Merry Christmas from our family to yours! It seems like Christmas rushed upon us this year. We’ve been running hard to finish up with school, get all our presents wrapped and under the tree, attend all those festive gatherings with friends, and sneak in some family holiday traditions whenever we can. And now it’s here. … [Read More…] December 24, 2023
One of the things Dr. Luke emphasizes in the Gospel he’s writing is just how much Jesus loves the poor, the outcasts, and those on the fringes of society. The Gospel is good news for the poor, because you don’t need any social status to receive grace. Grace is the great equalizer. Only those who … [Read More…] December 17, 2023
Advent is the celebration of the Incarnation. God descends to Earth as a human being in order to die, only to rise again and ascend in immortal glory. The Incarnation is the blazing center of human history. It is the hinge upon which everything turns. It is the first thaw after a long frozen winter, … [Read More…] December 10, 2023
This Sunday is the official beginning of Advent. Advent means “arriving,” and is the celebration of the coming of Jesus. During the four weeks of Advent, we will be lighting candles on the Advent wreath, which is full of traditional symbolism. In case you’re less familiar with these traditions, here’s a brief overview. The … [Read More…] December 3, 2023
On this Thanksgiving weekend, I’ve been reflecting on some of C.S. Lewis’ meditations in his Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer. He writes of how life’s little pleasures should spark gratitude in us which leads eventually to adoration. Here are some excerpts: “[We] shall not be able to adore God on the highest occasions … [Read More…] November 26, 2023
Our Thanksgiving Offering is an amazing way to make Kingdom impact each year. This year’s offering will go toward planting churches in Cuba and Turkey, as well as providing a compassionate response to the migrant crisis here in Chicago. Please pray about what the Lord would have you give! I want to encourage you … [Read More…] November 19, 2023
Greetings to you from Southern Brazil! Pastor Bill Van Tuinen and I have privilege this week of visiting with Lee and Regina Bloch, long- term missionaries of The Moody Church. We are experiencing their ministry up-close and in-person this week. We’re meeting with local pastors and church planters. I’m preaching at a couple different churches. … [Read More…] November 12, 2023
Whenever the calendar turns from October to November, my heart shifts toward Thanksgiving. As a culture, we often rush past Thanksgiving to embrace the merriment of Christmas. As much as I love Christmas, I think that is a huge mistake. Spontaneous gratitude is one of the most obvious characteristics of a healthy soul. Gratitude … [Read More…] November 5, 2023
Reformation day is just around the corner. While our kids are going door-to-door collecting candy, it’s important that we not forget that over half a millennia ago, Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. Luther intended to start a theological dialogue, but … [Read More…] October 29, 2023
It’s that time of year again! Operation Christmas Child launches today. Over the coming weeks, we’ll fill hundreds of shoeboxes with gifts to send to children around the world with the good news of Jesus! In Ecuador a few year ago, I got to see firsthand the joy these gifts bring to children. Families … [Read More…] October 22, 2023
