A Church Growth Discipline
By God’s grace, the church I shepherd has experienced phenomenal growth over the last 15 years. I am often asked what has brought the growth? I am hesitant to answer that question because only God really knows why He has…
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Ascension Matters
Evangelical Christians often spend time considering all the benefits won for us on the cross and in the resurrection but spend little time pondering how the ascension further secures and confirms these salvific benefits. We typically give little thought to…
Imagine There’s No Hell
At the Desiring God 1990 Pastor’s Conference, Sinclair Ferguson gave a talk titled, “The Biblical Basis for the Doctrine of Eternal Punishment.” It is, without doubt, one of the most significant treatments of the doctrine of hell that I have…
The Incomparable Conjunction of Love and Wrath
I was recently reading John Murray’s profoundly enriching sermon, “The Father’s Love“–in the newly released volume of his sermon, O Death, Where is Thy Sting?–and was struck afresh with the wonder of the mystery of the commingling of the Father’s…
The Church Jesus Attends
A friend of mine was recently speaking to a pastor of a large congregation about how things were going in ministry. This particular pastor proceeded to tell my friend that a prominent public figure was coming to speak at the…
Reformation 500, Social Justice and the Gospel
This year has been a veritable Reformation-fest– a marvelous celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation (1517-2017). Protestants from all over the world have been recounting the amazing events, courageous figures, and key doctrines of the sixteenth- century…
Sharing in Christ’s Suffering
No one wants to suffer. When suffering comes to us for following Christ, we are surprised, even shocked and dismayed, especially when our lives have been comfortable. How could our communities or families consider us in the wrong? Why would…
The Church’s Answer to Racism and Sexism
Racist attitudes, bigoted actions, rape, and assault have recently been dominating the news cycle. In the midst of chaos in our culture, the Church has the great answer to racism, sexism, and classism. We have the answer and we are…
Wisdom Christology and the Bread of Life
When Calvin speaks of sharing the Lord’s Supper with Christ, covenantal concepts naturally arise, most notable when Calvin is discussing 1 Corinthians 10-11. Throughout his commentaries, Calvin frequently emphasizes that in the Supper we enjoy both the presence and the…
Race and the Imago Dei
In light of current discussions regarding racial reconciliation, we thought that it might be a benefit to our readers to run a series of videos from a longtime contributor, Rob Ventura, and his wife, Vanessa, concerning a variety of subjects…