Each year, many Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter with great enthusiasm. But Pentecost? It often gets overlooked. Yet if we understand the biblical story in its fullness, we discover that Pentecost is one of the most theologically rich and...
One of the more common objections to Christianity—especially from agnostics and atheists—is the claim that people only believe what they are raised in. The argument goes like this: if you’re born in Saudi Arabia, you’ll likely be Muslim. If you grow...
“The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self—all your wishes and precautions—to Christ. But it is far easier than what we are all trying to do instead, … to remain what we call ‘ourselves,’ to keep personal...
8 He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering...
At the center of the Christian faith stands a staggering claim: Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, saves humanity. His death atones for sin; his resurrection conquers death. But there’s an important truth often overlooked—Jesus’s saving work would...
When Christians come to the Lord’s Table, we often hear the words of Jesus: “This is my body, given for you.” But what body do we partake of? Is it Christ’s broken, crucified body—or something more? Theologically, it is crucial to understand...
The recent death of the pope has prompted much mourning and contemplation among Roman Catholics and other people worldwide. For millions of Christians, he was not just a global religious leader but a symbol of spiritual steadiness and moral purpose...
A friend asked me this question today. Short answer: No. Long answer: Let’s look at what Scripture actually teaches. Evangelism Is for the Living The central mission of the Church is to proclaim the gospel to the living—to call people to...
I posted this by Wes Huff: Someone responded this way: Hey, look, a truth column in red! For what it’s worth, the Messiah’s people are called to be different, a Peculiar people, not to follow the pagan practices of ancient times. Passover and...
Today I received a great email response from a dear friend (and revered Old Testament scholar) with his thoughts on this post. He had a bit of a different take that I wish to share here. He writes: “My God, my God, why….” I...