One of the hidden blessings of the stay-at-home orders and the disruption of our everyday lives as a result of the onset of COVID-19 has been a greater focus on the local church and a heightened understanding of the necessity to have a biblical ecclesiology. However, one particular area of ecclesiology that remains underdeveloped among many local churches is the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.
Theological
If Persecution Comes
As Americans, we often assume that our freedom to exercise our faith will always be protected by our Constitutional rights. In many ways, we are often unable to relate to the biblical call to suffer well in the face of persecution. For many of us, persecution for Christians is just something that happens in other […]
The Gospel According to the Cherubim
We often forget that the Bible is one cohesive story. But from Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells the story of redemption with a central focus on God’s work in saving sinners. The story begins with God’s perfect creation in Genesis 1–2, when he creates the heavens and the earth. His creation is beautiful and wonderful. […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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.
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.
Why Your ‘Verse of the Day’ Is Ruining Your Ability to Read the Bible
As admirable as the encouragement and the attempt to at least be exposed to the Bible through a single verse on a daily basis might seem, it is absolutely crippling to your spiritual health.
Because reading a ‘verse of the day’ actually ruins your biblical literacy. It robs your of your ability to read and understand the meaning of God’s Word. And it inherently prohibits real spiritual growth.
#Blessed
As a result of the Americanization of Christianity, we often associate God’s blessing with monetary wealth and comfort.
However, monetary wealth, comfort, and success may in fact be a sign of God’s wrath.
Seven Reasons For Sharing The Gospel
Calvinists and non-Calvinists have long debated whether man has any freedom in regards to his salvation. While the debate has significant theological ramifications, one practical implication is of utmost importance – sharing the gospel.