Let us attend to the doctrine inculcated by this preacher, “Ye shall not surely die.” Bold assertion, without a single argument to support it! The death contained in the threatening was doubtless eternal death, as nothing but this would express God’s feelings toward sin or render an infinite atonement necessary. To suppose it to be... Continue Reading

The words we speak – even throwaway comments we think nothing of – say something about our hearts. What we really think, or more specifically what we really are, comes out in what we say, maybe especially in those moments when we just aren’t thinking a great deal about what we’re saying at all.  ... Continue Reading

Israel, as the book of 1 Samuel opens, is an amoral soup.  During the time of the Judges Joshua’s righteous generation died out.  A new generation arose which neither knew the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.  And the result of that disconnect is a spiral into immorality.  Israel look no different from... Continue Reading

 Who will be marked for protection? All of God’s people, every single one. All of them will be kept safe. This is the complete number of Old Testament saints who looked forward and put their faith in the Christ who was promised combined with those saints in the New Testament era who look back at... Continue Reading

God has given endless opportunities to enjoy Him and bathe in His creation. He puts His power, attributes, glory and wisdom on display outdoors. Go for a walk. Go to a park. Take a hike. Take another along with you. Ponder, meditate, memorize, talk about, reflect on Christ and His Word together.   The Lord’s... Continue Reading

Revelation is general in terms of both audience and content. Paul, in Romans 1, explains that through creation we know enough about God and about ourselves to stand condemned before God. The word general here means that all men know this.   The Westminster Confession of Faith is one of the most important Protestant confessions, for it... Continue Reading

Joseph Addison Alexander, often compared to Napoleon Bonaparte for his commanding presence, was a distinguished scholar and professor. Known for his sharp intellect and occasional use of biting sarcasm, he contributed significantly to theological literature. Despite his reclusive nature, his deep friendships and impact on students were profound.   They said he looked like Napoleon... Continue Reading

Aquinas lays down a basic principle: “One’s obligation to love a person is proportionate to the gravity of the sin one commits in acting against this love.” To say it another way, we are to love with deeper devotion those for whom we have a bigger responsibility. Those against the concept of Ordo Amoris are either being dishonest or... Continue Reading

God does not need our perfection. Such striving undermines his grace and reinforces our self-sufficiency. Instead, God receives the humble, whom he will exalt at the appropriate time (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). In our failures, we trust that God will fulfill his purposes for us according to his steadfast love (Psalm 138:8).   Most of... Continue Reading

In Colossians 4, Paul provides unique insights into his ministry team and their connections. We learn that Aristarchus was imprisoned with Paul, Barnabas had a cousin Mark, and Epaphras was a dedicated pastor in Colossae. Luke was confirmed to be a physician, and Demas, who later deserted Paul, was once a valued co-worker.   Here... Continue Reading