The Gift of Sleep: An Interview with Brett McCracken

This past Spring when I learned that Brett McCracken had written a soon-to-be-released book about sleep, I knew that I had to read it as soon as it came out. (I read it in one day this past weekend.) The name of the book is: The Wisdom of Sleep: How Rest Reveals God's Truth and Revives … Continue reading The Gift of Sleep: An Interview with Brett McCracken

How is a Christian Different from a Non-Christian in relation to Sin? (Romans 6)

One important way that a Christian is different from a non-Christian in relation to sin, according to the apostle Paul, is that a Christian is not stuck in sin, whereas a non-Christian is. I’ve decided to coin a new theological word today 😊 to describe this difference: stuckness. The apostle Paul uses a stronger metaphor … Continue reading How is a Christian Different from a Non-Christian in relation to Sin? (Romans 6)

Predestined to be Conformed to the Image of Christ (Romans 8:29)

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers (Rom 8:29) Today's devotional thought is not really focused on predestination, even if that’s the first thing my students want to talk about when they encounter Romans … Continue reading Predestined to be Conformed to the Image of Christ (Romans 8:29)

The Role of Emotion in Philippians: Discerning Affections

My colleague, Dr. Isaac Blois, who teaches in the Torrey Honors College at Biola University, recently published an academic book entitled The Role of Emotion in Philippians: Discerning Affections. I was intrigued, to say the least, when I learned last summer that he was almost done writing a book about emotions in Paul’s wonderful—and emotional—letter … Continue reading The Role of Emotion in Philippians: Discerning Affections

Did the Author of Hebrews Really Not Know Where He Was Quoting From? (Hebrews 2:6 and 4:4)

I used to find a strange sort of comfort in two verses that seemed to indicate that the author of Hebrews sometimes didn’t know where he was quoting from. At least I wasn’t the only one! But you might ask: “That happens in the Bible? Where?” There are two places in the book of Hebrews … Continue reading Did the Author of Hebrews Really Not Know Where He Was Quoting From? (Hebrews 2:6 and 4:4)

The Fathers on the Future: An Interview with Michael J. Svigel

I recently read Michael Svigel's 2024 book The Fathers on the Future: A 2nd-Century Eschatology for the 21st-Century Church (Hendrickson Publishers). This book is full of many insightful discussions—both biblical and patristic—all focused on the future. I reached out to Dr. Svigel to see if he’d be willing to do an interview on his book. I’m so happy … Continue reading The Fathers on the Future: An Interview with Michael J. Svigel

Is it Satan or God?

I was driving to work this morning and happened upon a Christian radio station where a preacher (I’m unsure who) was expositing a passage of Scripture.[1] Unlike so many radio preachers who play fast and loose with God’s word, this preacher was carefully unpacking the passage and making relevant applications. As the preacher moved toward … Continue reading Is it Satan or God?

A Heart Aflame for God: An Interview with Matthew Bingham

I recently read a deep and thoughtful book on Christian living entitled A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation. I reached out to the author, Matthew Bingham, to see if he would be willing to do an interview about his book. I’m delighted that he agreed! Ken Berding (KB): First, can … Continue reading A Heart Aflame for God: An Interview with Matthew Bingham

“That’s Just Wrong!” Is it Wrong, or is it Unwise?

How many times have I heard someone say, “That’s just wrong!” when the action being discussed isn’t wrong in a moral sense, but is simply unwise from the perspective of the speaker? This got me thinking about the nexus between morality and wisdom, between an action being right or wrong, on the one hand, and … Continue reading “That’s Just Wrong!” Is it Wrong, or is it Unwise?

Whether-by-Life-or-Death Prayers

In Philippians 1:19, Paul writes, “for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.” New Testament scholars disagree about what Paul is affirming. A proper understanding of this verse can help us increase our confidence in prayer. Option 1: Physical Deliverance. … Continue reading Whether-by-Life-or-Death Prayers