Proper prayer demands repentance–Calvin cautions that God closes the door to us without it. For this reason, they who delight in their own foulness aspire not at all. Lawful prayer, therefore, demands repentance. Hence arises the commonplace in Scripture that God does not hearken to the wicked [John 9:31], and that their prayers [cf. Prov.... Continue Reading

Christ’s mercy says, “Do not despair. Do not lose hope, for you have living hope in Christ, an imperishable and incorruptible hope.” May you rejoice in this hope, and may you embrace it in faith. Every Christian has the sure hope of the forgiveness of sin and the resurrection. In Christ, the end of your... Continue Reading

Do you really think you’re the reason for why your family doesn’t believe? I’m not excusing your sin  nor watering it down. It is true that our sin affects others. But, the only reason why someone believes is because the “Holy Spirit enables us to believe in Christ according to the gospel” (WLC 59; Rom.... Continue Reading

By the time we reach the end of the Sermon on the Mount, it ought to be clear that Jesus is not, in this text, the rock on which a person must build their life. No, Jesus is the storm that will come and put severe pressure on the lives they have built. Jesus is... Continue Reading

Christmas and all its trappings is there to be enjoyed. The material aspects of Christmas are as much there to be actively enjoyed and are equally gifts from God as any of the spiritual aspects. The gifts, the food, the drink and all the merriment is legitimately enjoyable and God takes delight in our enjoyment... Continue Reading

The everlasting love of God draws us to Him. We want to be with Him, to know more of His love in every moment of our lives. We want to be the proof of God’s love to others, to love them as God loves us, so that they will look to the Lord for the... Continue Reading

How do you respond to that unfair comment or inconsiderate request? Will you give in to the temptation of instant gratification? Are you mastered by your spirit, or do you master it? These are the real battles where Jesus calls you to fight and makes you a conqueror.   Whoever is slow to anger is... Continue Reading

 Don’t borrow from tomorrow’s troubles. To be sure, tomorrow is filled with troubles. Tomorrow is filled with suffering.  Tomorrow is filled with sorrow. But God has given you what you need for this day’s troubles. He’s given us enough grace for today.   Are you still worried today? Jesus cares about your worries. Our Savior warns... Continue Reading

We all must seek to be like David and fulfill the purposes of God that he has for us in our generation. But one way to ensure that this happens is by encouraging one another. It is just too easy to get discouraged and wrongly think that we are doing nothing of value, and thus... Continue Reading

The digital revolution hasn’t diminished pastoral ministry. Instead, it has forced us to clarify and refine our essential role. Our calling remains unchanged, even as the context evolves. We still shepherd God’s people toward truth and wisdom, but now we do so by helping them navigate an increasingly complex information landscape. As we fulfill this... Continue Reading