Jennens’ choice of Psalm 16 to introduce the resurrection is masterful, as this psalm is pregnant with meaning. His selection invites the thoughtful listener to not only consider David’s original song, but to consider it in light of Peter’s Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:24–27) and Paul’s Antioch sermon (Acts 13:35). In its initial context, David pens Psalm 16 to help his... Continue Reading

Christmas is a time to pause and reflect. Call to mind the whole story of Christmas, not just the warm-and-fuzzy components. Remember that all of it—not only Jesus’ birth in a manger but also his bloody crucifixion, victorious resurrection, and promised return—reminds us of the need for a Warrior-Savior who will crush the Evil One... Continue Reading

God uses these various trials to make us look to Him, and to make us look more like Him. “Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect... Continue Reading

Memorizing the Word of God is like having spiritual medicine always available. When suffering and sorrow arise, we sometimes lack words as we process the pain we are feeling. What if you had Psalm 34:18 in your mind and on your trembling lips, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are... Continue Reading

To date, 26 presbyteries have voted on the changes. Here is how the votes currently stand: Item 1 amends BCO 13-6 to clarify the process for ministers transferring into a presbytery. The presbytery vote thus far has been 26 for, 0 against. Item 2 amends BCO 13-6 to add personal character and family management to the examination of transferring ministers.  Read... Continue Reading

Living together before marriage may be a cultural norm. To practice anything else may seem strange and old-fashioned. Yet the way of Jesus is countercultural. Resisting cohabitation is born out of love for and trust in the God who created you to pursue what’s better: genuine marital intimacy built on a foundation of commitment and... Continue Reading

Indeed, there are many good things we could give our attention to this coming year. But let’s not neglect the best thing: allowing the Bible to wash over our hearts and minds to transform us into people of Christlike character for the glory of God and the sake of the world. Rather than merely reading the... Continue Reading

Some tips for accomplishing your 2025 Bible Reading Plan: 1) Pick a realistic plan 2) Pick a plan that fits you – take into account your personality, time, and life circumstances 3) Devote a time each day to when & where you’ll read – seriously you might need to put it on your calendar 4)... Continue Reading

Wherever the cultural winds are blowing, thanks to the Lord, we can be “steadfast, immovable” (1 Cor. 15:58). So don’t be anxious about the news as you read this annual retrospective, where I attempt to discern the top theology stories of the year. As always, I write from the vantage point of an American who... Continue Reading

This side of heaven, we see through a glass dimly. It’s just reality. We’re not going to agree on everything. And so we’ll have some different traditions, different churches, different denominations. But I think there’s a way to still love each other when we share the orthodox evangelical faith together without setting aside those differences.... Continue Reading

AFA Vice President Wesley Wildmon believes his grandfather’s unwavering obedience to God was the cornerstone of the legacy he wanted the film to convey – especially for the sake of AFA’s faithful listeners and supporters. “We hope that viewing this documentary,” Wesley stated, “will help them re-fan the flame to continue doing what we are all... Continue Reading

One thing is certain: Leaders need to be more forthright and admit their sin. People would respect them a lot more and it would set a good example. Leaders not only lead by example with integrity but also with repentance. We must provide a safe haven for those with issues, and instill an open-door policy where members... Continue Reading

For the one who has been downcast and not seeking the Lord’s help. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4) For the one who has been anxious and not taking those anxieties to the Lord. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving... Continue Reading

The lesson for us is to always keep the promises of the gospel before our eyes. We must be continuously reminded that Jesus is greater than Moses, and the mediator of a better covenant. Yes, Moses was faithful over God’s house, but he could not save Israel from its own unbelief. Yes, Christ is faithful.... Continue Reading

The Lord’s Supper sets before us four scenes of glory: the crucified Son of God,2 our risen Lord seated above at the Father’s right hand,3 Christ with His people on earth,4 and the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven.5 The Lord’s Supper calls us to respond to God’s work to give glory to His Son, Jesus... Continue Reading

If you depend on AI to perform certain tasks, you might dull your potential to grow and flourish as an individual endowed with unique strengths and interests. I offer an example from my area of work. I’m a pastor, so at least once every week I’m responsible for researching, writing, and delivering a sermon based... Continue Reading

  “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”John 1:4,5 (ESV) May King Jesus rule in your heart and grant you God’s peace. ~  Romans 5:1 Merry Christmas! The Aquila Report Staff        

He came to upend life as we knew it and to open the way to the kingdom that is not of this world. He blesses what we despise and declares woes on what we treasure.    Movies give us one picture of a hero. ChatGPT puts it like this: Heroes are strong, brave, confident, determined... Continue Reading

In the waiting we learn to turn to the God of all Comfort, the God who is our food, the God who is broken for us. We learn to long for the age to come. Waiting reorientates our disposition away from this fleeting moment to the eternities to come.   I’m experienced at waiting. I... Continue Reading

The advent season reminds us of what it means to be poured out on behalf of others. When the apostle Paul refers to Christ’s emptying himself, he pulls our gaze first to the baby in the manger (Philippians 2:7).   He awoke earlier than the rest of us. The night before had been filled with... Continue Reading

Spurgeon helps us navigate the Christmas holiday, whether we choose to participate in the festivities or not, by encouraging us that there are various reasons to gather on this day outside of tradition or superstition.   To most modern Western Christians, it might be a surprise to discover that Spurgeon did not celebrate Christmas with... Continue Reading

Celebrate Jesus with the world. Tell them he came to the world to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Joyfully point to “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). For “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”... Continue Reading

God is no killjoy. He wants us to enjoy ourselves. He gives us good gifts so we can enjoy them. But that joy is but a taste of the joy incomparable that is ours in Christ. One day, when Jesus comes again, we will have joy beyond measure.   As I’m in the mode of... Continue Reading

Join me this Christmas in stargazing, contemplating the divine mystery – “God became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1: 14). Such contemplation can have a purifying effect in our lives and help us to set our sights... Continue Reading

It was the ultimate condescension. The Son laying aside His God-powers temporarily and leaving the halls of heaven to inhabit a human body. The greatest work had to be done, and this was the way it had to be accomplished. And now, God was literally with us in flesh and blood.   The birth of... Continue Reading

The gospel, the good news, is news to be shared. Alternating airs and choruses picture the glad tidings of the sounds of this news that Christ lives being preached unto the ends of the world. Those who receive this news in faith are surely blessed. In contrast, the rejection of this news is devasting…what’s the... Continue Reading

Jesus Christ is the prophesied sprout from Jesse’s stock. The opening verse of the New Testament designates him as “the son of David” (Matthew 1:1), and his birth in Bethlehem and endowment with the divine Spirit fit the prophetic profile for the messianic king. Yet Jesus is born in a lowly manger, raised in backwoods... Continue Reading

If we are to know God, we can look to philosophy, creation, and the cross and the empty tomb, but let us not forget to look to the manger. The story of the birth of Jesus Christ is more than just warm feelings, a nostalgic glow of fuzzy spirituality. The incarnation draws us into the... Continue Reading

Jesus had to be born in Bethlehem in order to fulfill this ancient prophecy. This was the plan God had established before the foundation of the world. Therefore, in accordance with God’s plan, the ruling power of Caeser was used to call for a taxation that would require Joseph and Mary to comply with a... Continue Reading

The New Testament’s description of Christ’s miraculous conception, virgin birth, and childhood are fulfillments of the Old Testament’s hope. This includes hope for the Messiah, for David’s son, for Abraham’s heir, for the seed of woman. It includes hope for the restored temple, for the restored land, and for the restored people of God. As... Continue Reading