God's love is often seen in His clarity. Yet, as we are wont to do, we sometimes attempt to add to that clarity in our effort to “feel God more.” Recently, many Christians observed Ash Wednesday—a day of prayer and fasting marked by ashes placed upon the forehead. For some, it serves as a reminder... Continue Reading →
Christmas can be a strange season for many Christians. On the one hand, I rejoice in the reminder that God took on flesh and dwelt among us to be our Savior. On the other, I often find myself unsettled by the prominence of nativity scenes and visual depictions of Christ. These images are meant to... Continue Reading →
The Law of God, unfortunately, is not as clear in many Christian circles as it ought to be. Some wield it as a cudgel, measuring the sanctification of others against their own standards and striking where they perceive deficiency. Others, appealing to the grace of the cross, assume that because Christ has earned our merit,... Continue Reading →
Before I begin, I feel it appropriate to clarify that I am not a medical professional. I am, however, a steward of Christ’s church, seeking to come alongside those who are suffering. Far too often I have seen attempts to address depression fall into one of two errors. Some claim that depression is merely a... Continue Reading →
When inviting friends to our humble OPC church, some have expressed concern about the lack of a children’s church. They wonder whether their children will be able to sit through the sermon, or worry that they might be a distraction—to themselves or to the rest of the congregation. While children’s church is often offered as... Continue Reading →
Oftentimes, when getting to know other professing Christians, I will ask what church they attend as a simple icebreaker. It is usually an easy way to discover shared convictions or meaningful differences and to continue the conversation from there. Occasionally, however, the response is some variation of, “I don’t go to church,” a statement that... Continue Reading →
As the NFL barrels toward its zenith in the 60th Super Bowl this winter, millions are preparing for a national liturgy of food, spectacle, and celebration. Some churches, rather than resisting the cultural tide, now adjust service times or devise themed novelties to accommodate the event.1 Much has already been written lamenting how football has... Continue Reading →
One day, I thought to ask the following question during a fellowship meal at my old Baptist church - "How do you baptize someone who cannot be immersed in water due to physical issues? If they are hooked up to machinery due to a chronic illness, can't we pour water over their head to ensure... Continue Reading →
Sometime last year, my father-in-law was visiting us from out of state. On the drive home from the airport, our conversation turned to the upcoming Lord’s Day service. Knowing that our previous church practiced a members-only approach to Communion, he expressed some concern about whether he would be able to partake at our current church.... Continue Reading →
Every time I go to a new restaurant, they seem to have some kind of rewards club to join. “Just give us your phone number for perks!” the screen—or an eager staffer—insists, while I mentally calculate whether I really want to hand my number to yet another corporation. "What’s in it for me?" is the... Continue Reading →
