In keeping with the journalistic tradition of looking back at the recent past, we present the top 50 stories of the year that were read on The Aquila Report site based on the number of hits. We will present the 50 stories in groups of 10 to run on five lists on consecutive days. Here... Continue Reading

Don’t be afraid to call yourself a Trinitarian. We believe in a thrice holy God. This God, who exists as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, redeemed us when we were headed for hell. The Father chose, the Son purchased, the Spirit empowers. As we live, we live in communion with the Trinity.... Continue Reading

The expectation of joy in Christ and the advance of his glorious kingdom ought to motivate us all to “attempt great things for God.” This optimism, grounded in the gospel of Christ, will prompt us to celebrate the first advent of Jesus, while living zealously anticipating his second advent.   When William Carey preached on... Continue Reading

The main problem with the King’s Gospel [is]…it is a gospel for our age—which is no gospel at all. Ultimately it leaves out the real Christ, and leaves us with a collection of wishes and cliches—which saves no one.   In a year when the Archbishop of Canterbury was forced to resign, and with continued... Continue Reading

Germany is historically a Christian country, the birthplace of the Reformation, and a stronghold of Western civilization. Although much of the nation has secularized, the remnants of Christian Germany are still visible in places. If Germany as a nation survives, those historic roots could serve as the foundation for Christian revival.   With the recent... Continue Reading

Jesus is the ultimate king of Israel. He’s the ultimate human. That is, he’s not the first Adam, but he’s the last Adam. And every one of the promises that were made in that previous era become ours—every one of them—through Jesus.   Growing in Holiness This is an important question, because promises are the... Continue Reading

The view that children are unnecessary burdens or optional accessories did not start with millennials, but it has reached its logical conclusion in that generation. The rapid disappearance and replacement of once-common family relationships, including siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents has made the world lonelier for young and old alike.     People often joke... Continue Reading

So many believers need to begin to think, and to think carefully, for God’s glory. Here are 30 quotes by 17 Christian authors (out of so many) stressing the importance of loving God with our minds and with the totality of our being.   Some cynics might think that my title offers an oxymoron. ‘What, do... Continue Reading

In the early fourth century, the Council of Nicaea convened to discuss the nature and personhood of Jesus Christ. Was Jesus simply another being, created by God? Or, was He truly God and truly man, not created but eternal? What was the true relationship of Christ to God the Father?    The Nicene Creed sets... Continue Reading

In keeping with the journalistic tradition of looking back at the recent past, we present the top 50 stories of the year that were read on The Aquila Report site based on the number of hits. We will present the 50 stories in groups of 10 to run on five lists on consecutive days. Here... Continue Reading

On average, kids are spending more than 16 hours each week in sports. Practices, games, and tournaments are eating up a large portion of a family’s time together. And when stressed and overbooked families are looking at their weekly schedules, it is often Sunday worship and midweek church activities that don’t make the cut.  ... Continue Reading

A few years ago it always seemed simple to find a few consensus picks. Recently, though, it has become far more difficult. So while I scour as many lists as ever, it is rare for a single book to appear on more than a handful of them. With that in mind, here are the ones... Continue Reading

An image of a baby lying in a rented hay box is so far removed from the world’s view of success that it can only come from another place, and mean something completely different.   Imagine for a moment that there is nothing of worth in this world, as worth has no intrinsic meaning. Each... Continue Reading

As the Author and Perfecter of our faith, the Lord “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Let us, in imitation of our God, live a life of joy no matter the strife... Continue Reading

The Psalms have always been sung by God’s people. Therefore, when we sing them, we are uniting with God’s people over the earth and over the ages. Even though the languages are different, God’s people from Lusaka to Chennai to Sydney sing Psalms together. In doing so, we are united with all who’ve gone before... Continue Reading

