Alexis de Tocqueville was a French political scientist and historian who lived in the early 19^th Century. To help his country preserve its blood-bought liberty in the aftermath of the French Revolution, he looked to learn from the young democracy of the United States, still in its infancy. His work, Democracy in America, is a collection of observations about our nation's origins and is still considered an expert perspective on how democracy impacts society.

Sometimes, the best way to see the consequences of our sin is to take it out of the darkness and hold it up to the light. Many years ago, I did just that with the Bathsheba event in David's life. The story is found in 2 Samuel 11, but let me turn it upside down and use it to show how you can ruin your life. If you think disobedience to God is the better choice, you may as well do it the way David did.

I seem to write and talk a lot about enduring amid trials. I never set out to be that guy in ministry. I had ambitions to be the pastor known for courageous conviction, inspiring vision, and powerful oration—something to be proud of. We like to fancy ourselves strong and capable, robust people who can overcome any hurdle. There’s a reason that “Has-Anxiety-Baggage-Laden-Man” never really took off as a Marvel hero.

Marriage communication is a funny thing. The relationship is more exclusive than any other relationship in your life but is bound by the same biblical principles of communication that apply to all (Eph. 4:25-32 informs Eph. 5:22-33). The familiarity and intimacy of marriage are most on display when navigating difficult conversations. You can have the skills to navigate difficult conversations in the workplace, school, or neighborhood with diverse people and personalities to help still waters.

Last September, we began the new ministry year with our eyes focused on the reality of the Kingdom of God. We began with studies in 1 and 2 Samuel, looking at David, Israel’s King. Then, we spent the weeks of Advent looking at Jesus, God’s King. In January, we opened Matthew’s Gospel to learn about The King and His Kingdom.

For most, July 4th is a day of family, food, and fireworks, ostensibly celebrating our nation's independence from England in 1776. Yes, we got out from ole' King George and initiated the greatest experiment in democracy the world had ever known. But, as we look around at our society, it is increasingly evident that independence has brought some unforeseen and undoubtedly unintended consequences.

In the pews of churches across America, at the election polls, at marches and protests, in front of abortion clinics, and at pregnancy centers, conservative Evangelicals have overwhelmingly held to a pro-life position. Abortion, choice, and life remain some of the most polarizing political issues and continue to engender significant debate in popular and judicial arenas alike. Even after the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the fight for access to abortion continues to rage, especially in California.

“First, do no harm.” You might recognize this as part of the Hippocratic Oath that doctors must take, but it’s an ethic that could easily be applied to all sorts of professions, not the least of which is the Church.

The Lord has gifted every Christian to serve the local church by uniquely forming them and equipping them with gifts only they can employ. Therefore, serving in the local church is a biblical and enriching expression of engagement towards the church family the Lord has given you.

The Lord has gifted every Christian to serve the local church by uniquely forming them and equipping them with gifts only they can employ. Therefore, serving in the local church is a biblical and enriching expression of engagement towards the church family the Lord has given you.

Fasting is a lost art in pursuit of the spiritual disciplines and one that seems quite distant from everyday life in modern Western culture. However, when we look to Scripture, there is an expectation that believers would fast as a part of the Christian life (Matt. 6:16; 9:15). So before you dismiss this practice as only for Tibetan monks…let’s explore a few of the “whys and hows” of fasting so that we might enrich our spiritual development and the lives of those whom we walk alongside.

“But there is no verse prohibiting abortion!”

Now that I have your attention with that radical opening statement, allow me to point out that it is in quotation marks. It is a sad comment we sometimes hear from a sincere but deluded soul who desires to hold onto the Bible while being open to taking the life of a little one in the womb.

This trio of Psalms, all from the mind, heart, and pen of Israel’s King David, has long been seen as summarizing the redemptive ministry of our Messiah, God the Son Incarnate. The themes of these three psalms are often labeled in this way: The Cross (Ps. 22), The (Shepherd’s) Crook (Ps. 23), and The Crown (Ps. 24) signifying Christ’s redemptive work as the Redeemer who died, the Shepherd who leads, and the King of Glory who rules over all.

We can all tell when someone does something nice for us out of obligation, rather than personal choice. They can dress it up with kind words and plastered-on smiles, but the veneer of contrived kindness is see-through. And few things taint kind actions and words like the stink of coercion.

The birth of Jesus is the most significant event in the history of the world. His entrance was not what would have been expected. It was unassuming and unceremonious. The people of God who had not heard from God through the prophets for 500 years could have been tempted to believe the day of the Messiah's coming would never arrive.

Ask anyone “What is the Kingdom of God?” and you’re likely to get responses ranging from “What do you mean by ‘Kingdom’?” to any of a number of wide-ranging options presented and defended by professional theologians and preachers. Given that the subject is complex, hotly debated, and often controversial, my hope here is to simply present a broad understanding of God’s sovereign rule overall and suggest that there are several expressions of that Kingdom which testify to his power and grace.

We live in a world with an ever-diminishing sense of hope. When negative circumstances of life amass, people often react with despondence, bitterness, apathy, and cynicism about the future. However, God’s Word instructs those who belong to Christ not to share this same gloomy outlook.

In the fabric of Christian virtues one thread stands out distinctly and weaves through the core of our faith: thankfulness. It sets us apart and reminds us that everything we have and all that we are is a gift. As Christians, our duty and joy are not only to receive these gifts with gratitude but also to embrace this call wholeheartedly. Thankfulness, profound and essential, is at the heart of our faith, shaping our outlook and infusing our lives with meaning and purpose.

Counseling is a loaded term. Depending on your experiences, the term can feel cold and clinical, like something that reminds you of a bad visit to the dentist. Perhaps you’re familiar with this statement: “Certainly, counseling can be good for some people. But I would never have any use for it.”

Let’s not pretend it isn’t a problem. It always has been. The carnage that evil creates is all around us. And its endless media presence has lulled us into accepting a new norm. We are only jolted awake when an outdated version of evil is replaced with fresh depictions of a new travesty.