Romans 8:28: The Spirit Works All Things Together for Good

There is third way to interpret (and translate) Romans 8:28 than is found in most English translations, but most people don’t know it. Some readers of this blog will know that English translations take two different routes when they come to Romans 8:28. The two approaches to translating this famous verse center on whether “all … Continue reading Romans 8:28: The Spirit Works All Things Together for Good

Psalm 119 as an English Acrostic

What would Psalm 119 sound like as an English acrostic? In Hebrew, an acrostic is precisely what Psalm 119 is. What is an acrostic? An acrostic is a poetic arrangement of letters in which (most commonly) the first letter of each line begins with the next letter in the alphabet. In the Hebrew text of … Continue reading Psalm 119 as an English Acrostic

What Does “I Can Do All Things through Christ who Strengthens Me” Mean? (Philippians 4:13)

It is one of the best-known verses in the Bible. It appears on wall art, bumper stickers, social media profiles, and even tattoos. But we usually misinterpret it. Philippians 4:13 is not about personal empowerment. It is not a promise that you can become anything you want when you grow up if you want it … Continue reading What Does “I Can Do All Things through Christ who Strengthens Me” Mean? (Philippians 4:13)

Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation

I just finished reading Collin Hansen’s book, Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation. Keller went to be with the Lord on May 19, as many of you know. Hansen’s book about Tim Keller was released only a couple months prior to Keller’s passing. I appreciated this book and received extra benefit from it because … Continue reading Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation

One Way Christians Can Prepare for the Onslaught of Artificial Intelligence

Did you hear what happened to Erica Marsh, the rage-baiting leftist political commentator who had 130,000 followers on Twitter? The answer is nothing, since Erica Marsh probably never existed, and her Twitter account was likely faked. Prepare yourself. With the proliferation of AI (Artificial Intelligence), you’re going to hear a lot more stories about fake … Continue reading One Way Christians Can Prepare for the Onslaught of Artificial Intelligence

Should a Church Sing (American) Patriotic Songs During Its Worship Services?

I was serving as a part-time worship pastor in a church in one of New York City’s suburbs when the attacks of September 11, 2001 were launched. Soon after the attacks, a small contingent of vocal church members began to demand that we start to sing American patriotic songs during our worship services. That suggestion … Continue reading Should a Church Sing (American) Patriotic Songs During Its Worship Services?

Pray Like Polycarp

I was scheduled for part two of a root canal. (Woo hoo!) I realized I needed a better strategy entering round two than I had going into round one. I needed to be prepared to manage more than two hours of needles, whirling machines, grinding teeth (my teeth!), and a gag reflex akin to drowning. … Continue reading Pray Like Polycarp

Profound Skepticism: Has Modern Scholarship Impeded the Study of Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh?

The topic of Paul’s thorn in the flesh (2 Cor 12:7) is, on the one hand, like a puzzle to be solved—what could have caused Paul such agony?—and, on the other hand, the source of a powerful spiritual lesson—“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). Perhaps … Continue reading Profound Skepticism: Has Modern Scholarship Impeded the Study of Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh?

The 12 Most Important Books of the Bible

Suppose a Christian were stranded on a deserted island and could only select 12 books of the Bible from which to read. Which books would be most valuable? Which books are most important for understanding the character of God, the person of Christ, how God redeems a fallen world, the mission of the church, and … Continue reading The 12 Most Important Books of the Bible

Is Jazz Music Christian?

I just finished reading A Supreme Love: The Music of Jazz and the Hope of the Gospel, by William Edgar. I enjoyed this book. It has a good chance of making my top-seven list for 2023 when I post my favorite Christian books at the end of the year. (Like this, this, this, this, and … Continue reading Is Jazz Music Christian?