Take Your Stand

How do the members of a church nourish each other? Ephesians4:11-16 and Colossians 2:19 call all believers to serve one another, but whatexactly does that look like? In this episode, I share the vision the NewTestament casts for this kind of ministry. While this is an “ideal” picture, itis a goal the Lord calls us to pursue as we rest in the finished work ofChrist.  

The term "unbiblical" can get tossed around in discussions about convictions or various practices. The problem, however, is that the phrase can be misleading. I delve into the two senses of "unbiblical" and provide examples of how we need to think carefully about the words we say and how we use Scripture. We must come to the Bible in humble submission rather than trying to make...

Going forward, the podcast is shifting away from seasonsinto stand alone episodes. The unifying feature is the goal of showing how thegospel impacts every aspect of our lives. I give a few examples of upcomingepisodes, and I also share about some novels I’m working on.   If you want to receive updates about my books, includingbonus materials, sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.hisministri...

I share a list of my favorite books I’ve read this year. These could make great gift ideas, or they could be ones you want to add to your own reading list. I close out the episode with updates about my two upcoming novels: “Enough” and “Change of Plans.” “Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing,” by Jonathan Leeman   “Love the Ones...

This is a special interview with Chris Staron, the host of Truce Podcast. His high-quality show has helped me understand the complexities of several issues regarding culture wars. Chris has much to offer, and I highly encourage you to check out the interview and subscribe to his show.

The call to discipleship is essentially a call to fellowship with Jesus. As we are with him, he transforms us and sends us out to share the message with others. This call to be in relationship with the Triune God is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. From beginning to end, God is calling people into a deep, personal fellowship with himself. What a glorious thought, and one that impacts the wa...

In the midst of the emotions of the election, we need an anchor of hope. That hope is Jesus and the coming kingdom. The Bible calls us to recognize we are simply exiles here on earth as we await our true home. We seek the welfare of the land we live in, but we don’t get too comfortable here. This offers hope and perspective in an emotionalay-charged election season.   “Reconstructing faith” podcas...

The story of the prodigal son is actually the story of two rebellious children. We don’t often think about that because the older brother cloaked his inner state with outward decency. Even so, he still stood in need of forgiveness, just as much as his younger brother. This episode explores both types of rebellion and points to the grace of the Father for all who repent. I also share how I bring th...

When it comes to art, how do we “approve what is excellent?” (Phil. 1:9). Excellence involves both content and craft/skill. This flows from the fact that the Lord creates for beauty and for function, as well as from the fact that God Himself is beautiful. In our art, we should seek to reflect the fullness of God’s nature, both by creating Christ-honoring content, and doing so with Christ-exalting...

“One With My Lord” by Sam Allberry is an excellent book delving into our union with Christ. The author clearly and compellingly explains a different aspect of this truth in each of the eight chapters. I give a brief review of the book and its highlights in this episode. The book is one I highly recommend.   “One With My Lord,” by Sam Allberry. (Crossway, 2024). “One With My Lord” by Sam Allberry i...

This is the first look at my upcoming novel, “Enough: The Story of a Modern Prodigal.” It’s based on the parable Jesus told in Luke 15:11-32, but with a few changes. This episode introduces some of those changes and shares about some of the characters. One of the biggest themes in the book is that sin is rooted in our hearts. Regardless of whether we have everything together on the outside, regard...

Jesus’ words, “Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks,” has several applications. One that has struck me recently is a cause and effect. If I want to praise God and encourage others authentically, I need to be treasuring Christ in my heart. How can I encourage others if I have nothing to draw from? I explore this reality and offer some guidelines as to how this relates to music, movies...

The Code of Silence Collection is a fast-paced, Christian middle-grade series by Tim Shoemaker. I loved the first book and its message about the truth setting people free. I did have some concerns about the other two books in the series, though. I give my thoughts about the three books in this short episode.   “The Code of Silence Collection,” by Tim Shoemaker: https://www.amazon.com/Code-Silence-...

“City of Ember” is a very well-written series for middle grade readers. It has several good messages about living moral lives. But that’s the rub—it approaches life from a humanistic, anti-religion standpoint. As I work through this series, I try to provide an example of how to look for the author’s message.   “City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau. (Yearling;, 2004). “The People of Sparks.” Yearling Bo...

In the temptation in Luke 4, we see two striking responses of Jesus. First, He doesn’t point out every wrong element of the devil’s claim. Instead, He chose to focus on the root of the problem. And second, He drew attention to the intended meaning of the text rather than the mere words that were “written.” Both of these examples can set a pattern for our own lives.   “Lexicon :: Strong's G3004...

As Genesis 3 draws to a close, we see the holiness of God on display. He has no sin in Himself, and He cannot ignore or have fellowship with it. Yet through Christ, He deals with our sin and is making us holy like Himself. And one day, we will be back in the presence of our holy God.   “The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Where Are They Going, and What Will it Take to Bring Them Back?” by James...

The mercy of God is such a marvel. We see this in both the promise of the future Offspring of the woman and in the skins God used to clothe Adam and Eve. This theme continues all the way to the cross. The sacrifice of Christ shows the full mercy of God. In response, we are to show mercy to one another.   John R. W. Stott. “The Cross of Christ.” (Downers Grove, Il: InterVarsity Press, 2006). pp. 13...

God is just—that means He is both the Judge and the One who carries out the appropriate verdict. His justice is precise, not coming short or going too far. And although we think of God’s judgement dealing exclusively with punishment, there’s a positive side relating to blessing and reward for His servants. The attribute of justice is yet another aspect of God’s character we are called to imitate i...

The almighty God of the Bible is gentle. We see this in how He confronts Adam and Eve over their sin, and it is reflected throughout the rest of Scripture. He does express wrath and brings punishment, but that is not His primary attribute. Additionally, we are called to be gentle as we imitate the character of our Lord. “Gentle and Lowly: the Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers,” by Dane Ort...

Although Genesis 2 doesn’t use the word “care,” we see God caring for Adam in many ways. The care of our Triune God for His people is reflected in vivid detail throughout the rest of Scripture as well. He doesn’t just meet our physical needs; He cares about us relationally. And ultimately, we’ll experience the fullness of His care in eternity with Him.   Subscribe to my YouTube channel at: https:/...

Building upon the truth that God communicates, this episode examines how the Lord instructs. He gives both positive and negative commands for His glory and our good. His word is authoritative, and we find that word in the Bible. The fact God is instructive gives us another reason to study the Scriptures: to learn how to please Him and enjoy close fellowship.

We should marvel at the fact God communicates with us. Beginning in Genesis, God speaks to call a people to Himself. He desires to bless them, and that ultimate blessing is knowing Him. This truth has great implications regarding God’s heart and how we ought to study the Bible.

Although the doctrine of the Trinity is hard to understand, it has a significant impact on the rest of what we believe. This episode explores the truth that God is One in Three, and how this is presented from the very opening of the Bible. I also share some resources that explain how this doctrine affects our lives and faith.   “Mere Christianity,” by C. S. Lewis.   “Delighting in the Trinity: An...

God’s purposefulness is slightly different than intentionality. His purpose refers to the goal, the plan that He is carrying out. This attribute of God is clearly seen in salvation, and it calls us to trust Him. Even when we don’t understand our circumstances, we can trust God has a purpose for what He does and wht He allows.

The orderliness of God is another one of His attributes presented consistently across Scripture. The sun and moon are repeatedly held up as examples of this, and they also provide assurance of God’s promise to Israel. His orderliness is a pattern for our own lives, both as individuals and as local churches.