When I boot up in the morning, my default operating system is works-righteousness. Not that I consciously believe that my good deeds can merit eternal life for me—but when left to myself, my natural mode is to believe I have to bring something to the table in order for God to reciprocate. Having firmly established … Continue reading Glut Yourself on Grace
Satan Really Walked Into That One
There is often a bit of irony that strikes when the wicked twist Scriptures for their own purposes. Like the God-hating, do-anything-I-want playboy who ventures down to the tattoo parlor to get “only God can judge me” emblazoned on his chest—to which any preacher of repentance might reply, “That’s exactly the point, young man”—when unbelievers … Continue reading Satan Really Walked Into That One
3 Things Evangelism Isn’t
Dear all, I contributed a little piece titled “3 Things Evangelism Isn’t” for the most recent issue of ABWE’s Message Magazine. If you check it out, I’ll give you a cookie. (Not really.) Yours, Alex
Race, Biblical Justice, and Lessons From an Execution
Once, there was a national leader who, though the country had sworn to protect a population of natives, had in nationalistic, ethnocentric zeal instead sought to exterminate them. Years after his death, his actions brought misery upon all the people in the country, causing the new administration to investigate the source of their cultural ailments. … Continue reading Race, Biblical Justice, and Lessons From an Execution
Giants in the Land, Yeah-Buts in the Camp
Jesus is Lord. So, the collective vocation of the church for the last 2,000 years has been, essentially, victoriously waging a war against any idea that would attempt to usurp Christ’s throne (2 Cor. 10:5). We do this not with swords or AR-15s, but with the subversive leaven of a gospel that asserts Christ—not Caesar … Continue reading Giants in the Land, Yeah-Buts in the Camp
Greatness, Resolutions, and Principled Mediocrity
We know that self-seeking and domineering are bad, so we assume that mediocrity is good. But self-discipline makes you a Pharisee the same way whitewash makes you a tomb.
Neither Will I Tell You
We cannot appeal to his moral teachings when they happen to match the current conventional wisdom without also being obliged to submit to his absolute authority over marriage, the womb, and our wallets. A partial Lord is no Lord.
Why Your Name is Lydia: A Letter to My Daughter
Why are we naming our daughter Lydia? Acts 16 has the answer—and contains the basis for our prayer for her.
4 Ways Not to Help Foster and Adoptive Families in Your Church
With the mild resurgence that is taking place right now in the adoptive and foster care movement within evangelicalism, church leaders and members alike are beginning to recognize that something of orphan care runs in the blood of every believer—since God “predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure … Continue reading 4 Ways Not to Help Foster and Adoptive Families in Your Church
The Saving, Sending, Successful Gospel
The following is an audio recording of a sermon on Romans 10:11-15, delivered on March 19, 2017 at Bressler Bible Church in Steelton, Pa.
