INTRODUCTION: One of the most familiar elements of the Christmas story is the star of Bethlehem. But at the same time, it remains one of the most unknown features of the story—because unlike the wise men, we don’t really look straight at it. THE TEXT: “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold …
And Because They Felt Like It
Once upon a time, there was a secular nation that wanted to forget about Christmas. They did not even like the smell of it. And so they had their scholars and think tank johnnies try to get people to use CE for Common Era and BCE for Before Common Era. It was intolerable, you see, …
Thanksgiving 2008
Comes now another Thanksgiving, and I have to say that I can’t get enough of them. This is a glorious harvest home music festival, one that strikes all the right notes. One of the things I have noticed over the years is that the so-called sons of Issachar (1 Chron. 12:32) tend to be on …
Halloween
Here is a brief something I sent out to our church a few years ago. Some of you all might find it helpful. I forget if I have posted it before. Halloween As another Halloween approaches, and as many of us are working on building alternatives, I wanted to take the opportunity to offer a …
Audio Reading of Post
The Spirit Groans
INTRODUCTION: On Pentecost Sunday, we rejoice in the fact that the Comforter has been given, poured out upon us, so that the world might be prepared for the final consummation. This is a central role of the Spirit in the world, and it ties in directly with the purposes of God for this world that …
Colonies of Heavean
INTRODUCTION: On Ascension Sunday, we mark the glorious coronation of the Lord Jesus. After His resurrection, He established to His disciples that He was in fact alive forever, and then He ascended into the heavens. When He did this, He was received by the Ancient of Days, and was given universal authority over all the …
A Big Shout Out to the Pope
One more quick comment on penitential seasons. I do believe it is possible for good, sound Protestants to observe such seasons, provided they redefine everything and do something very different from what gave rise to the historical practice in the first place. But it seems to me this is done with success rarely, and when …
No Going Back
Have a blessed and glorious Easter. He is risen. He is risen indeed. No way to undo it.
Peter Leithart on Penitential Seasons
Last Sunday, I preached on penitential seasons, which you can listen to here. The outline for the message can be found here. And Peter Leithart has been kind enough to engage with some of my argument here and here. Just a couple comments in return. I agree with much of what Peter says, especially the …
Christ’s Death and Ours
We know that in His death, Jesus Christ conquered death. This was obviously in concert with His resurrection from the dead, but Scripture speaks of Christ’s death having a singular power over death as well. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; …