We’re all alike. We tend to over-invest in relationships, tying our joy and sense of identity to people who are imperfect (just like us). Or we under-invest, choosing distance, detachment, self-protection. But Jesus shows us a third way: to love fully, serve sacrificially, without making it a transaction. Christ expected nothing in return.    ... Continue Reading

Our salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Baptism is not necessary in order to receive the forgiveness of sins. We only need to look to the thief on the cross as an example. If baptism is required for salvation, the thief on the cross is in Hell. Of course, Jesus... Continue Reading

Day after day, week after week, and even month after month the pattern continues. Wake up, feel the pain of the situation, pray, go to sleep. Wash, rinse, repeat. Over and over again. But eventually that period comes to an end. It likely doesn’t come to an end with an exclamation point – not some... Continue Reading

Second, on the positive side, is Sasse’s exhortation regarding “the glory of not needing to strive from Saturday night to Sunday night . . . we get to rest.” To which he adds, “. . . it’s glorious to get to reflect on the things of the Lord.” Physical rest facilitates spiritual rest, of which... Continue Reading

Our salvation—and the salvation of the entire world—can’t be achieved by the works of our hands. It will only arrive as a gift of God’s grace through the work of Jesus Christ. Keeping the Sabbath of the Lord is designed to bring us, in mind, spirit, and body, to the Lord of the Sabbath—Jesus Christ.... Continue Reading

When we find ourselves in confusing circumstances or feeling the fragility of our own faith, we must remember that our God is not in a hurry to dismiss us. He is the God of the winepress and the fleece—a God who is patient, kind, and ever committed to His covenant people.   The Book of... Continue Reading

The man who harbors sin in his heart is always far from God. And, if you humble yourself and go to God, He will tear the idols from your heart, because His beauty exposes the ugliness of sin, and His life exposes the death and decay of sin.   Sam Allberry, a self-proclaimed “Christian who... Continue Reading

Sin causes us to jump from one extreme to the other while missing the “marrow” of truth. This is classic for Legalism and Antinomianism. It is often a ping pong match between these two that misses the gospel altogether. When someone reacts to Antinomianism, they often are tempted to respond with Legalism.   Introduction Antinomianism... Continue Reading

In his investigation of wisdom, the Preacher lands on a second truth as difficult as our own mortality. Both the wise and the foolish die alike, and neither one is remembered.   When was the last time you walked through a cemetery? Such a stroll may seem dismal, but it’s quite good for your soul.... Continue Reading

The lot in the Christian’s life is suffering which produces an eternal weight of glory. If Christ, our Captain, suffered, then we as His soldiers can expect nothing less. If Christ, our Forerunner, has suffered, then let us embrace the same calling.   “Suffer hardship with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2... Continue Reading