Because of his claim on truth, Jesus will be a stumbling block to many in this generation, but let’s not add extra, unnecessary offense—Jesus’ radical offer of undeserved grace is offensive enough. Though the truth may appear restrictive to bespoke spiritualists, this truth can set them free, as it has us (John 8:32).   During... Continue Reading

“We thank God for Joni and Friends Missouri—and the donors that make their programs come to life. You truly do hold us up when our strength is all but gone. Thank you, from the bottom of our weary souls, for being the hands and feet of Jesus—for loving your neighbors and helping us get through... Continue Reading

The marriage of the Bible’s arc of Messiah’s storyline and musical scores worthy of such a narrative sweeps us up to exalt our sovereign God who triumphs through Christ Jesus to reign eternally over all. The profound worship of the Lord Christ, spanning nearly three hours, is an extraordinary experience.   As we have seen... Continue Reading

In keeping with the journalistic tradition of looking back at the recent past, we present the top 50 stories of the year that were read on The Aquila Report site based on the number of hits. We will present the 50 stories in groups of 10 to run on five lists on consecutive days.  Here... Continue Reading

Paul had known the Christian movement from its beginning; first from the outside, as one of the chief agents in its persecution, and then from the inside, as the most active leader of its propaganda [note: the term did not yet have the negative connotation it does now]. He was familiarly acquainted with the Apostles... Continue Reading

Following the ascension of Christ in Section 33 [of “Messiah,”] which cites Psalm 24:7–10, [the following] sections outline the effect of Christ’s exaltation to heaven. This impact begins in heaven, but flows downhill, if you will, to impact all creation. On earth, the Messiah is bringing his kingdom by way of his Spirit and his Word... Continue Reading

These books left an imprint on me, causing me to think, feel, laugh, and hope while I read them and after completing them…I share this list, hoping that they do the same for you.   I always enjoy reading end-of-year book lists. As in past years, I’ve broken my list up into two categories, “Christian... Continue Reading

In our own day Reformed theology has almost become a brand unto itself—we have somehow convinced ourselves that there is a unique Reformed approach to all doctrine. Yet, our Reformed forefathers knew better—they benefited from the riches of their common patristic and medieval heritage. We should do likewise.   I can remember hearing a colleague... Continue Reading

Men, pay attention: don’t waste your marriage. Don’t settle for a life of comfort and consumption. You were made for more than this. Your marriage was made for more than this.   In today’s culture, marriage is little more than a mutual agreement to share a life and expenses while grinding away at work and... Continue Reading

The better we prepare to fulfill our calling as witnesses, the more consistent and effective we will be in this work that God has appointed to us. And the more we discover just how gracious and kind God is to have chosen us for this vocation, the readier we will be to step into His... Continue Reading

Jonah teaches us about the heart of God—a heart of mercy and grace for sinners. Jesus fulfills that lesson fully. The question for you is the same one that faced the Ninevites and the Pharisees: How will you respond?   Two summers ago, I preached through the book of Jonah. It remains one of the... Continue Reading

Jesus’ reign is unlike any other. It is marked by justice, peace, and sacrificial love. His dominion spans all nations and endures forever, firmly established by the zeal of the Lord of hosts. Rejoice Christian!   Isaiah 9:7 declares: Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of... Continue Reading

In keeping with the journalistic tradition of looking back at the recent past, we present the top 50 stories of the year that were read on The Aquila Report site based on the number of hits. We will present the 50 stories in groups of 10 to run on five lists on consecutive days. Here... Continue Reading

In verse 42, the thief said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” By acknowledging that Jesus has a kingdom, the thief affirmed Christ’s lordship… Beza observes that the Gospel accounts emphasize how the disciples scattered, with only John remaining at the cross. None of the Twelve spoke on Jesus’s behalf or testified... Continue Reading

Some scientists have proposed an underground location for the origin of life where molecular formation would be protected from water and atmospheric interference. But the underground locations available in the early earth would have been incredibly hostile to the formation of bio-chemical precursors, proteins and RNA. Just as problematic would be imagining a scenario in... Continue Reading