When God Said No to Jesus

“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” These words in Matthew 26:39 came from the lips of Jesus as he groaned in agony to his Father over what he was about to endure in the crucifixion. And ponder the words he uttered right before this. “My soul is very sorrowful,…

Why We Preach the Law

There was an old interview that Joel Osteen did–I think it might’ve been with Oprah–where he was responding to criticism that he doesn’t preach enough, or at all, on sin. The citation escapes me, but he said something like, “You know, I want to encourage people. I want to make them feel better. People already…

The Grace of White-out

I like to consider myself a pretty organized person. There are times when I can’t proceed with anything work-related unless the glaring pile of dishes are remedied, or until any other household chore is accomplished. Call it willful noble procrastination, if you like.

Welcomed Hearts Become Welcoming Hearts

When society rejects, Christians should welcome. When culture ostracizes, believers should embrace. When the world “cancels,” followers of Jesus should look past mistakes.

Ministry Shouldn’t be Entered Hastily

About two years after I became a Christian, I sensed the tug on my heart to be in pastoral ministry. Early on as a new Christian, I desired to not only preach God’s Word, but to counsel God’s people. For me, however, the latter has always been tough for me, since I’m naturally an introvert….

Does Philippians 2:12 Teach Salvation by Works?

As Protestants, we champion the doctrine of salvation grace alone through faith alone—by Christ alone! We have firmly planted our feet in the Protestant sand, and that will never change! However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some texts of Scripture that make us scratch our noggin if we don’t understand the context. One of…

God’s Grace in our Lives

Ordinarily, I write about theology and how it is applicable to our lives as Christians. From time to time, though, it’s necessary to write about more personal things. I wanted to write a blog about things that are going on in our life right now. Of course, most who see our (mine and my wife’s)…