Mixed, Misplaced, and Reappropriated Metaphors
on June 2nd, 2023
Up from the grave, He... a rose? Well, that's not quite what the hymn says, but there are hymns that refer to Jesus as a rose or a lily. Why? Let's reflect on metaphors used in hymns. Read More
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A Closer Look at Spiritual Death
on May 26th, 2023
According to the teachings of John Calvin, man is spiritually dead because of sin and incapable of responding to God. Is this really what the Bible teaches about spiritual death? Read More
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What Calvin Taught Me About Kindness
on May 12th, 2023
Having a vehicle breakdown in the middle of nowhere can be a truly stressful situation. On one occasion, I found myself in that situation, and I was taught a lesson - not in patience as I expected but in kindness. Read More
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Shouldn't God Get What He Ordered?
on May 5th, 2023
When we visit a restaurant or buy a coffee, we expect to get what we order. Is it reasonable to think that God should get what He ordered? Let's reflect upon what the Bible says about God's orders for our worship. Read More
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To Judge or Not to Judge?
on April 27th, 2023
Some Christians view themselves as being incapable of judging others because Jesus said, "Judge not" (Matthew 7:1). But if Christians weren't meant to judge others, why did Paul expect the Corinthian Christians to be capable of doing so (1 Corinthians 6:5)? Let's discover the harmony between these thoughts and determine what Jesus meant when He said, "Judge not." Read More
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Ancient Words
on April 21st, 2023
One of the things I often have to remind people about as a preacher and teacher of the Gospel is that the words of the Bible have an original, ancient audience. Why? Not, why is it necessary to do this, but why is do I have to do it so often? Part of the answer is actually something really amazing about the Bible. Read More
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Three Hours in John's Gospel
on April 12th, 2023
Apart from his discussion of the crucifixion, there are three times when John calls our attention to the our of the day. What reminders do these three hours give? Read More
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The First Gospel Sermon (According to Mark)
on April 7th, 2023
Have you ever heard that the Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? While these truths are at the heart of the Gospel, it is important to see the Gospel as the entirety of the New Testament message. Mark reminds us that the Gospel was preached before Jesus even died on the cross. Read More
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Are Christians Saved by the Skin of Their Teeth?
on April 1st, 2023
More than once I’ve heard a preacher say that Christians are saved by the skin of their teeth, meaning "by the thinnest or barest of margins." Is this how we should envision our salvation? Read More
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Church Membership - Why Does Local Membership Matter? (Part 2)
on March 24th, 2023
Even before 2020's global pandemic created habits that saw Christians worshipping on a couch in front of a screen instead of on a pew in front of pulpit, the concept of church membership was under attack. Why is it important to identify, work, and worship with a local church? Read More
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Church Membership - What Exactly Is Church? (Part 1)
on March 19th, 2023
It's pretty common to hear Christians today claiming that they are members of the church at _____________ location. Does this understanding of the term "church" arise from the Bible? Read More
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Quit Playing the Blame Game in Evangelism
on March 11th, 2023
It's fairly common to encounter Christians who bear guilt because of good faith efforts in evangelism that have failed. Here are some things to remember when reflecting on your less than perfect efforts to win souls for Jesus. Read More
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