When Paul talks about the traditions he “delivered over” to his churches, he makes the following comments on them: commends Corinth for holding firm to them (despite other spiritual issues in the local church) (1 Cor 11.2); exhorts Thessalonica to stand fast and hold to them (2 Thess 2.15); and warns against keeping company with... Continue Reading

God does not judge our works with the strictness of a Judge, but with the tenderness of a Father. He looks upon us in His Son and “is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses.” Like a father who cherishes a drawing from his toddler not because it... Continue Reading

Many Christian leaders today treat their ministry calling like a contract that is renewable only if the benefits outweigh the costs. But William Carey treated his calling like a covenant. He once wrote, “When I left England, my hope of India’s conversion was very strong; but among so many obstacles, it would die, unless upheld... Continue Reading

We will be outflanked if we continue to prepare for the ideological battles of the last century. As those who should understand the times, we need to understand the nature of the liberalism arising in Christianity today. This ethical liberalism, which is really a lack of genuine repentance, threatens to undermine the church in this... Continue Reading

The future of Christianity in Europe may not be large. It may not be culturally dominant. It may not regain the old privileges of establishment. But the Church is often true when it has lost the illusion that power guarantees faithfulness. Europe may be post-Christendom. That is obvious. But it is not necessarily post-Gospel.  ... Continue Reading

If the culture two centuries ago was more favorably inclined toward the church, more familiar with the Bible, and well accustomed to the acknowledging—if not the proper observing—of the Christian Sabbath (Lord’s Day)—all of which were certainly the case—how much more today must our ministers expect to endure costly sacrifices and severe sufferings in laboring... Continue Reading

LGBTQ+ movement has shifted its rite of passage from “coming out” to “cutting off”–cutting off of parents, of history, of reality, and sometimes even body parts. And that level of violence can only be sustained by rage. All of the made-up identities of LGBTQ+ celebrate such a cutting off. I regularly hear sad stories of... Continue Reading

The most loving thing you can do for someone who has confused opinion for truth is not to validate the confusion. It is to point them—gently, carefully, at personal cost—toward the truth that actually has the power to set them free. Not your truth. The truth. There is a difference, and that difference is everything.... Continue Reading

You should not make major decisions in life without consulting wise counselors. Give much weight to advice from pastors, parents, and friends who have walked with the Lord for a long time. As you do, be sure not to stack the deck one way by asking advice from people who will tell you what you want... Continue Reading

Many Christians quietly assume that if they were transported to a distant culture, they would become more zealous for the gospel than they are now. In reality, missionary faithfulness usually grows out of habits of evangelism formed long before someone ever leaves home.  The order of love reminds us that we should first be faithful... Continue Reading