God did not inspire paraphrases. He inspired words – specific words, given through human authors by the Holy Spirit, preserved for his people. Our task is not to improve upon them, but to receive them faithfully.     There is something profoundly simple, and yet profoundly neglected, at the heart of the Christian life –... Continue Reading

The complete control of God over the cosmos is the most comforting doctrine in the Christian faith—definitely for those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. “People treat God’s sovereignty as a matter of controversy,” Packer wrote, “but Scripture it is a matter of worship.” The sovereignty of God, as Packer mentioned... Continue Reading

How healthy it is to share a cellblock with a spiritual elder, to be under their accountability when you are struggling with sin, or to have an abundance of time to spend with a new believer you are discipling! For its transparency and the time together it allows, the prison environment is fertile ground for... Continue Reading

Tithing is not merely a financial act; it is a declaration of trust. Because God commands the tithe, we are called to obedience in this area of our lives. Many of us have publicly taken vows before God and His people, committing ourselves to faithfulness in all aspects of discipleship—including our stewardship.   Now consider... Continue Reading

While Christians “must live without regard to the opinion of the world” because our standards are Christ’s and not the world’s, we still “must always have in mind the opinion of the world”[7] because our brotherly love “would deprive outsiders of anything to criticize.”[8]   As we walk through this Resurrection season emphasizing new life,... Continue Reading

Though they are in agony of body or spirit, still they praise the Lord and proclaim his glories. Though they are broken, they rejoice; though they are heartbroken, they worship; though they have been brought low, they lift their voices high.     Every year, as winter turns to spring, I begin to look to... Continue Reading

In your waiting, what are you waiting for? Are you narrowly waiting for God to arrange a specific outcome or dispense a certain provision? Or are you diligently waiting upon Him, with your soul quieted and reliant upon the goodness of His character and His will (Ps 37:7)?   Surely you would agree with me... Continue Reading

You may be wondering, “But what if I don’t know what to say?” That’s a valid concern, but notice what the verse says: It says to rejoice. It says to weep. It doesn’t say give a dissertation. Just join them. You may not know what to say, but you can weep. You may not have... Continue Reading

The repentance to which God would have us bring words involves three phases overlapping each other: a motivating godly sorrow for sin, a decisive change of mind that turns from sin to God, and a committed outflow of loving obedience. The array we pack will contain fitting words to lead us to life, healing, and... Continue Reading

Immigration is as controversial as it has ever been in American life, particularly as patterns of migration from Latin America intersect with broader global movement and displacement.   Some cross borders fleeing violence or persecution. Others move primarily in search of economic opportunity and stability. According to the United Nations, an estimated 122 million people,... Continue Reading