To Save Sinners

"It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all."   – 1 Timothy 1:15 Sometimes truth appears in a form that is so simple and beautiful that it takes your breath away.  You're reading through a passage of Scripture and … More To Save Sinners

A Real Christmas

"The meaning of Christmas is not found in a rejection of rank commercialism, but is rather the meaning of the whole Bible—sin, promise, redemption, faith and glory."   – Douglas Wilson It's that time of the year when every Christian who thinks more than an inch deep recognizes how the significance of Christmas has been raped and … More A Real Christmas

Paint My Sorrows

Dr. Will Varner, my teacher, mentor, and friend, spoke in TMC chapel today.  For the first time, he spoke publicly about the death of his beloved daughter Lynda.  It was an agonizing experience for all who cared. It is dangerous to assume that you understand someone else's grief.  Shallow is the man who believes he … More Paint My Sorrows

My Aunt Mitsu: Lessons from Her Life & Death

This afternoon I returned from my Aunt Mitsu's funeral in south New Jersey.  I've been gone since Friday.  The funeral was held on Saturday, and the Sunday evening service at her church was dedicated to her, as well.  I didn't know her well; mainly from the perspective of a distant nephew.  So it was a blessing to … More My Aunt Mitsu: Lessons from Her Life & Death

“To Die Is Gain”

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  — The Apostle Paul, 1st century A.D. Who says this kind of thing?  I mean, what would possess a human being to write such an off-the-wall statement (and to write it honestly)?  And how in the world did it ever become normal, even cliche?  Sometimes … More “To Die Is Gain”

Parental Involvement in Marriage (Part 2): The Divine Model

I'm a bit surprised that no one has yet responded to my previous post, because (1) the issue is very relevant, (2) the subject is highly controversial, and (3) I overstated my point in the last sentence.  This was the last sentence: "It is time for us to re-examine the relationship between God and His … More Parental Involvement in Marriage (Part 2): The Divine Model

Parental Involvement in Marriage (Part 1): The Father Loves the Son

This past Sunday afternoon I was playing my guitar and singing the song "God of Love."  Ryan Boys (a former RD) wrote it as a doxology following D.A. Carson's remarkable sermon on the intratrinitarian love of God at the 2003 Truth & Life Conference.  I love the song, because it expresses an otherworldly reality and an eternal … More Parental Involvement in Marriage (Part 1): The Father Loves the Son