Polycarp’s Final Days and Martyrdom

One of the most famous Christians in history—and, truly, one of my historical heroes—was an early Christian named Polycarp. Polycarp ministered to the church of ancient Smyrna (modern Izmir, on the western coast of modern Turkey—a city I resided in for two years). Polycarp lived into the middle of the 2nd century A.D., and because … Continue reading Polycarp’s Final Days and Martyrdom

What was Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7)?

Paul’s thorn in the flesh was some sort of unusual, long-term, intermittent, stabbing, face pain that was viewed by others as shameful and the result of black magic attacks, but by Paul as attacks of a demon permitted by God. This is the conclusion of my newly-released book focused on answering one of the most … Continue reading What was Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7)?

Seven Favorite Christian Books of 2022

I read a lot of helpful Christian books this past year, but here are my seven favorites. Surprisingly, I read the first five before the end of January! Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament, by Mark Vroegop. The author first teaches how to lament, and then moves on to explain what we … Continue reading Seven Favorite Christian Books of 2022

What Does the Word “Comfort” Mean in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7?

What do you think of when you hear the word “comfort”? I think of a flannel shirt I bought twenty years ago (and still sometimes wear!), the world’s softest feather pillow, or the elusive first-class seat I never get to enjoy on an airplane. What about the verb “comfort”? What comes to mind when you … Continue reading What Does the Word “Comfort” Mean in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7?

When Have Been the Most Sorrowful Times of Your Life?

This probing question was asked me by a young man with whom I was spending regular mentoring times a few years ago. Now, I cannot answer the question for you today with specifics (though I tried to for my younger friend). But there is one insight about suffering that came out of that discussion that … Continue reading When Have Been the Most Sorrowful Times of Your Life?

Solid Theology for Times of Suffering: A New eBook by John Piper about Coronavirus

John Piper has just released a free eBook entitled: Coronavirus and Christ. (It is also available in hard-copy.) This short book is a wonderful example of the kind of theology that all of us need to lean into in the midst of crisis. After introductory chapters that focus upon the sovereignty of God, Piper offers … Continue reading Solid Theology for Times of Suffering: A New eBook by John Piper about Coronavirus

A List of Psalms to Memorize

Would you like to use some of the extra time you have right now to memorize Scripture? I have previously written about the importance of memorizing and engaging with Scripture. But I realized a few years ago that there was a gaping hole in my own memorization program—the book of Psalms. I was facing some … Continue reading A List of Psalms to Memorize