At the end of the Gospel Matthew recounts how the nations are to be made disciples (Matt. 28:19–20), the Abrahamic promise having reached fulfillment in the new covenant. Hence, baptism—together with the Lord’s Supper—is the sacrament of the new covenant. Thus, Jesus the Son names God as the one God who is the Father, the... Continue Reading

The jailer is told to place himself in the care of Jesus. Nothing is added to that instruction. No conditions are attached. He is not told to fix his past before he can be saved. He is invited to rest his future on Christ. This matters because many of us quietly assume that belief must... Continue Reading

The doctrine of forfeiture maintains that it is normally the Christian duty to submit to God-ordained authorities. However, if authorities blatantly transgress the parameters God has established for them—if they move outside of their lawful authority as designed by God—then they forfeit the right to submission. In these cases, it is not the obedient Christian... Continue Reading

Earthly marriages are at times filled with strife, numerous hurts, and disappointments, and they may even fail. Yet, Christ the Bridegroom will never disappoint his bride, the church. Jesus is always faithful, always loving, always wanting the best for us, and always sure to keep his promise to bring his people into glory (Rev. 21:1-2).... Continue Reading

Search your Bible concordance for all of Jesus’ public admonitions to love that are recorded in the Gospels. You’ll find only three directives: Love God, love your neighbor, and love your enemies. That’s it.   The college student’s challenge was formed as a question: “Doesn’t Jesus teach we should love and accept one another?” The... Continue Reading

The law is like the thick walls of Fremantle prison, garnished with jagged glass, overwatched by marksmen. We are trapped within by our sin, cursed by God and under his wrath…Build a spiritual ladder: imitate Christ, cultivate a passion for Christ, “invite Jesus into your heart.” None of these will avail for the law shoots... Continue Reading

Jesus modeled this restraint constantly. He did not heal every person immediately. He did not answer every accusation. He did not intervene in every conflict presented to Him. He moved with discernment, not compulsion.   Bottom Line Up Front Not every problem requires immediate action. Some situations mature when I give God room to work... Continue Reading

There are people in every field who have “been there and done that.” They know what newcomers cannot yet see: that most callings are different from what we imagine, and almost always harder than we expect. There are real costs as well as real rewards, and both must be weighed carefully. The goal is not... Continue Reading

God hasn’t called pastors to maximize reach or maintain relevance. He’s called them to shepherd souls through the faithful ministry of His Word, and that calling doesn’t bend just because the tools have changed. Any tool that serves that calling can be used with gratitude and restraint. Any tool that begins to displace it should... Continue Reading

“You were bought with a price” (v. 20). By the purchase price of His blood, Jesus has not only delivered our souls from sin, but He has redeemed our bodies. The body may not yet be what it will be, but not a drop of that precious blood has been spilled in vain, and we “belong—body... Continue Reading