Simul justus et blogger.
About the author“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25a) There are moments in public life and culture when the true human condition is displayed so visibly that the gospel can’t help but to shine more brilliantly than usual. Last week was … Continue reading Understanding Chester Bennington Through the Gospel
Sometimes, finding Christ in the Old Testament is an exact science. Other times, it is an art. In recent weeks, I’ve sat under preaching through the life of David, and have myself tried to practice the science (or art) of Christocentric hermeneutics. We have all heard moral examples pulled from biblical narratives, exhorting us to … Continue reading 4 (Assorted) Ways David Points to Christ
Christians are supposed to be worldly. Wordly not in the sense of indiscriminately consuming all that pop culture produces, nor blowing with the wind of prevailing notions of morality or spirituality. Rather, Christians are called to be “worldly” because whatever we eat or drink, or whatever menial we do, is to be done for the … Continue reading Being Worldly Without Caring
When was the last time you simply meditated on the person of Christ? We are by nature prone to imbalance, majoring in the minors. We are prone to forget how earthshaking the essential truths of our confession are. To this ailment, Moody Publishers’ Jesus: The Life and Ministry of God the Son is the antidote. … Continue reading Encounter the Living Christ Afresh
Several months ago, I was leading a group discussion among some middle school-aged boys at my church and posed the question, “Where is Jesus right now?” After what felt like several minutes of blank stares, one student chimed in, “He’s watching over the dinosaurs.” I’m still not sure what his comment meant. But the implication … Continue reading What Is Jesus Doing Right Now? (And Why It Matters for Missions)
Recently, an attendee of our church and former volunteer asked me this question: "What does it mean to trust God—not only initial saving faith, but a daily, abiding trust in God?"I won't pretend to have a perfect answer. But if there's anything a follower of Christ should know with certainty, it's that they are trusting … Continue reading Faith is More Than a Feeling
How many of us have heard—perhaps even used—some of these common responses to the Gospel? “That might be true for you, but not me.” “That’s your opinion, but are you saying people of other religions are wrong?” “Whatever helps you live a good life, that’s what matters.” All these clichés that permeate our conversations are … Continue reading ‘Jesus, That’s Just True for You’
Earlier this week, I encountered an acquaintance of mine at the gym. It wasn't long until this man, a Jehovah's Witness, and I found ourselves entangled in a conversation about who Jesus is, how to be assured of your salvation, and the origin of the doctrine of the Trinity. As I tried to take him … Continue reading Letter to a Jehovah’s Witness
Not everyone is called to be a cross-cultural missionary who takes the gospel to unreached places. So what does Scripture say to those who stay behind? It is just as much a church’s responsibility to send as it is a missionary’s responsibility to go. One of the greatest missionary rally-cry passages in the Bible, Romans … Continue reading 5 Marks of a Faithful Sending Church
Have you ever struggled to explain your faith? Could you explain it to a 5th grader? What about five of them in a circle? Talking about our faith can be daunting. Sometimes we’re so afraid to say the wrong thing that we don’t say much at all. It’s harder if students can’t define “sin,” “salvation,” … Continue reading Giving Teens the Full Gospel
