In the face of all the atrocities that are occurring in our world today, it is easy to feel discouraged and weary. It is impossible to watch, listen to or read the news without the constant reminder that our world is broken. In 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, the apostle Paul speaks to the troubles we will face because of the fallen state of our world, and he reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus. He states that we “have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God, and not to us. We […]

As I write this, I’m preparing to preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in Essen, Germany, and in Rome. Germany, of course, was the land of the Reformation under the ministry of men like Martin Luther, where the authority of the Word of God was reclaimed after centuries of misuse by church authorities. The timeless, Biblical truth of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, swept across the German frontier and beyond and changed the face of much of Europe.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it […]

As we gather at the table this year to celebrate Thanksgiving, there are so many challenges happening around the world and maybe even in our own lives and relationships. However, I’ve learned the power of gratitude and how our gratitude can beget more gratitude in others and can then create a chain reaction that changes the atmosphere and attitudes of everyone around us.  This year, I want to focus on how Jesus’ life is full of examples of public displays of gratitude and thanksgiving to God.  As Christians, we continually navigate the beautiful yet complex truth that Jesus is both […]