WSCAL - Morning Devotions: Recent Episodes
WSCAL
In times of distress, darkness, and hopelessness, the Psalmist exhorts believers to turn to the Lord and dwell in the shadow of the Almighty. God who is faithful will answer and will show his people His salvation.
As stewards of the gospel, Christians are called to share in Christ's afflictions in order to take His gospel to the nations.
God led his people through the rushing Jordan River to demonstrate that his power and presence are more than sufficient to meet his people’s needs. We serve a God who takes a particular delight in ordaining difficult circumstances to serve as the perfect context in which he proves his unrivaled power on our behalf.
Dr. Bitner reads through the letter of James in its entirety in this special morning devotion.
In the story we see the hopelessness of seeking salvation through the law and the beauty of salvation found in Jesus Christ. He is the merciful king who seeks, saves, and loves us.
James compares two forms of God’s law, the royal law that condemns us for just one sin and the law of liberty by which God shows us mercy. We who are under the latter law must speak and act mercifully.
Psalm 61 provides the believer a wonderful roadmap for prayer, bringing us back into the way of trusting God when we cry out for guidance, remember his faithfulness, and long for his presence.
God is working all things for our salvation, but the path that gets us there is rarely that of least resistance. In Exodus 2, we find the crooked roadmap that prepares Moses to be the savior of Israel--prefiguring the cruciform itinerary that leads Christ to be the Savior of the world.
James teaches how hearing God’s word and responding to it ought never be separated and how seeing and remembering who we are as sinners and objects of God’s grace draws the two together.
At the halfway point of my ministry career, Lord willing, I will reflect on a few hard lessons learned about ministry and myself as I relate to Simon P in the gospel of Luke.
For a church facing cultural and doctrinal pressure it is easy to be sharp in doctrine but dull in love for the lost. Eating of the tree that gives life is the promised solution held out by the risen Christ.
In this devotional we explore what it means to pray for our Father's kingdom to come and his will to be done. We recognize that we are asking that the kingdom which Jesus inaugurated in his first coming will be consummated in his second coming. We are praying for our Father to grow us in grace and conform us to the image of Jesus in our affections, actions, and volitions. May we love and serve him and our neighbors faithfully and fruitfully through the Spirit.
There is a temptation in the desperate moments of our lives to let fear give way to doubt. But Exodus 2:1-10 shows us that God can be trusted in the darkest of times. He is working powerfully on our behalf to bring a Savior, and deliver us from our slavery to sin.
We will consider the outcome of the meal the Lord prepares for us in the presence of our enemies.
Within the Tabernacle, the Lord set a regular table for his covenant people to enjoy peace and joy with God and to have a foretaste of better things to come.
This devotional explores the first petition of the Lord's Prayer, "Hallowed be your name." When we make this request we are asking for God's grace to enable us to rightly honor the Lord for who he is, what has done, and what he is doing in and through us. We ask that what we think, do, and say will be informed by his words and works and directed towards his glory.
At the close of his Gospel account, John describes the disciples having breakfast on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. After the tumultuous events of Calvary and the empty tomb, this may strike us an insignificant or anti-climatic event to record. Is it?
This message addresses the 'who' of prayer. We do not pray to an unknown or unknowable deity. We do not pray to an indifferent or aloof God. Rather, Christians pray to Our Father. The one who loves, creates, redeems, rescues, and renews us in Christ through his Holy Spirit. We are his beloved children and he is our heavenly father.
Because communing with God was the goal of our creation, the story of Scripture begins with instructions on what and what not to eat. Throughout the history of salvation, the Lord signified and sealed his salvation of his people with a meal. In John 6:53-56, however, our Lord made explicit the reality was heretofore covered in shadows: what must be eaten is neither fruit nor bread but Christ himself.
We are reminded by the Word always to give thanks. No matter the circumstance, the Lord's grace and presence give us sufficient reasons for thanks.
This devotional highlights Jesus' willingness and power to heal and to save. Furthermore, it reveals the heart of thanksgiving and praise which flows from a life touched by God's grace and mercy.
Among the sterling characters of the Old Testament few surpass Joseph for integrity and faith—which shine all the more given the suffering he was called to endure. From one perspective, his life could be summed up as, "how everything went wrong." But Joseph would insist that "everything went right." Is Joseph a special case and have a special faith? Or does he testify to a promise that applies to the people of Christ as well?
Psalm 130 is a microcosm of the ordinary Christian life of guilt, grace, and gratitude.
Peter exhorts Christians to trust in God’s sovereign plan and remain vigilant while we await our blessed hope.
This meditation reflects upon the Apostle Paul's prayer for the church in Ephesus, which he planted, knows, and loves. By extension this prayer is for Christ's church and people in this present age as we await the Lord's return. Paul's prayer is bold and audacious. It is confident and comforting, knowing that the Lord is able and willing to do more than we can even ask and think.
We will be looking at God’s promise to restore the fortunes of Zion and the various ways in which he has done and will do that.
