The losses of Jonathan and Saul serve as reminders that Israel needed more than a man to hope in. In the same way, we can’t ultimately put our hope in human leaders, no matter how faithful they are. In fact, even on their best days, pastors can’t help but disappoint the flocks they love. Therefore,... Continue Reading

Paul’s love for the church, as touching as it is, isn’t ultimately about Paul but about a promise God made to his people long before Paul had life and breath. For example, consider the words of Jeremiah 23:1-4. “‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!’ declares the Lord. Therefore... Continue Reading

In the interest of moving past the “that’s interesting” thoughts that may accompany newsletter reading, this post is devoted to decoding a few of our common words and phrases. Code: Visa application process. Meaning: We’ve quit our jobs, given away our belongings, raised support, and are ready to go, but if this paperwork is denied all our... Continue Reading

Though often weary and overburdened, church planters must stay nourished by the words breathed out by God—they are there so that we might not be lacking anything (2 Tim. 3:16). Answers and wisdom for specific families and children may be sought out in the pages of the Bible. The Word is alive and active and... Continue Reading

Now, most people automatically think of the rending of the Temple curtain at the death of Christ.  But that’s not what the text says.  It says, “[he] opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh.” The torn curtain was the flesh of the Son.  In other words, on the cross Christ’s flesh... Continue Reading

I was struck a few years back when reading through Sinclair Ferguson’s The Whole Christ where he made the remark that many pastors have within their libraries lots of books on preaching, and even books about preaching Christ, but surmises that there are probably far fewer on Christ himself.[1] This point is underlined by another comment... Continue Reading

I realize that I am generalizing here, but I believe my generalization of the situation is valid as to a trend in worship. In a general way, with some minor differences, most metropolitan evangelical churches in the U.S. are worshiping the same way. I call it the “new evangelical liturgy.”   Over the years I have had the... Continue Reading

I wish that would be Greek scholars spent a little time studying the Old Testament Hebrew word “hesed.” The word does not translate well into English and often is translated something like “lovingkindness” or “steadfast love.” The word has a range of meaning so it does not fit well to one English word. When we... Continue Reading

While we might like to believe our pastors are infallible, this truth can actually be an encouragement each week as we sit under their preaching. We can receive their admonishment, their correction, and their teaching knowing they are preaching and speaking the same truths of the gospel to themselves each week. We can rejoice that... Continue Reading

God is not our boss; he is our father. He calls us into his work because he loves us and wants us to grow. Whilst he tells us clearly enough that the work will be hard, he also gives us grace to continue. God’s grace extends to us both in the sustaining ministry of the... Continue Reading