The variety of Jesus’ prayers in the gospels makes clear that prayer comes in different forms, such as petition, thanksgiving, and intercession. As the believer grows in his or her faith, he or she will naturally learn to pray in moments of crisis or when discernment is needed. Regular times of prayer will foster a... Continue Reading

“From my own observations, most people who become supporters of Christian nationalism do not begin as right-wing political activists first (although political leaders may cynically exploit Christian nationalists for their own white nationalist power campaigns). On the contrary, Christian nationalists start out as Christian first.” (p. 43). This is analogous to what happens as people... Continue Reading

Technology isn’t the enemy. But when our use of it turns sacred moments into content for public consumption, we risk losing the reverence that should define our approach to God. Holiness doesn’t trend well. Silence doesn’t go viral. Repentance isn’t marketable. But these are essential parts of the Christian life. Bad tech pushes us toward... Continue Reading

Just as the athletes discarded everything and competed gumnos—free from anything that could possibly burden them—so we must get rid of every encumbrance, every association, habit, and tendency that impedes godliness. If we are to excel, we must strip ourselves to a lean, spiritual nakedness… Men, we will never get anywhere spiritually without a conscious... Continue Reading

It’s not ordinary to resist the erotic pulls of the heart. It can be done only with the power God gives through union with Christ and his Spirit driving us to worship him and put him first in our lives. We commit our unmet desires to God for him to satisfy in his own way—in... Continue Reading

As we consider acceptable and authentic worship, we must also note that it’s possible to possess the right tenor yet have the wrong spirit. In one of the most important passages regarding authentic worship, Jesus said to the Samaritan woman: “The Father is seeking such people to worship him. . . . Those who worship... Continue Reading

Is that bigger house really a good idea if it takes us out of the reach of a good church? Is that school catchment area really the place to go if it means we can’t access a good church once we’re there? It pays to think about our spiritual life before we decide to make... Continue Reading

We were formed for fellowship, designed to live in communion with God and his people. The triune God created us out of the deliberate overflow of his own eternal delighting fellowship and love. Salvation is forgiveness and fellowship, acquittal and adoption, righteousness and relationship.   When I announced I was writing a book on union... Continue Reading

The primary focus in worship is remembering in Whose presence we are and what He deserves.  We can’t give the level of worship the angelic cherubim and seraphim give, but they represent models and standards of what worship involves—undistracted and undistracting worship (cf., Isaiah 6: 4-6, Ezekiel 10: 1-22).   Dr. Carl R. Trueman wrote... Continue Reading

What man could not do, God did, by sending His Son to ransom men for God. Christ died for sinners, and Christ rose victoriously from the grave. Who has given more than God? Who has loved you like God?   “For God so loved the world…” Could you finish the phrase? I’m sure you could.... Continue Reading