Paul’s use of adoption in Romans has strong exodus imagery that surrounds its three occurrences (Rom. 8:15, 23; 9:4). God’s deliverance of Israel out of Egyptian bondage echoes behind the cosmic story of adoption in Romans 8. We find exodus imagery all throughout Romans 8: “set you free” (Rom. 8:2); “led by the Spirit of God” (Rom. 8:14; cf. Ex. 13:21); “the spirit... Continue Reading

The real cause of our discontent is not in our circumstances; if it were, a change of circumstances might cure it. It is in ourselves, and wherever we go, we shall carry our discontent heart with us. The only cure which will affect anything, must be the curing of the fever of discontent in us.... Continue Reading

In 2014, Gregory was part of a three-judge panel’s majority opinion in Bostic v. Schaefer, striking down Virginia’s voter-approved constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Well, why not? If men and women aren’t physically distinguishable in any meaningful way, why not eject an entire sex from the marriage... Continue Reading

Abuses of fasting are noted in Scripture, e.g.,  Isa. 58:3-6. Jesus knew of these abuses and the sinfulness of the human heart; yet, He still said, when you fast. He directed us away from the abuse and clarified how to fast appropriately. Instead of displaying our fast for everyone to see, we should conceal it,... Continue Reading

The Christian life is not to be withdrawn. We have lives to live for Christ, work to do, ministry to perform, and a witness to bear. Our Savior expects and commands us to be fully engaged in this world for His glory. But we are mere men – “handfuls of animated dust” – and there... Continue Reading

The heart of the issue is not whether homosexual practice is sinful; the key issue is whether homosexual attraction is itself a sin and if the heinousness of this sin is such that it disqualifies a man from holding ordained office. The letter’s failure to mention the widespread concern surrounding SSA anywhere in the body... Continue Reading

Yes, your feelings show you are alive. Congrats—you exist just like everyone else. But your thoughtful, considered actions prove you are living. Your obituary will list the things you have done, the relationships you have built, not the emotions you have felt.   A few weeks ago, a teacher at my kid’s school shared a bit... Continue Reading

There’s another possibility to consider—one that rejects any hint of pride on our part while not ignoring our responsibility to remain faithful and true to God’s divine revelation.  While the LGBTQ crowd and others celebrate pride and immoral sexual orientation/behaviors, we might consider June an appropriate and opportune time to pursue holiness as a call... Continue Reading

We see this in the Communion of Saints: There are these different ways of living out masculinity — think St. Francis de Sales and his gentleness. And then there are other male saints who are much more strident. And the same with the female saints: You’ve got Catherine of Siena, Joan of Arc, as well... Continue Reading

Reviewing early church history reveals that it was truth-telling that brought Christianity into conflict with its culture, but on the other hand, it was truth telling that resulted in hundreds coming to Christ. In those days, it was not looking socially respectable that drew people to Christ, it was being faithful to the truth they... Continue Reading