“I grew up in Latin America, in a country where hardly 4 or 5 percent of the population was Protestant. It was also a time and a place where Protestantism was understood almost exclusively in terms of opposition to everything Catholic, and where most Catholics knew very little about Protestants, … ∞
INTRODUCTION In the year of our Lord, 2025, we celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (AD 325). At this first ecumenical Church council, over two hundred bishops gathered to discuss a controversy surrounding another bishop, Arius, and his teachings–later deemed heretical–about the Son of God’s nature. For … ∞
“For he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2, ESV) Each night, I wrestle with my baby in my arms. I never imagined how exhausting it would be to soothe a child who refuses to stop crying, twisting and turning restlessly instead of yielding to sleep. I once thought sleep … ∞
Everyone craves an identity. For several generations, Americans have sought identity in employment. “What do you do?,” we ask each other when we meet. We don’t actually want to know what we do; we want to know the job title we identify with. Having that job title means that we … ∞
It was just over a year ago when I found myself in a men’s Bible study, getting ready to start a year-long study through the book of Revelation. As is par for the course with most studies, we started off with discussing the setting, audience, and author. I innocuously asked … ∞
The Spring 2025 semester has come to a close. A few days ago, the 2025 grads walked the stage at Calvin University’s Covenant Fine Arts Center (Congrats!), and summer has officially begun for the seminary. Some who have summer courses go back to the grind, but for many, a summer … ∞
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:3 Dear readers, Today, I want to share a story with you about one seminary student, a young and ambitious preacher. The story began when she was a young adult. Her parents brought her … ∞
During this last semester of my Master of Divinity program, I’ve had the privilege of taking a course on Hebrews with Dr. Danny Daley. Going into this course, I loved Hebrews and the riches it had to offer. Now, as I’m finishing this course, my love for Hebrews is even … ∞
Ebooks? Kindle? Logos editions? Nah, physical books forever! Among pastors and seminarians there seems to be an endless debate, which is better: physical books or ebooks? Some have entirely ditched the physical books for entire digital libraries claiming minimalism and freedom. Others are physical purists. I believe the answer to … ∞
As seminary students, we take systematic and practical theology classes, but do they actuallyhave application and meaning in ministry? Is the doctrine of God something that changes theway we preach or do hospital visits, or is it another term to regurgitate on an exam and forgetimmediately after? While I’m not … ∞
In the early hours of 2025, a terrorist attack erupted on the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana. Social media posts celebrating the new year were overwhelmed by fear and worry. Would more attacks come? How would we–our country, leadership, and law enforcement–respond? As I read the headlines and grieved alongside … ∞
For most people, waiting has become an unendurable and distasteful thing in the mainstream of a fast-paced lifestyle in the 21st century. Yet, wisdom is hidden in the act and season of waiting. It is not a forceful and exerted waiting that drains all the patience, but a kind of … ∞
The opening chapters of Genesis describe Eden as a distinctive place God has created within the cosmos. Eden’s function, purpose, and design encompassed five distinct elements – first, Eden was created by God; second, Eden was filled with life; third, Eden was designed to be a temple where God dwelt … ∞
I think we are too hasty when it comes to love. In relationships, we give and receive a variety of things. Sometimes we bring joyand strength to each other, while, at other times, we share wounds and pain. One ofthe most difficult things to understand in such situations is this: … ∞
Over the past few years of writing, I’ve come to notice that I process best when I write. Maybeit’s because I have a tendency to ramble when I talk, or maybe it’s because I can edit my wordswhen I’m done. The recent combination of a sibling’s surgery, the end of … ∞
