It is no surprise for those who know me and/or follow the site that I am a fan of the Puritans. I love their views on God's sovereignty, man's depravity, the power of Christ's atonement, and family worship (which is the application of teaching these things and applying them to our closest neighbors). Another aspect... Continue Reading →
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment – Jeremiah Burroughs (concise)
Christian contentment is defined as that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and takes satisfaction in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition. This "rare jewel" is not merely a natural patience or a stoic indifference but a spiritual mystery that must be learned in the school of Christ.... Continue Reading →
A Worldview of Eternity
“The soul is framed according to what it most esteems.” - Jeremiah Burroughs What is it that you believe shapes how you view the world, and what is it that drives how you interact with the world? Does being a Democrat or Republican shape your view of politics, influencing your stance on key issues and... Continue Reading →
When zeal outshines wisdom: lessons from Judges 11
Emotions are part of reality, society, sin, righteousness, and foolishness. How well do we see this in Judges 11? Jephthah shows a pagan shortsightedness and not covenant wisdom with a systematic thought process, as we all do almost daily. If we truly read what was done, we should weep for Jephthah, his daughter, and ourselves,... Continue Reading →
A Father’s Hand in our Affliction
A question that seems to rise up time and time again in discussions of religion is "if God is real, why do bad things happen to good people?" Usually the question is not abstract. It comes after a funeral, a terminal diagnosis, or some other sorrow that tears through ordinary life. In such moments, the... Continue Reading →
More and More (Sanctification)
'Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.' - 1 Thessalonians 4:1 I was reading through First and Second Thessalonians the other day when... Continue Reading →
The Beauty of Simplicity in Worship
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 →
Seeing Christ by Faith, Not by Images
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 →
Conviction, Restraint, and Gratitude: The Law’s Proper Work
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 →
Afflicted Yet Not Abandoned: Depression in the Christian Life
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 →