The Revelation and Glory of God (Ps. 19)

Our God is a speaking God; he is a communicating God who reveals his glory in, through, and to his creation. As noted Christian apologist Francis Schaeffer put it: “He is there and He is not silent.” The apostle Paul writes that, “his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the […]

Continue reading

Paul’s opening prayer for the Ephesian church – that God would give them “the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,” that they might know the profound reality of their hope, their inheritance, and the power of God (Eph 1:17-19) – is grounded in the great and immeasurable might of God. We are able to rest assured […]

Continue reading

Remembering the Gospel (Eph. 1:15-19)

It is often the case that the gospel which people want to hear preached is not the gospel that we preach from Scripture. The unregenerate desires a gospel that will promise physical health, wealth, prosperity, comfort, emotional/mystical experiences, and a better life now. However, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers forgiveness from sins, a right standing before God, growth […]

Continue reading

To the Praise of His Glory (Eph. 1:3-14)

As we read through Ephesians 1:3-14, seeing and savoring all of the wonderful spiritual blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus, we are presented with a stunning description of the Triune nature of God and the specific work of each Person in the Godhead. Moreover, this passage also encompasses all history, all people, and all things from eternity past to eternity […]

Continue reading

Glorifying the Grace-Giver (Gal 1:18-24)

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul describes himself as the least of the apostles because he persecuted the church of God (1 Cor. 15:9). However, after Paul’s eyes were opened to the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, he became a new creation, zealous for good works and the spread of the gospel. His testimony became a […]

Continue reading

Called by God’s Grace (Gal 1:11-17)

As Paul moves into a defense of his gospel against the criticisms of his opponents, he gives a brief autobiography detailing the events surrounding his conversion. He explains that though he formerly “was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent” of Christianity, he nevertheless “received mercy” – being transformed into one of the most remarkable evangelists of all […]

Continue reading

The Rescuer Christ (Gal 1:1-5)

Paul’s epistle to the Galatians sought to address a major problem facing the early church. Because of false teachers, the church was quickly abandoning the gospel of grace, of justification by faith alone, in favor of a gospel of works and law. However, even in the introduction to his letter, Paul is quick to remind the Galatian churches of the gospel […]

Continue reading

A Defeated Foe

Although the devil is called the “father of lies” (John 8:44), he is also known as the “accuser of our brothers”. His job has always been to accuse the saints based on the correct understanding that the penalty of sin requires judgment and spiritual death. However, through Christ’s death, resurrection, and exaltation he has achieved […]

Continue reading

God’s Truth Abideth Still

“Where is God in all of this?” This question is often asked in the face of devastating trials, intense persecution, and horrible calamities. Even as believers we can sometimes be tempted to believe that God is distant, unconcerned, or even helpless when disaster strikes. In Acts 12 we see the early church facing such difficulties […]

Continue reading