In Exodus 19, God’s glory was evident in the fire and cloud upon Sinai. And in Exodus 40, God’s glory was evident in the fire and cloud upon the tabernacle. The tabernacle was the new Sinai, a portable Sinai.1 The Lord had spoken from Sinai, and the Lord would now speak from the tent of... Continue Reading

When God saves us, he saves us into the church—the family of God. Like a family, each person contributes to the welfare of the home. The same is true for the church. As members of the same family, we gather each week to help one another and contribute to the well-being of the church.  ... Continue Reading

There’s an off-ramp to escape each time we are tempted. Sometimes we don’t feel it, sometimes we may miss it, but it’s always there. By the Spirit’s power at work in us, we can say no…but it’s a daily battle of repentance and confession.   Kings tried to take his life. He stood toe-to-toe with... Continue Reading

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as... Continue Reading

 Theologians describe the corruption of our minds as “the noetic effects of sin.” Because of sin, human beings are not able to properly and fully know and understand God, themselves, or the world. Sin distorts reality and blinds us to the truth, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of God’s blessing in Christ.   In... Continue Reading

God’s Word points to holiness displayed in the mundane of everyday life. They point to living in Christlikeness in every facet of our lives. Admittedly, God’s people’s tough slogging through the muddy fields of life isn’t as glamorous as mountaintop experiences, but it’s at the heart of what true revival and reformation are all about. ... Continue Reading

We ought to put aside any thoughts of deceiving God or being less than honest with God. There is no benefit to mouthing words that do not reflect our hearts. But there is great benefit in honestly telling God our every struggle, our every temptation, our every desire, and asking him to extend to us... Continue Reading

We’re meant to be like mirrors, reflecting glory to its source. Imagine someone seeing the brilliant noon sun reflected in a mirror and complimenting the mirror on its brightness. How absurd! The mirror merely reflects; it produces no light of its own.   Human nature instinctively seeks glory for itself. It reminds me of the... Continue Reading

The book of Psalms begins with the law. Describing the blessed man, the psalm that opens and frames the entire book speaks of someone who delights in the law and meditates upon it day and night. In the psalms, we see something of the law internalized in song, which conscripts our will and affections and... Continue Reading

While we should do good to all, Scripture commands us to first prioritize care for fellow believers, especially those in the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). The church is a family, and love within the family takes precedence.  John teaches that anyone who claims to love God while neglecting his brother is a liar because... Continue Reading