Is Your Heart Closed Off?

Fraught. Complicated. Tenuous. On-again-off-again. Volatile. While these words might describe many teenage romances, they also aptly characterize the Apostle Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church. Scripture reports that Paul spent 18 months in Corinth, evangelizing and discipling (Acts 18:1-17), made one “painful visit” during which he dealt with ongoing sin issues (2 Cor. 2:1), and … Continue reading Is Your Heart Closed Off?

You’re Responsible for Growing in Holiness

The clock may say zero, but the game goes on. If you’re a soccer fan, you know that a game isn’t over until the referees blow their whistles. Unlike basketball in which the play-clock stops when the ball goes out of bounds or for substitutions and other stoppages of play, in soccer, the play-clock never … Continue reading You’re Responsible for Growing in Holiness

“You Are Enough”…And Other Lies the Gospel Refutes

“Just do it.” “If you dream it, you can achieve it.” “Believe in yourself, and the world will believe in you too.” “Embrace yourself.” “You are enough.” Slogans like these came into vogue during the 1990s self-esteem movement, but they have proven to have significant staying power. They reinforce the most prominent idol of our … Continue reading “You Are Enough”…And Other Lies the Gospel Refutes

How Can You Have a Quiet Heart in a Noisy World?

Ping! You receive a “breaking news” notification. Another school shooting. Sighing, you open your phone and read the story. Tears fill your eyes as you learn about the victims of such a senseless crime. Ping! Another notification. A friend just texted you asking what time you’d like to meet for dinner. You begin your response. … Continue reading How Can You Have a Quiet Heart in a Noisy World?

The Mighty Fortress

Death.  Plague. Illness. Temptation. Anxiety. Tragedy. One of Christendom’s best-loved hymns was likely born out of a season of heavy trial. Though the exact details surrounding the writing of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” have been lost to history, scholars believe that Luther penned his most famous hymn sometime during the years 1527-28, a … Continue reading The Mighty Fortress