A fierce spiritual battle is raging all around us, and times are difficult for all Christians as the devil prowls around like a lion, seeking whom he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). Mothers are an easy target, because they can be hit from many different angles. Not only the God-ordained institutions like marriage, children, and […]
Are you ever impatient? Not so much impatient with circumstances, but with people? Have you ever looked across the church and shaken your head at that person who never seems to grow up, who constantly struggles in their walk with the Lord, and who never quite manages to be there every Sunday? Have you ever […]
Last time, I considered James’s admonition to his early Christian readers: “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers” (Jas. 4:11, English Standard Version). He goes on to say that if we speak evil of or judge a brother, then we are really speaking evil of and judging the law. It sounds as though the […]
I remember back in senior year of college having a pretty easy class scheduled for Friday mornings. Early Friday mornings, that is, and I was not and am not a morning person. I would set the alarm for about ten minutes before the start of class, roll out of bed, brush my teeth, hop on […]
I wonder if you are aware that there is a war waging for your heart. It is a war that began in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:1–6, 15) and will continue until the appearance of the new heaven and new earth. It is a war between light and darkness, sin and righteousness, holiness and […]
Watchman on the Walls of Zion: The Life and Influence of Simon van Velzen, Joshua Engelsma. Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing Association, 2021. 229 pages. Hardcover. $26.50. RFPA: https://rfpa.org/products/watchman-on-the-walls-of-zion Who was Simon van Velzen? Unfortunately, there are many who might ask this—even many in western Michigan! Of those who led in the original secession from […]
America is not an honor society. Nor do we prioritize respect. Rather, disrespect is the norm. It is common for us to treat our elders as our equals (or inferiors). The model TV child is often one who disrespects and belittles his parents. We malign and mock our governing authorities. Employees slander their bosses. Husbands […]
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39, English Standard Version). It is a cardinal commandment of the Christian life and, at first glance, a simple one. But what should we make of Jesus’ comparison to self-love? Most children, whether raised in a Christian home or not, are taught that selfishness is bad. So […]
How can I know God’s will? That generic question takes shape with a host of specific questions God’s people face. How long should I live with my parents? Where should I go to college? Should I go to college? Should I change jobs? Should I marry? If so, who? Should I have children? If so, […]