John Bradford, an English martyr who was burned at the stake, often shared an interesting idea. He reflected that if God created such a magnificent universe for his enemies, then the world he must have prepared for his friends is extraordinary. It’s going to be incredible. But it’s only for his friends.   Big Idea:... Continue Reading

After Jesus told Nicodemus of God loving the world He said this: “But he who does not believe is condemned already, because He has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). If you do not believe on the Son of God for your salvation you are condemned. What... Continue Reading

By these multiple references to the work of the Holy Spirit through these three basic phases in Acts, this critical era of redemptive history receives its defining focus. At every moment of the advancement of the gospel, the role of the Holy Spirit manifests his prominence. By prophetic predictions, through the emboldening of the apostles,... Continue Reading

In Proverbs 2:16-19, the adulterous woman “forgets the covenant of her God” (Prov 2:17). In chapter 7, she’s someone who offers sacrifices at God’s temple (Prov 7:14), so we can see that in some sense she was indeed a member of the community of God’s people. Such people can be chief among those who offer... Continue Reading

The testimony of our earliest known non-Christian witness to Jesus closely correlates with what the writers of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) believed and wrote about Jesus: that Jesus performed miracles, was accepted as the Christ by his followers, was condemned to death by Pilate at the instigation of Jewish leaders, crucified on... Continue Reading

It is good for young men to be ambitious and look for meaning outside themselves. The essential task now is to channel this energy correctly. Caesar, Napoleon, and Trump may leave earthly legacies, but ultimately, their achievements will pass away. The only way truly to fulfill one’s quest for purpose is to find it in... Continue Reading

Moses asks to see God in all his glory. But no one can see God and live (33:20)! Has Moses lost his mind? Or is he perhaps as close to the heart of God that he’s ever been? Is he actually asking God for the exact sort of thing that God wants to give? Indeed, God’s... Continue Reading

The meaning of the Bible is clear enough, and deep down we know that this is a credible book that has the ring of truth to it. What we should do as we’re studying the Bible and asking for God’s help is also just put into practice what the Bible says. We may become more... Continue Reading

Out of this debate in the fourth century comes three trinitarian core beliefs: belief that the three persons of the Trinity are consubstantial, co-equal, and co-eternal. Yet the Father is not the Son or Spirit, the Son is not the Father or Spirit, and the Spirit is not the Father or Son. The “one in... Continue Reading

Our unity is not created or maintained by cultural norms, familial ties, convenience, or a particular appetite. No, it is the Word of truth that shapes and establishes the unity of the Church. But when we look around, when we take in the whole scene of the visible Church on earth, “unity” may not be... Continue Reading