It can be argued that a Christian who fears death does not understand the purpose of his life. Our temporary life is to be used to glorify God, and not to bring ourselves comfort and security. John Piper said, “Death is like my car. It takes me where I want to go.” As disciples of... Continue Reading

All three preachers refuse to begin their sermons with cute anecdotes or even any sense of “hook”: they all begin their sermons simply by examining the exegetical context of their passage. They give historical, grammatical and literary background to the text. There’s no promise of practical help, no catchy story, no curious questions raised. They... Continue Reading

Many of his hymns, which are now very traditional, have richly blessed the church. Perhaps none has been so beloved as his famous song written to assist men and women in preparing for the table of the Lord, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” This hymn was based on the doctrine found in Galatians 6:14, “But far be... Continue Reading

Classified as a musical savant, Derek eventually learned how to properly play the piano; but his teacher quickly realized how incredibly gifted his mind was. Able to use 100% of his brainpower while hyper focusing on his music, this musician showed everyone that he was quite probably one of the best piano players in the... Continue Reading

Basically, when I’m talking to Reformed people, I say something like “Think of him as Anglicanism’s John Calvin.” He became within a few decades after his death the preeminent theologian of the tradition that came to call itself “Anglican,” even though Hooker wouldn’t have thought of himself in these terms.”   I’m pleased to host... Continue Reading

“While many of my colleagues at Reformed Theological Seminary are already thinking about 2017, most of us are not aware of a very important church history anniversary this fall. I’m thinking, of course, of the 500th anniversary of Luther’s lectures on the Book of Romans, which helped pave the way for the Reformation of 1517.”... Continue Reading

“Faith and optimism can add years to your life,” he told those at the banquet. “A bad attitude is like a flat tire. Until you change it, you’re not going anywhere,” he said, urging the audience to “use the power of prayer in everything we do.”   Hollywood star Denzel Washington, the son of a... Continue Reading

“He noted in 1538 that wives were effectively reduced to the status of servants by the law, being turned out of the house upon their husbands’ deaths with little more than the clothes on their backs and their knitting accessories. When Luther finally got around to writing his will in January of 1542, he made... Continue Reading

America has been greatly favoured by God, in all her concerns, both civil and religious, and she has much to hope, and much to fear, according as she shall attentively improve her relative situation among the nations of the earth, for the glory of God, and the protection of his people—She has been raised up... Continue Reading

Enstrom and his daughter, the artist Rhoda Nyberg, painted over prints of the originally black-and-white image to give it the appearance of a colorful oil painting. Nyberg continued to paint versions of the image for the rest of her life, even painting a matching image depicting an elderly woman.   “Grace,” the Minnesota state photograph,... Continue Reading