Uncategorized
-
Cursed and Waiting
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival,” and it is a time when the Church has prepared its heart for the arrival of the King. It is a time of waiting, of reminding ourselves where our hope lies, and re-focusing on our anticipation for the second coming of Christ. Tradition tells us that Advent Continue reading
-
When Brothers Dwell in Unity
In the days of the psalms, faithful Israelites would wind the hilly paths up to Jerusalem three times a year to celebrate the feast days. This meant a lot of walking, and while they walked, they would sing. Many psalms begin with the little inscription, “a Song of Ascents,” a song to sing on the Continue reading
-
“In Christ” at Christmas
This week as we go into our family rooms, Christ goes there too. We take the fragrance of his love with us. Continue reading
-
Blessed Endurance: The Message of Revelation Handouts
If you’re reading this, you likely know that we are going through a series at VCL during Hour in the Word entitled Blessed Endurance: The Message of Revelation. Several people have requested the handouts from this series, so I decided to link them here. These handouts are intended to enhance the in-person lessons, so they Continue reading
-
Affirming the Old, Envisioning the New
“If God made the birds, they are worth painting.” –Francis A. Schaeffer Christian Art. That phrase confuses me. It always has. I’ve met artists who are Christians, and Christians who make art. I’ve heard plenty of lectures and read many books on beauty. I’ve drawn the pictures of Jesus, or Job, or the Nativity, only Continue reading
-
Beauty in the Wilderness: Reflections on the Tabernacle, Beauty, and Art
Our whole reward is seeing. Augustine An apple can assault you with its redness if you look at it long enough. At least, it has me. I’ve had times when I’ve been sitting, looking at a thing, and I’ve been struck with a fear at how it exists without me, at how it just is. I’m baffled Continue reading
-
Preparing Youth in a Pandemic World
What we’re experiencing culturally right now is, parents are awakening to the reality of the world that their kids are inheriting. And there’s concern about it, and I think rightfully so… probably the greatest concern is we’re preparing kids for lives they are not going to lead. And we are not preparing kids for the Continue reading
-
Growing in Virtue in 2021
A Yearly Disappointment It is estimated that at least fifty percent of people in the US (and that means you too) will be living with new, stringent rules by Friday (New Year’s Day). Statistically, your new rules for life probably sound something like this: eat healthier or lose weight; exercise more; save money or stop Continue reading
-
The Seven Virtues for Young Pastors: Prudence
Tuesdays are my dread-days. It is not because I do not like my job (I do, actually). But on Tuesdays I come into the office feeling heavy. Sunday has taken its toll, and now I roll toward the next one while trying to work up the steam to also plan ahead, analyze what worked last Continue reading
-
The Mystery of Thankfulness
To be thankful implies something about what someone hopes in. When one looks at the world today, there are many things which can be said to be wrong. Wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, drought, and anger abound. Terrorism has struck fear into Adam’s progeny throughout the globe. Friendships are strained by the vast Continue reading
Revival and Renewal 