The difficulties we encounter are not part of some earthly purgatory or boot camp for heaven. They are part of the unnatural situation sin has brought into the world, making heavenly realities particularly hard to grasp. Yet, our walk through this life, as difficult as it may get at times, is ordered by the same... Continue Reading

Though we’re exiles in this world, we’re to live as those upon whom the end of the ages has come (1 Cor 10:11). We live in the final phase of God’s redemptive process, in the days of Christ’s reign from heaven on earth. Because we benefit now from His past victories (3:18–4:4) and we’ll be... Continue Reading

Specific societal and individual values strongly influence birth rates in wealthy countries, not necessarily income or welfare availability. Many demographers have argued that societal values that flatten the differences between the sexes would help boost fertility — for example, if husbands did more childcare and household chores and women had more earning power. Yet this... Continue Reading

The Spirit lovingly but clearly reminded me that I cannot want the good gifts of Christ’s Kingdom without also bowing my heart to him as King. I’m so grateful that Jesus comes toward us in our lack and our sin, and he uses trials of varying degrees to prune and grow us. Our experience with... Continue Reading

No, true encouragement points us to God and His promises. When the text says that he strengthened his hand in the Lord, it’s clear that this is the case when we consider the summary of Jonathan’s own message: “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be... Continue Reading

“‘At that moment,’ E. Bulver assures us, ‘there flashed across my opening mind the great truth that refutation is no necessary part of argument. Assume that your opponent is wrong, and explain his error, and the world will be at your feet. Attempt to prove that he is wrong or (worse still) try to find... Continue Reading

 Many Christians, keenly aware of the evils of early modern slavery, have suggested that the slavery mentioned in the New Testament was far more humane than its American counterpart. Yet the historical data suggests that Greco-Roman slavery could be just as oppressive and abusive as the later system — and in some ways even more... Continue Reading

My point here is not to rail against Semler, Botz, or Turner et al. but to note how they illustrate the personality-driven, churchless nature of contemporary evangelical (to the degree that evangelicals are funding Semler’s mission to mainstream the Q of LGBTQ into the evangelical bloodstream) theology, piety, and practice. It is rootless relative to the Great... Continue Reading

Our Savior’s kindness is not tepid, selfish, or utilitarian. This is demonstrated clearly in the moments of His greatest suffering. Jesus, while bearing the curse for humanity, made arrangements for the care of His mother after His death, prayed for the forgiveness of those who killed Him, and spoke kind words of comfort to the... Continue Reading

Might it not be that the effectiveness of sermons depends as much upon the prayers of the unseen saints as the preparation and delivery of even the greatest preachers? Might it not be that true power comes not from the one standing on the stage but the one kneeling behind it? Might it not be... Continue Reading