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  • Notes on Hebrews 1:1-4

    Hebrews 1:1-4 is perhaps the most spectacular opening statement in any NT epistle. It’s like a tightly compressed spring that will pop open over the rest of the letter. It’s like flower whose petals will unfold over the next 13 chapters. The whole letter is summarized in these jam-packed verses.  A couple observations: First, Paul… Read more

  • The Resurrection

    The resurrection is not just proof that God accepted Jesus’ payment for sins on the cross. The resurrection is not just a receipt. The resurrection is Jesus’ vindication and therefore the vindication of all who are in him. The resurrection is Jesus’ justification, as it overturned the condemnation of the earthly courts that put Jesus… Read more

  • The Irony of Palm Sunday

    Palm Sunday is a day full of ironies. Palm Sunday is not merely a pep rally for crowds welcoming Jesus to the city. They thought he would be a conquering king who would redeem them. They cried out, “Hosanna,” meaning, “save us now!” or “please save us!” They expected him to be inaugurated king and… Read more

  • 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