On occasion, my children asked to read stories that, on the surface, seemed frightening or cruel. Of course, age-appropriate content is paramount. But there were times that I dismissed their curiosity simply because it was convenient. In these moments, I failed to appreciate the greatest opportunity a parent can have—the willingness of their child to... Continue Reading

When I walked into the church, I was so low I wondered if I would ever be able to look another human directly in the eye again. However, as the word of God washed over me, I was reminded I was not alone in my condition. It is not as if I deserve hell and... Continue Reading

If we are intrinsically fallen and structurally flawed from the moment of our creation, then what hope is there that we will be any different in the future? There would be none. But Scripture denies this possibility because the problem of sin is moral, and not ontological, which means that we can become what we... Continue Reading

It is unclear why Bishop Budde believes that appealing to Jesus carries any weight when she so openly rejects the authority of Scripture in both her doctrinal positions and her teachings on sexuality. Like Anne Hutchinson before her, she trusts her own intuitions as divinely guided, granting herself the authority to pick and choose which... Continue Reading

An in-depth example of Paul’s concern for motivation is found in his interaction with Philemon, the wealthy slave owner. The subject of Paul’s letter to Philemon is Philemon’s escaped slave Onesimus. After escaping, Onesimus had become a Christian, and part of Paul’s team. Paul writes to Philemon to request that he forgive and receive Onesimus... Continue Reading

The old purity culture that has earned such scorn in trendy Christian circles over recent years certainly had its limitations and its problems. But it understood a couple of truths: Sex is important, not trivial; sex is sacred, not just one species of human act among others; and how we act sexually reflects how we... Continue Reading

Our idols will affirm our belief that because we are at the center, then anyone who doesn’t align with our desires or opinions is simply wrong or out of touch. Further, our idols will bolster our belief that because we are central, it’s perfectly fine for us to see others as a means to our... Continue Reading

Praise is the consummation of enjoyment. All enjoyment tends towards praise and adoration as its appointed end. In this way, God’s seeking his own glory and God’s seeking your good converge.   1. God’s Love Is Not Something God Owes Us While it is true that God is love (1 John 4:16), this does not... Continue Reading

In a hostile and man-centred world we are tempted to change the gospel to reduce embarrassment or shame, to be more attractive to visitors, or even to fake successful ministries. Yes, ‘…the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of... Continue Reading

There is a close connection between the calling of David and Jesus. David was a shepherd when the Lord called him to rule over Israel (1 Sam. 16:19; 2 Sam. 7:8). The Lord chose and anointed David to shepherd His people (2 Sam. 5:1–2). Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the chosen and Anointed One appointed... Continue Reading