While the second coming of Jesus Christ is clearly taught in Scripture (Luke 12:40; 1 Thess. 5:2-4; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 16:15), many in the church today are either consumed with making fanciful predictions about his return or simply neglect this doctrine out of frustration and confusion. For a disciple of Jesus, however, neither of […]
Here in Luke’s narrative, once again, we find Jesus in prayer. But this time, something prompts a disciple to ask: “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Prayer is one of the most vital spiritual disciplines, but it is also one of the most neglected. By failing to be devoted to prayer, we show that […]
As Paul begins to bring his epistle to a close, he exhorts the church to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Eph. 6:10). He masterfully weaves together the many themes present throughout the letter in order to encourage the saints to put on the gospel armor of God in its entirety, […]
“Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Ps. 121:4). Traditionally sung by pilgrims traveling up to the temple in Jerusalem, this Song of Ascent declares the faithful, vigilant, keeping power of God over his chosen people. But can we Gentiles sing and apply this Psalm today? If we aren’t making pilgrimages to Jerusalem, celebrating Jewish feasts, or even […]
For those who have placed their faith in Christ Jesus, whose lives are now hidden with Christ in God, God is our shelter, our refuge, our fortress. He is our Champion. He fights for us, defends us, and delivers us. Not only is he overruling all things for our good and commanding the hosts of […]
Martin Luther, in commenting on the beautiful truths of this Psalm, wrote: “We sing this psalm to the praise of God, because He is with us and powerfully and miraculously preserves and defends His church and His word against all fanatical spirits, against the gates of hell, against the implacable hatred of the devil, and against […]
The Psalms of lament are a wonderful source of encouragement, relief, and hope for those enduring times of affliction. They have often served as the prayers of the saints throughout the centuries.Though both Psalm 42 and 43 are full of questions, grief, and doubt, and though our souls are often downcast and surrounded by the storms of turmoil […]
When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the church at Pentecost, believers were empowered to be witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ, spreading the good news of the kingdom of God throughout the earth (Acts 1:8). And even in the face of severe persecution that broke out against the early church – intense suffering, hostility, and […]
The imagery of the Lord God as our great and glorious Shepherd is inexhaustibly rich. As we look at Psalm 23, a beautiful picture is painted of our Shepherd who guides us in His good and sovereign purposes, providing perfect peace and rest in His loving care. Pastor Leandre reminds us that this psalm is not […]
