The Christian year calendar commemorates specific events designed to remember and retell the story of Christ, from His birth to His resurrection and return. Orienting one’s spiritual life around the seasons of the Christian Year can be beneficial and profoundly enriching.
Continue readingThe beginning of a New Year is a divine opportunity to reflect, renew, and restart. This article explores the sacred space of John Wesley’s Covenant Renewal. This service marks this special time to close one chapter by repenting and wiping the slate clean, and to open another with renewed spiritual commitment.
Continue readingThe theme of hearing God’s voice is the opening motif of Jordan Peterson’s new book, We Who Wrestle With God. Peterson explores the meaning of Elijah’s encounter with the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19). Advent is a season of waiting, and a time to remember that God is not silent. He speaks to us through His Word, through His Spirit, and yes, through the “still small voice” that stirs in our hearts.
Continue readingIn celebration of Messiah's birth, I invite you to crank up the volume on this wonderful hymn "Angels From the Realm of Glory." In 2022, despite the war in Ukraine, my friend Volodymyr Khlysta produced this delightfully joyful music video of my arrangement with his students at Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary in Lviv, Ukraine.
Continue readingOne of the most important aspects of giving thanks is to remember. Think back over your personal history. What do you have to be thankful for? How has God shown you his kindness during the story of your life? This passage reveals the power of remembering rightly. We can thank God for positive relationships, for partners in the gospel, and for his faithfulness in seeing us complete our mission on earth.
Continue readingIn this series we are considering the Divine Perspective regarding the question, “what is worthy of giving thanks for.” Paul writes, “I thank Christ Jesus, our Lord who has given me strength …” All right, stop right there. First, we give thanks to Jesus Christ, who has given us strength.
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