The Purpose of His Coming (Matthew 1:21)

In Christian circles, you are liable to hear at Christmas, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Certainly, such a statement is true. We have discussed the promise and plan of Christ’s coming because He is the reason for the season. Yet, we would do well to dig a little deeper and to ask, “WhatContinue reading “The Purpose of His Coming (Matthew 1:21)”

The Plan of His Coming (Matthew 1:18-25)

When somebody has a great idea or concept, they usually are faced with an inquiry that goes something like, “Well, do you have a plan in place for it?” In the same manner, we have observed from the Old Testament God has made a promise. But does this promise come with a plan? The answerContinue reading “The Plan of His Coming (Matthew 1:18-25)”

The Promise of His Coming (Matthew 1:1-17)

In the fray of the Christmas season, there are many things that seek to capture our attention. Commercials and ads invite us to consume and purchase. Movies tell us this can be a magical season if we just believe, and it is the season for true love. Yet, what the commercials promise fail to keepContinue reading “The Promise of His Coming (Matthew 1:1-17)”

Who and Why of Thanksgiving

This week family and friends will gather and feast. They will celebrate the holiday known as Thanksgiving. Yet, how many families truly spend the time of reflecting on thankfulness? Consider your own life: Do you approach this season by thinking who you are thankful for? Do you stop to think why you are even thankfulContinue reading “Who and Why of Thanksgiving”

Bear Witness to the Truth, Not Fake News

I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God. These words not only signify one of the most crucial moments in a courtroom scene but also find a primary place in the Christian life. Just as in a court case when witnesses take an oath toContinue reading “Bear Witness to the Truth, Not Fake News”

Quick Reads for Anxious People (Book Review)

Welch, Edward T. A Small Book for the Anxious Heart: Meditations on Fear, Worry, and Trust. New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC. 2019. 192 pages. During this time of a global pandemic, many are anxious. They fear they may test positive for the coronavirus. They worry what impact this may have on the economy and toContinue reading “Quick Reads for Anxious People (Book Review)”

A Call to Stir Teens’s Affections for Christ (Book Review)

Barratt, Sara. Love Riot: A Teenage Call to Live with Relentless Abandon for Christ. Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. 2020. 208 pages. When I entered vocational ministry as a youth pastor, I intentionally set out to not be all about pizza parties and silly stories. While my youth group has enjoyed a nice slice ofContinue reading “A Call to Stir Teens’s Affections for Christ (Book Review)”