A Christian account of beauty is shaped not primarily by envisioning a return to a paradise lost, but rather anticipating a glory yet to appear—a glory or beauty already seen in Jesus Christ but that is being spread about through the Holy Spirit. The beauty we discern now is a preview, given by the Spirit,... Continue Reading

A worldwide church is a clear indicator that the Seed of the woman has crushed the serpent’s head, which should encourage us to pray and persevere in a world that is hostile to Christ and his gospel. Second, Paul told the church in Rome that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your... Continue Reading

Peace is, first of all, a reconciled relationship with God through Christ, and second, a life lived in continual dependence on God in the power of the Spirit. In the spirit of Paul’s words to the Galatians, we can lead our people in living in an orbit of grace, freedom, and loving service: “You were called... Continue Reading

Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 9, in summary, is, “I am an apostle, and am as free as any other believer, yet I not only abstain from things which are lawful and profitable, but I even adapt myself to the infirmities of all. I keep myself under control for the good of the gospel, and... Continue Reading

If we know the God who always wins is with us, if we know those who stand against him can’t win, we can share the gospel boldly and speak of the greatness of Jesus faithfully, knowing – hard as some people’s response to us might be – the God who always wins is on our... Continue Reading

Your pastors, especially the main teaching pastor in your church, are charged with proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ in order to bring to light God’s eternal plan of salvation. Preaching the eternal truth of God’s word is not part of his job, it’s the crux of it, and our lives are dependent upon it.... Continue Reading

This eternal blessing in the power and authority of God is what, as the answer says, emboldens, us to speak to the Lord in prayer. We can speak with assurance and grace precisely for the reason that God has established all things for His glory and if that is the case then we have no worry... Continue Reading

While God’s judgment awaits his people, this judgment is not unto condemnation, but unto vindication in Christ (Deuteronomy 32:36; Psalm 50:4; 135:14; Romans 8:1; Hebrews 10:30). Beloved, we have been justified in Christ by his blood, more so, we shall be saved from the impending wrath of God on sinners (Romans 5:9-10; 1 Corinthians 1:18). However, it is not... Continue Reading

This is not merely a nice poetic statement about God; it is a present reality for all who seek His empowerment in times of need. Over and over again now, for several years, I have prayed, “Lord, I have no strength to do what is needed. But you live in me. Would you be my... Continue Reading

As John says, a complete record of Jesus’s ministry would be impossible. To write them down one by one would be a mammoth task. John could’ve recounted another seven miracles—or another seventy. He could’ve included dozens of volumes of sermons, like we have for Charles Spurgeon and some of the other great preachers. If he... Continue Reading