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J. C. Ryle (1816-1900) was a persistent advocate of Scripture reading and faithful preaching. As Bishop of Liverpool, he did all in his power to advance knowledge of the Bible. At a time when the influence of the church was declining and the population growing rapidly, Ryle maintained the importance of the Bible both for individual[…]

Like Ezekiel, we step into the suffering of humanity with eyes wide open, but we don’t stop there. We believe that bones can live. Crazy as it sounds. Indeed, “foolish” according to the apostle Paul; yet, it’s true. The most tentative and enfeebled Christian has power to speak life into dead bones. Why? Because Jesus[…]

In this inaugural podcast of 2020, we consider why the victory of Christ makes our most terrifying fears nothing more than a hollow threat.  

How does Advent contribute to peace? The Church univocally confesses that it comes through the Babe in the manger whom we call Lord. This is the bedrock on which true peace is established. But in what way is incarnational peace ‘spread to all the earth abroad’? Here is an example from history. Friar Antonio de[…]

1. Ad Fontes. Do we read the Bible as often as we read books about the Bible? 2. Sola Scriptura. Is Scripture the supreme authority to which we direct thoughtful attention each day? 3. The Priesthood of Believers. Do our neighbors and friends see in us a commitment to gospel ministry worked out in a regular routine of service?[…]

I sat in a pew this past Sunday looking up at Paul, an intern from many years ago, as he prepared to pray. Sitting beside me was our missions festival speaker, Collin, also an intern from those ancient days. It was a memorable moment in which to thank God for the privilege of participating in[…]

Confronted by the persecution, force, and cruelty of this world, Peter Martyr Vermigli (1499–1542, pronounced Vayr-MEEL-yee,) urged Christians to leave the shadows of ignorance and recognize two realities: their identity in Christ and the sure hope of one day seeing God face to face. This, he contends, is “man’s ultimate happiness,” the delight that surpasses[…]

“Pastor Chris, what is the single most important need of your church?” “Catechesis,” I respond. The puzzled look that usually follows becomes an unspoken invitation to explain. “It’s a tradition that goes back to the early centuries of the church,” I tell them, “a process of prayerfully and carefully imparting the Christian faith to children and[…]

I recently grabbed coffee with an old friend in which conversation turned to the relationship between Scripture and faith. After hearing his numerous questions concerning biblical authority, I responded with the words of Paul in Romans 10:17: “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” In other words, Scripture is the God-appointed[…]