The resurrection of our blessed Savior has an obvious impact upon us when we face the final enemy of death (1 Cor. 15:26). This gives us extraordinary hope of eternal life and a “joy unspeakable” as we suffer through the trials of this fallen world (1 Pet. 1:8). However, what we may not know…
Read MoreFellowship with the True Jeremiah: Words of Encouragement for My Fellow Pastors
The prophet Jeremiah had it rough. In many ways all the Old Testament prophets did. Look at what they were called to do: go to the people and tell them that they are sinning against the Lord. If they do not change their ways and repent of their sins, then the Lord will bring the…
Read MoreSad Songs Don’t Say Everything, Part 3 of 3
I wrote two earlier pieces about the numerous laments psalms and how they can be a blessing for God’s people (Sad Songs Say So Much, Parts 1 and 2). The first described the ways in which we can read them for our encouragement. The second was my personal call for the church to utilize these…
Read More“Sad songs say so much” Part 2
Psalms of praise are wonderful. In light of the torrents of suffering we endure, we fight to maintain a hope that can only be found in the Sovereign Lord. Praises help us do that. However, Walter Brueggemann comments that while it is definitely admirable that the church strives to sustain hope in a fallen…
Read More“Sad songs say so much” Part 1
There are countless psalms in the OT psalter that capture the heartaches and trials of life. These are the psalms of lament. Ever since the eighteenth century, many have noticed that there are so many more of these laments than any other kind of poem. More than praises and thanksgiving psalms. Yet, the benefit…
Read MoreI’m not sure if I’m doing OK: Remembering my father on the 10th Year memorial of his death
I think there is something wrong with me. January 8, 2023 marks the tenth year memorial of my father’s passing. He suffered a life-ending heart attack, and died almost immediately. At the time, I was in the middle of teaching a course on the Pentateuch. An intensive formatted class that met all day, every day…
Read MoreI’m Church Planting Again
Ever since I stepped down as the founding pastor of Living Hope OPC in Clarksville, MD, I’ve been eager to participate in another church plant. My original experience with LH was so wonderful. It was the best pastoral experience that I’ve ever had. After leaving (and even during), I came to realize that I have…
Read MoreThe Gospel in the Name of “Jesus”
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 Here are some thoughts to encourage us during this Christmas season. These are largely based upon the lessons taught me by my teacher of theology, Dr. Bob Strimple, a man who balanced…
Read MoreThe Theological Battleground of Our Day
(I alluded to this article in my previous entry on “Reflections on the COVID season”) In his class on the Doctrine of Man, my professor of Systematic Theology, Dr. Bob Strimple, quoted from a French writer and statesman, Andrea Malraux. Malraux fought against the Nazis during World War II and served as a cabinet member…
Read MoreReflections on the COVID-19 Season
Like so many others, this past spring and summer of 2020 was a growing and learning time for me. Painfully and regretfully so. As time progresses, these lessons may grow dimmer, so I wanted to record them and share them here with all of you (sorry, this turned out to be a much longer entry…
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Redeeming Chillingworth 