“The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 29:19.   Did you know you could ask for that? “Fresh joy.” What a glorious phrase! I know that often I need this. I can grow stale and forgetful. I can take... Continue Reading

When we look at Christ, we see someone who “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” (Philippians 2:6). We see the Son, “for whom and by whom all things exist,” suffering (Hebrews 2:10). Christ is no misunderstood Messiah or mere prophet. He is... Continue Reading

“speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.” Singing together is another way that we sharpen one another, even “as iron sharpens iron.”   Singing is an instrument of God given to creation for our benefit. By singing, we show how we... Continue Reading

Making sure people got served is the reason the deaconate was instituted. So why does the Lord take Mary’s side in this?   Luke 10:38–42 (ESV) Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who... Continue Reading

Putting our hand to the plow and not peaking back at our former ways means that we have a new creaturehood guiding our what matters to us now. We gander at the steel as it cuts the sod, and our own grip as we conduct all things forward into the bounty available in grace. Our... Continue Reading

 He is at the center of His people. Is Christ the center of your life? Have you received Him by faith, confessed your sins to Him, and cried out, “Hosanna”?   Feast of Passover The Feast of Passover was the greatest celebration in the Hebrew calendar. It marked the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery... Continue Reading

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his... Continue Reading

Who is responsible for ordering the proper worship of God’s people? The Elders of the local church are responsible for the proper ordering of the gathered worship of God’s people.   The elders of the local church have the great responsibility of ordering the worship of the church. This responsibility is a scriptural mandate because... Continue Reading

It wasn’t just Jewish worshippers that God cared about; his Temple was supposed to provide a welcoming refuge for everyone from the surrounding nations who sought the true God (cf. 2 Chr 6:32-33).   Days before his crucifixion, Jesus came to a Temple awash with commerce (Matt 21:12–13). Nothing inherently sinful about business—though by most... Continue Reading

What began as a small family tragedy ultimately became a national and international sensation, drawing the attention of the world’s most powerful lawmakers, religious leaders, and celebrities. Without being able to speak a word, one helpless woman forced all of them to grapple with the most vital questions we will ever be asked to answer... Continue Reading