In addition to emphasizing the distinction between justification and sanctification, we must emphasize that they are, furthermore, “necessary, inseparable and simultaneous.” Sanctification is not some add-on that may come after justification, but is integral to Christian salvation from the moment of our conversion and regeneration. Sanctification is as necessary to salvation as is justification, since... Continue Reading

The failures of the federal government in handling veterans’ medical care, for 21.6 million living veterans, raises serious questions about the federal government’s ability to monitor the higher education of 21 million students. My vote is to allow the independent accrediting agencies, on the basis of the strength of these independent and experienced bodies, to... Continue Reading

What is our refuge and strength? If it is a political party, a particular person, or a pocket full of plenty, we should find ourselves fearing, for we will be failed by these “gods.” However if our refuge and strength is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, then we are in great shape.  ... Continue Reading

“The church participates in Christ’s suffering. But this participation adds nothing to Christ’s merit. The sufferings of Christians may benefit other people, but they always fall short of atonement. I cannot atone for anyone’s sins, not even for my own. Yet my suffering may be of great benefit to other people. It may also serve... Continue Reading

“Sure, to those who are not called, those without faith, we may look like a bunch of idiots rolling out of bed on Sunday morning to sit in a pew and listen to some guy preach. But there is something happening that they do not understand. We are receiving grace. We are being nourished by... Continue Reading

“Christ can restore lost years by deepening your fellowship with him. Why not ask him for this? Tell him, “Lord, I have spent too many years without you, too many years at a distance from you. Fill my heart with love and gratitude for Christ. Let the loss of these years make my love for... Continue Reading

“The world needs salt—not sugar. Although salt and sugar may look somewhat alike, when analyzed or when applied they are certainly different. Neither did Christ call Christians to be the shade of the world. We are not to muffle or encumber the light of the world. Rather we are to broadcast it. The metaphor of... Continue Reading

“That fear of “What will I say?” deters lots of people from hospital visits. But you don’t need to say a lot. In fact, silence often communicates more than our words. You can speak of Christ’s sufferings and of how He empathizes with us, and also share His care and compassion for the sick. And... Continue Reading

We have started the race, now let us run it with perseverance so that we might finish well and receive the crown. Yes, we need time-outs. Yes, we need water-breaks. Yes, we need vacations, sabbaticals, and weekly sabbath rests. But we are called to work six days for the cause of Christ. So let us not... Continue Reading

What does it mean to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem”?  Are we praying primarily for a political peace?  Of course, political peace is good and an asset to all parties.  But the peace must mean a fundamental change of heart and action on the part of all those who live in Jerusalem and the... Continue Reading