“If human beings are in rebellion against God, if humans as Paul teaches in Romans suppress the truth even of nature in unrighteousness, and if faith only comes from the supernatural work of God’s Spirit in regenerating a person, then belief is not some sort of intellectual ascendancy to truth, beauty and goodness.”   Jason... Continue Reading

“So, as we move into the next phase of the celebrification of the Reformed world, that of the paid endorsement masquerading as innocently helpful recommendation, there are a couple of useful questions for congregants  to ask (maybe at the annual meeting?) when an already well-paid pastor introduces some parachurch product into his worship service.”  ... Continue Reading

“The doctrine of imputation—the crediting of our sin to Him and of His obedience to us—is essential to this gospel. It shows us why the gospel is such good news—Christ really has done it all. He has met our Creator’s standard of perfection for us, so we never need to fear the Lord’s wrath if... Continue Reading

To be clear, this faith embrace is not syrupy emotionalism or fleeting emotion, but it can never be characterized by aloofness. Saving faith knows no unstirred sterility, distant respect, or cold appropriation. Saving faith captivates its recipients: “Religion is not limited to one single human faculty [mind, will, emotion] but embraces the human being as... Continue Reading

It is worthwhile considering why we hold particular convictions. Do we hold them because that’s simply the way we were brought up? Or because it is the party line of the particular denomination we are part of? How much time have we spent evaluating our convictions in light of Scripture, with a willingness to understand... Continue Reading

Finally, by our prayers for seemingly small requests, we have an opportunity to turn one another’s eyes toward the spiritual purposes of temporal need. Just as Jesus concerned himself with both healed legs and forgiven souls, just as he handed out loaves of bread and gave himself as the bread of life, we pray for... Continue Reading

The business model seems attractive but success in ministry is not defined by buildings, bodies, and budgets. Our Lord said “my kingdom is not of this world.” He did not call legions of angels to deliver him because he was called to die. There is a corollary with ministry. It is a kind of daily... Continue Reading

The assumption that Jesus is confronting her sinful fornication is the assumption made by men from the perspective of men. If this was a man that Jesus was talking to, then the assumption is that the man has kicked out his wife five times looking for a younger or prettier model. We get that. But... Continue Reading

Jesus Christ established a new house of God, and He has made us to be stones in that house. The old house was full of corruption. And as He cleansed the corruption out the first time, He began replacing it with new stones for His new house. When He returned finally to that old house... Continue Reading

“Spiritual health, on the other hand, is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and the one to come (1 Tim. 4:8). So, simple math indicates that one ought to give the most effort to that which pays the highest dividends. With that, here are a few signs of spiritual... Continue Reading