The gospel frees pastors from having to be a perfect shepherd. We do not need to pretend to be something we’re not. Christ knows all our flaws, and throughout the seasons of ministry, our local church will see that we are flawed as well. Trying to project some transcendent persona will not help the sheep... Continue Reading

Joseph believes that when he is raised to life, he will be raised in the Garden of Eden, in the very presence of God. This is significant for us because what it teaches us is the Christian hope of resurrection.   Return to Eden When thinking of exile and return in the Bible, it’s critical... Continue Reading

We’ve become better at branding our little castles than we are in building the Kingdom, WHICH IS THE ENTIRE POINT!!! And, the saddest part, is that the world is watching. And laughing. Worse than that—they are getting a totally false view of discipleship. Because tribalism doesn’t just deform the Church. It disciples the world. It... Continue Reading

Just as both political parties in the United States have listened carefully to various minority voting blocs, we as Christians should seek to articulate our point of view, to articulate policies we would like to see enacted, to advocate protections for our families, and then begin to lobby for those things and help politicians see... Continue Reading

If we grant that Paul had some conception of a tiered-universe (however we want to define it), then we can gain some clarity as to why he might say: I was snatched up to the third heaven. By third, he may mean something like: the spiritual realm that exists in the heavenly places. It is not... Continue Reading

If no-one is saved through works of the law, and you go back to the law, you know you are guilty. You are a sinner under God’s judgement, and not a free person trusting in Jesus. Going back to the law is the disaster.  It doesn’t mean you are taking following God more seriously; it... Continue Reading

Though he is a towering figure in Christian history, Paul never sought the glory of men even though he deserved to be honored in the sight of men. Is our greatest desire to be faithful to the Lord in our work? Or are we ultimately after another prize, one that fades, such as the Nobel... Continue Reading

It appears we can tolerate wickedness of the worst kind in this country (and keep silent about it), but if you mention something about CN and the Kingship of Christ over all things, then many Christian leaders go crazy with rage. You may be disciplined by the church for holding to such a heresy.  Whoever would... Continue Reading

  Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, is the ground of our confidence. It changes everything, as Thomas finally understood. We need not ever shrink back from any honest inquiry. We need fear no question about Christ. Every question that can be asked of Christ has been asked, and well answered, countless times over the last... Continue Reading

Jesus, while kind and gentle to His sheep, was fierce toward those who perpetrated evil, false religion, and deception. John Calvin understood this when he wrote, “The pastor ought to have two voices; one for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of... Continue Reading