*potential trigger warning. I was asked this the other day, and almost simultaneously had an issue similar to it in a discussion for a class I’m taking here at CTS. So below is what I settled on as a working answer beyond the typical “yes, obviously” that is spit out … ∞
He is dead. This was the second sentence of the sermon that was preached at our friend Henry’s funeral earlier this year. Henry had died by suicide. The words crashed into me like a ton of bricks nearly knocking the wind out of me as I sat in the back … ∞
Romans 4:1-5 1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited … ∞
Easter is a time of joy, When we celebrate with all our might, But some folks get a bit confused, And think it’s all about the bunny’s might. The bunny’s cute, it’s true enough, And brings us treats and joy and stuff, But Easter’s more than just that fluff, It’s … ∞
The following letter is the first installment in what will be a series of letters to JohnCalvin. These “Dear John letters” are meant to speak for those who are wrestling withwhether to stay in the Christian Reformed church or divorce the church that they’veloved. Rather than trying to solve theological … ∞
Recently, I was honored to have an opportunity to learn about the heart of Jesusand what we look like in His eyes. The story happened two weeks ago. As spring iscoming, my neighbors, squirrels and a chipmunk, are becoming very active in myfront yard. One sunny afternoon, I brought some … ∞
Over the Easter holiday, I hope to revisit this movie, The Passion of the Christ, a movie done by Mel Gibson as producer, director, and co-writer. A movie that was steeped in controversy and yet still seemed to be one of the top-grossing rated R movies of all time. The … ∞
Practical jokes and hoaxes are part of the yearly tradition known as April Fools’ Day or All Fools’ Day, which occurs on April 1. April Fools! is a common way for jokesters to reveal their tricks. These practical jokes, which can be exposed as such the next day, can involve … ∞
You have two books with, basically, the same story. Ezra likely, mentions Nehemiah, and Nehemiah describes Ezra as the one reading the law. However, I’m not here to discuss the historical dating of Ezra and Nehemiah; I simply think it’s a funny… thought? This time going through the book, I … ∞
It’s fair to say that I don’t enjoy suffering. It makes you uncomfortable, confronts andcreates insecurities you never grasped, and forces you to come to grips with the evil in the world. At times, our suffering reveals the necessity for retribution or reward. Over the last ten years (but let’s … ∞
*trigger warning: this post involves subject matter that may be upsetting for some readers. please be advised and use discernment about whether you are ok to continue reading, and if you are not for any reason, please seek help. Calvin Seminary, your local church and private institutions can all offer … ∞
Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend Boundaries “When to Say YES When to Say NO To Take Control of Your Life” What is Insight My Boundaries John and Henry used the story /parable of a good Samaritan (p.36 – 37) to illustrate how we (Christians) sometimes are caught up … ∞
What defines your identity? Oftentimes we consider our identity as individuals, resulting in a strict individualism that seeks to see our complete identity as an inward trinity – me, myself, and I. However, as followers of Messiah Jesus, our identity is twofold: our identity is both in who God has … ∞
As I prepared my sermon, I was afraid. So I wrote down this prayer: After preaching the heart of God,If the worst case could beIf I perish, I perish. (Esther 4:16) God accompanied me and comforted me,In my countless darkest nights.I had nothing,So, I am not afraid of losing anything.I … ∞
The following letter is the first installment in what will be a series of letters to JohnCalvin. These “Dear John letters” are meant to speak for those who are wrestling withwhether to stay in the Christian Reformed church or divorce the church that they’veloved. Rather than trying to solve theological … ∞
