Category: Illuminance

Washed and Welcomed

October 18, 2021
One of my first memories as a pastor was baptizing my infant son. I remember how special that moment was as I held him in my arms and poured the water over his head. Now I was raised a Baptist, and in many ways the baptism of my son was a clear break with that … More Washed and Welcomed

Sacramental Saints

October 11, 2021
The Lord Jesus Christ came to deliver the good news of God’s marvelous grace. Matthew’s Gospel captures the inception of Jesus’ ministry in His proclamation, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 ESV) This message was proclaimed from boats and plains. It was preached from synagogues and the Temple. But by … More Sacramental Saints

A “Traditional” Church

September 20, 2021
I love that we worship in a traditional church. There are all sorts of churches out there. There are churches where you sit down to be entertained. There are churches which simulate a club or sporting event feel. There are churches which seem indistinguishable from the non-believing world around it, both in ideas and practice. … More A “Traditional” Church

How Do Christians Grow?

September 13, 2021
How do you grow as a Christian? So often today we find people wanting to advance in their education or career, they want to improve their diets and their physique, but how often do we find individuals who want to improve their walk with the Lord? The Bible teaches us that if we are calling … More How Do Christians Grow?

A Work in Progress

September 6, 2021
The Christian life is defined in many ways. How you would explain the difference between a Christian life and non-Christian life? Both sorts of people have jobs. Both have the capacity to do good in their communities. Both sorts go on vacations, pursue education, seek after job promotions, and the like. There are many areas … More A Work in Progress

Can God Forgive Me?

August 30, 2021
There is no teaching as influential to the historic Protestant church as justification. English Puritan Thomas Watson (AD 1620-1686) spoke of the doctrine of justification in this way, “Justification is the very hinge and pillar of Christianity.” In other words, to err on this point is to miss the very heart of the Christian faith. … More Can God Forgive Me?

Spiritus Sanctus

August 16, 2021
Are there any foundational components to the Christian faith? Certainly, there are mysteries that still cause many a theologian to scratch his head, but there are also basic and elementary teachings that are fundamental to the faith. One of those teachings is on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has … More Spiritus Sanctus

Our King Rides the Clouds

August 9, 2021
When we think of the work of the Lord Jesus we may often consider His teaching or miracles. You may be drawn to think of His stilling of the storm. Maybe it's His feeding of the 5,000. Perhaps you even consider His resurrection. Rarely however does the Ascension of Christ receive such prominence. If it … More Our King Rides the Clouds

When Death Blinked

August 2, 2021
The Apostle Peter preached the very first sermon on the Resurrection of Christ. Ironically, it was not on Easter, but on Pentecost. There, before the crowd that assembled, Peter proclaimed these words concerning Jesus of Nazareth, “God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held … More When Death Blinked

He Had to Die

July 17, 2021
The ancient philosopher Aristotle once wrote, “By nature, all men long to know.” There is an inherent curiosity hardwired into our human nature. We want to know more. Our pursuits are boundless and are often ignited by that three-letter word “why”. Our instinctual curiosity does not dissipate when we come across the Bible. There are … More He Had to Die