What I Learned from John Stott, Part 3 of 3

As a carpenter, I appreciate Stott’s human side whether as seen above in his enjoyment of dogs as he hangs out with Billy Graham or below with his willingness to roll up his sleeves and work hard. As a theologian, it’s his authenticity, fidelity, and clarity that continue to inspire me. Even though he came from a wealthy home and … Read More

What I Learned from John Stott, Part 2 of 3

Being at an evangelical seminary can be confusing. You’re constantly sorting through difficult exegetical and theological questions, as well as learning different denominational and historic understandings of various doctrines. The experience can leave you either, on the one hand, longing for the comfort of dogma (i.e. “Maybe I should become a Roman Catholic…”) or, on the other hand, desiring greater … Read More

What I Learned from John Stott, Part 1 of 3

We all need great mentors—even if we know them only by their public example and writings—and few have influenced me more than the late John Stott.  I grew up in a church where telling people about Jesus was far more important than living like Jesus. Giving someone a tract had a greater priority than meeting a tangible need. In fact, … Read More

How a Closer Look at a Christmas Prophecy Could Transform Your New Year

When Ahaz, son of Jotham and grandson of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Syriaa and Pekah son of Remaliah, the king of Israel, set out to attack Jerusalem…. The news had come to the royal court of Judah: “Syria is allied with Israel against us!” So the hearts of the king and his people trembled with fear, … Read More

Come Thou Long Expected Better King and Government

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order … Read More

Should We Judge a Movement By Its Abuses?

“Now, it is undeniably true that some of the more fundamentalist forms of Christianity— Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox— can do serious psychological and emotional damage to people… It’s wrong for Christians (or Jews, Muslims, and any other religious believer) to be so defensive about attacks on our faith that we deny that people within the religion can use its teachings … Read More

Exclusive Prayer & Ministry Update-122019

Hi Family and Friends! To my American friends, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and, as always to all, thanks so much for reading and partnering in prayer. Here is my latest: As we usually discuss more theology than carpentry, I thought I’d change things up a bit! When we moved into our fixer-upper, there was this weird landing … Read More

The Stupid Religious Reason I Missed Star Wars

Christians have a strange proclivity to fashion Jesus’ teaching on the narrow way into a joyless pursuit that devalues creation and makes the world he created very small. Let me explain. I chewed a lot of gum that year.  I was collecting trading cards for the movie that everyone was talking about—a movie that promised to be one of the … Read More

Navigating the Empty Nest

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,whom he has redeemed from troubleand gathered in from the lands,from the east and from the west,from the north and from the south.He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,and burst their bonds apart.Let them … Read More