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  • Race, Ethnicity, and Sanctification

    Most of this was originally posted on X and is related to discussions there: It’s true Paul agreed with the generalization that Cretans are liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons (Titus 1:12). It’s also true that having carried out a gospel ministry at Crete, Paul expected Titus to find Cretan men who met the qualifications… Read more

  • 1 Samuel 23: Sermon Follow-up

    1 Samuel 23: Sermon Follow-up

    I preached from 1 Samuel 23 on Easter Sunday. A few notes: The structure of the chapter is obvious. Two stories of David being betrayed (by the men of Keilah and Ziph) are wrapped around a story of loyalty to David (demonstrated by Jonathan). It’s disloyalty/loyalty sandwich, with faithful Jonathan at the center, surrounded by… Read more

  • Lord’s Supper: Hors D’Oeuvres of the New Creation

    Lord’s Supper: Hors D’Oeuvres of the New Creation

    The Lord’s Supper shows us that creation participates in Christ’s death and resurrection. By identifying his body and blood with bread and wine, Jesus shows that he came to redeem the whole world. This fallen creation will be set free. Grace crucifies and resurrects nature. The kingdom is not an escape from this world, nor… Read more

  • Every Christian a Barabbas; Every Christian a Simon the Cyrene

    Every Christian a Barabbas; Every Christian a Simon the Cyrene

    “Every Christian is both a Simon of Cyrene and a Barabbas. Like Barabbas we escape the cross, for Christ died in our place. Like Simon of Cyrene we carry the cross, for he calls us to take it up and follow him.” — John Stott Stott’s point is even more powerful when we note that… Read more

  • Good Theopaschite Friday

    Good Theopaschite Friday

    From X: Why is Good Friday good? Good Friday is all about the good news. It’s good because this is the day Jesus accomplished our full and free redemption. This is the day Jesus laid down his life for us. His life was not taken, but given – he gave his life for ours, willingly,… Read more

  • Baptismal Exhortation: Baptism as Adoption

    Baptismal Exhortation: Baptism as Adoption

    You know him as F but today he receives his baptismal name, JPB. On Wednesday, JP was adopted into the B family and today he is adopted into God’s family and the TPC family. The gift of baptism is the gift of a new family, a new identity, a new name, new privileges, and new… Read more