Nevertheless, chapters like this are tremendously encouraging to my faith.    The book of Esther is laced with mystery. Much of the plot advances based on what people don’t know. Haman doesn’t know Esther is related to Mordecai. Mordecai doesn’t now... Continue Reading

The end of the world is nigh. It is this ultimate reality which should animate and motivate us. The devil might be able to hang us before he hangs himself, but he can’t deprive us of the resurrection which will separate us from his clutches forever.   Give the devil enough rope and he’ll hang... Continue Reading

Trials are real. They are unpleasant. But they cultivate joy, not only in the promised relief but in the promised Redeemer. “[Jesus Christ] whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of... Continue Reading

Friendship is a gift from God. Friends mattered to Jesus. Jesus has called us his friends. He is indeed a friend born for adversity who sticks closer than a brother.   Are you a good friend? I hope so. Good friends are one of the greatest gifts of my life. In fact, friendships are one... Continue Reading

We met Naaman as the mighty pagan warrior who ravaged the land of Israel under the direction of the King of Syria. We will leave Him as a man of God confessing the Lord God of Israel as His God. Are you known as a man or woman of God today? Will you be remembered... Continue Reading

Friends, there is always a “therefore” to faith. For every single reality you believe to be true about God, the world, and mankind, there is always a therefore. We must not stop at the indicative, but instead push forward to the imperative. We must live that which we believe.   Here is how the Bible... Continue Reading

Discernment must be exercised by Christian both in the personal and public realm. It must shine the light of truth of Scripture on what is within and on that without. As the writer to Hebrews makes clear throughout the letter, believers must discern the sin within their own hearts—in order to gaurd against it—while recognizing... Continue Reading

As Charles Spurgeon put it, “To pursue union at the expense of truth is treason to the Lord Jesus Christ.” So we must be willing to abandon Christian unity when the truth of the gospel is at stake. But so often it is not, and it is a matter of getting along with other believers... Continue Reading

Because God is timeless, He is also timely, at least from the perspective of us creatures. Since He is not bound by time, He is free to work in it as He pleases. Since He sees it all from the outside, He is not taken by surprise, not caught off-guard, not left trying to scramble... Continue Reading