A leader whose life reflects an ongoing identification with desires that Scripture calls “contrary to nature” presents a confusing model for the flock. Even if celibate, the outcome of such a way of life may fall short of the progressive sanctification that Scripture holds forth as normative for believers, and especially for leaders.   “Remember... Continue Reading

Discipline consistently, and you will know peace and happiness. “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart” (Proverbs 29:17). You will be happy if you like your kids, and you will like your kids if you discipline them away from what makes them obnoxious.   The cane... Continue Reading

Sibbes does not mess around with the ordinary, futile, human, religious remedies that all always fail. Instead, he directs us right to the heart of God, through faith in, and love for, the Son of God.   The Puritan pastor Rev. Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), was very-appropriately referred to as, “the heavenly Doctor.” Sometimes his books... Continue Reading

Through what seemed like a painful chain of events, the young woman who had been forced into marriage with a divorced pagan king became a mighty instrument in the hands of God.   Hadassah was a young woman who lived in the ancient, bustling city of Susa—located in modern-day southwestern Iran—around 480 BC. Her mother... Continue Reading

If you look back, you’ll probably see that the Spirit has encouraged and strengthened you many times in your life. He’ll do it again and again, until He brings you home.   As you look back on times of affliction, do you remember being suddenly, inexplicably encouraged to persevere? This is what the Holy Spirit... Continue Reading

Remember that every funeral is a loss for someone and a sacred moment entrusted to you. You are caring for souls at their most fragile moment and commending a believer to the promises of God. Few acts in ministry are heavier. Few feel more holy.   In almost seven years as a lead pastor, I... Continue Reading

The Holy Spirit is not waiting for you to develop a dramatic spiritual crisis before He does His deepest work. He is at work right now…and He is patient, and He is extraordinarily thorough, and the question pressing against every self-aware, spiritually serious person reading these words is simply this: are you paying attention to... Continue Reading

There has only ever been one God. And He has loved you with an everlasting love, and given Himself to you as your cheleq [portion], the slice of the field that is yours forever, and that no thief can carry off, and no market can devalue, and no fire can burn, and no grave can... Continue Reading

The theology of the Westminster Larger Catechism is antithetical to antisemitism.  It reflects a profound and hope-filled Christian view of history.  It is potent with hermeneutical and missiological significance.  It is critical for our present moment.  Taking an exception to Larger Catechism 191 on this point does not mean that a candidate is antisemitic.  But... Continue Reading

While Abraham stood on a hill pleading for a wicked city, Jesus Christ hung on a cross, interceding for a wicked world. Abraham asked God to spare the guilty for the sake of ten righteous men. On the cross, God spared the guilty for the sake of One Righteous Man—Jesus Christ, whose perfect righteousness covers our sin... Continue Reading