One of the most noticeable developments within the church in recent days shows up at the beginning of each sermon I preach when I invite the congregation to turn with me to a particular passage of Scripture. At that moment, a growing number of congregants reach into their pockets to grab their smartphone. Some don’t […]
Granted to Suffer
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake. – Philippians 1:29 Sadly, a great number of American churches reflect the culture of the world around them. Certainly, many faithful congregations continue to take seriously their calling to […]
When The World Goes Crazy
A few months ago, seemingly out of nowhere, the entire world stopped when the pandemic of COVID-19 exploded in countries all over the earth. The first few days were bizarre. Driving down the street and seeing no one out, not being able to go to a restaurant or to church or to do any shopping. […]
When The Glory Came Back
Only one week before Easter, Palm Sunday is a day marked with anticipation. The Passover celebration was only a few days away. Hundreds of thousands of Jews were making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. And one traveler – Jesus of Nazareth – was coming to the holy city to declare his rightful place as king. To […]
My First Week as a Pastor
My call to pastoral ministry was clear. No doubt about it, God had been preparing me and calling me to shepherd the flock. To preach the Word. I had yielded to the call nearly a decade ago and been preparing for the task my entire life. In God’s providence, I was called to enter the […]
Kanye Proclaims the Truth – Jesus is King
JESUS IS KING Kanye West has been a symbol of the sin culture of 21st century America. His name is often associated with the vain idols of our day, including money, sex, drugs, fashion, and a relentless pursuit of fame. His entire career has been built on music which has served as a mouthpiece for […]
Sing Like Men
I see it every Sunday morning, and have for a long time. The sanctuary is filled with eager worshipers. Instruments cover the stage. The well-rehearsed choir smiles with anticipation. The music leader claps his hands and invites the congregation to stand and sing praises to our King together. The energy in the room increases. The […]
A Theological Lesson From Pregnancy
A THEOLOGICAL LESSON FROM PREGNANCY I’ll never forget the day I found out that my wife was pregnant. The day I knew my life would be forever changed. But somewhere between the day I found out we were going to be having a child and the day of her arrival in the [quickly-approaching] future, there […]
Why You Should Go To Church
Not everyone who professes to be a Christian actually goes to church. This baffling paradox of claiming to be the church but not going to church is increasingly problematic.
A number of compelling reasons to attend church exist which far outweigh any reasons for neglecting to do so.
New Life, New York, & A New Perspective
One morning, my life changed forever. And I knew it would never be the same again.
The Miracle of Christmas
The incarnation, when deeply considered, is the most amazing miracle in all of Scripture. It truly is the miracle of Christmas. And it is a miracle worth celebrating.
“In Jesus’ Name”
Praying in Jesus’ name expresses something significant and essential. We have no access to the Father without the mediating work of Christ. So to pray in Jesus’ name is to assert that we are not coming to the Father on our own authority, in our own name, or in our own merit. It is to assert that we are able to come before the throne of grace because of the sacrificial love and intercession of the Savior.