In this time of siege and struggle, surrounded by a powerful and deadly enemy, Satan calls us to surrender: “Stand down. Give in. Stop fighting and your life will be so much easier.” But Christ is coming soon. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Bright Morning Star. We have washed our robes in his blood.... Continue Reading

Those who participate in a public debate should do so in a spirit of self-denial. This is the appropriate attitude for those who are convinced how difficult the task is, how feeble and ineffective they themselves are, and how subtle the principal adversary which they have to do with is. Therefore, people should not commit... Continue Reading

A pastor needs to not only know his people, but he needs to know his context as well. If you are proclaiming God’s word to a congregation in Salt Lake City then Mormon apologetics are going to need to take center stage moreso than if you are in a place where they are only heard... Continue Reading

 Jesus came into the world as light and became the light of the world. And his light shone in our darkness. But he did more than shine. He set in motion the eternal destruction of our darkness by taking it upon himself. It even appeared as if the darkness of our sin had extinguished the... Continue Reading

Caring. God: God is not apathetic or cold to your pain. When God introduces Himself, one of the main ways He describes Himself is by telling us He is compassionate (Exod. 34:6)!  Jesus wept when He saw the suffering of those He loves. It’s not different for you. He deeply feels your pain and sorrow.... Continue Reading

What is the root cause of quarrelsomeness? Pride. Proverbs 13:10: “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Humble engagement listens in love and assumes the best, honestly seeking to understand the other and humbly learn from the other person. Pride, on the other hand, acts as if I... Continue Reading

Until now, mass shootings at schools and elsewhere have largely been perpetuated by alienated, often fatherless, young men espousing either hateful extremism or nihilistic meaninglessness. Monday’s shooter, according to her own words, was broken by a broken family and captivated by a meaninglessness that led her to hate people and herself. That’s not a problem... Continue Reading

Wisdom from the Ancients: 30 Forgotten Lessons from the Early Church by Bryan M. Litfin (Harvest House, 2022). Consider also Chapter 6 which reminds us that Christians have always been misfits. The early believers knew that they were strangers in a strange land. While they always sought to have a positive impact on the world around them,... Continue Reading

Ligonier Ministry’s Tabletalk magazine has long offered daily Bible studies that combine with a Bible-reading plan and other thematic articles. You may enjoy exploring the various reading plans that come with an ESV subscription (which is priced very reasonably for what you get). Some will take you through the Bible in a year while others will focus... Continue Reading

For we are also executors of the Kingdom and of the joy God wants all people to know. Here there is work to do. The instructions for us as executors are simple: Plant this seed, water and fertilize it, protect and care for it, so that it will bear the fruit promised on the package.... Continue Reading

It’s true. The Christmas message, when it’s unwrapped, gives you Easter. The birth of Jesus is barrelling headlong towards his death. In fact that’s the point of the gospel story. It’s even hinted at – more than hinted at – in the immediate post-birth narrative of Luke’s Gospel.   There’s been a great set of... Continue Reading

Here’s the thing: everything is marketing. It’s not just your emails, website, and social media. It’s the atmosphere of the room, the friendliness of the people, the honesty of the message, how safe everyone feels, and so much more. Marketing is only good marketing when the story being told is true. But telling a true story in a way... Continue Reading

The Lord’s ultimate sovereignty is displayed through Christ’s incarnation, and Spurgeon helps us shift our focus to again gaze at the divine author of all things: the “great I AM.” Why is it important for us to behold God’s role here? Because it is the great proof of the Father’s love. It was the Father’s plan to... Continue Reading

This is reason for joy: the LORD God has entered the world to save sinners from their rebellion and condemnation; to reconcile them to God; to bless them with the light and smile of his countenance. Mary’s blessing and joy rests ultimately not on her bearing her God and Saviour; but on her believing and receiving... Continue Reading

Meekness is not concerned with its own reputation or its rights, but it is more concerned about the other person. So also, meekness understands that forgiveness is preferable to the punishments of the law. Meekness controls its anger from any violence and vengeance. This is the gentleness of meekness. Indeed, another usage for this word for... Continue Reading

We have to go to war within our own souls or hearts. David’s instruction helps us understand how to do this as well. He writes: Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits. We must intentionally remind ourselves of the benefits we receive from God. The way we win the war that rages... Continue Reading

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