In his 1521 translation of the Greek New Testament into German Luther used the word allein (alone) in his translation of Romans 3:28, which says, “For we reckon that a man is justified through faith apart from the works of the law.” Luther was right. He captured Paul's intent, which was to teach salvation sola fide, by faith alone.
In this devotional we reflect upon Mary's prayer of praise to the Lord for his favor towards her and his mercy toward all of his children. Mary marvels at the word, works, and presence of the Lord, as do all who share the same faith and Lord as Mary.
The Old Covenant was a visible thing -- the priests, the altar, the animals and the blood. The New Covenant is, in many ways, an invisible reality.
In the passage Hannah rejoices in the Lord for answering her personal prayer for a son and sees in him the salvation of all of Israel.
God’s compassion for those outside of Christ is so different from ours. He focuses our attention on this in one of the most sublime short stories in literature: the little book of Jonah.
In Romans 5:1-11, the Apostle Paul preached the bad news of our sin and the good news of our free, once-for-all, justification and salvation. The heart of passage is that, in Christ, God loves sinners, justifies them, saves them, and as a consequence, sanctifies them by his love and Spirit.
This devotional explores Jesus' parable about two people who pray. One is proud and confident of his alleged avoidance of sin and good works; the other recognizes his sin and cries out to the Lord for mercy. Mercy is what he received.
All human boasting is subverted by the surprising grace of God's calling and election. The Christian's boasting is inverted, redirected away from ourselves toward the cruciform glory of Christ our Mediator.
This devotional examines Jesus' request to avoid the cross, if possible; coupled with his wholehearted resolve to endure the cross for his people. This is not merely an example of radical obedience, but the foundation for the forgiveness, righteousness, and reconciliation of the Christian.
This devotional unpacks Jesus' praying for Peter that his faith would not fail and the implications for us that our faithful High Priest lives to intercede for us.
"To those who struggle with faith and life, Paul assures that nothing - absolutely nothing - that can keep us from the love of God in Christ Jesus."
Westminster Seminary California President Joel Kim delivers the spring 2020 President's Chapel
Westminster Seminary California Professor A. Craig Troxel gives a morning devotion from 1 Corinthians 13.
Westminster Seminary California Professor A. Craig Troxel gives a morning devotion from 1 Corinthians 13.
Westminster Seminary California President Joel Kim gives a morning devotion from Psalm 137.
Westminster Seminary California Professor A. Craig Troxel gives a morning devotion from 1 Corinthians 13.
Westminster Seminary California Professor A. Craig Troxel gives a morning devotion from 1 Corinthians 13.
Westminster Seminary California President Joel Kim gives a morning devotion from Psalm 3.
The psalmist sets forth the way of comprehensive, whole-hearted devotion to God’s law. And in light of his own sin and the evil of the world, he expresses a great uneasiness, mixed with an expectant faith in God for help.
Psalm 68 records the march of God across the desert from Sinai to Zion. Probably composed for the installation of the ark of the covenant in the Jerusalem temple, this Psalm lies at the heart of Israel’s story—and ours as well.
C.S. Lewis wrote that the first step to “acquire humility” is “to realize that one is proud. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.” Lewis is probably correct that pride shadows us more than we know. Thankfully the Word of God helps us to see how we can re-orient our lives, speech and motives more humbly. Moreover, the eternal Word become flesh helps us to see what humbling oneself looks like; especially when it is motivated by love.
Psalm 2 is an obvious Messianic Psalm and is referenced several times in the New Testament. We will look briefly at the Psalm and then in three interesting places where the New Testament shows its fulfillment.
When Paul says "Love does not envy" he is addressing the earnestness of our desire. A strong or intense desire is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, Scripture tells us to "earnestly desire" higher spiritual gifts among other things (1Cor 12.31). But if we desire or love something in the wrong way and to the wrong degree, then we have entered into the realm of envy. The darkness of envy will not rest until it has snuffed out its rival, even if that rival is the "light of the world."
The Lord cares for us in the midst of the suffering we face in this life as Christians. So let us revel in his love and gratefully love him in return.
This series of chapel talks (based on 1Corinthians 13) is intended to answer the question, “What Is Love?” Few questions could be more important or more practical. Our “greatest” duty is to love God with all of our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. So, if we miss this, we have missed the most obvious thing of all. This first lesson looks at the two sides of love—in what it is determined to endure and what it is willing to give.
Love is Passive and Active (1Cor 13.4)
How can God justify the ungodly like you and me? Because of the Servant who remained faithful as He suffered and substituted for us.
It can be difficult to know how to pray for ourselves and others, but the Apostle Paul reminds us of three things we can pray that we all will increasingly know.
In these verses we ascend the summit of John’s prologue. In it we hear echoes of God’s appearing on the mountain to Moses, who condescends once again, only now embodied in the Word. He comes in the fullness of his steadfast love and faithfulness for those who look to him out of the emptiness they feel within. And those that do will not be disappointed.
The Lord bears up his frail saints in the righteousness of Christ to bring to His glorious Zion.
Knowing the "Servant" of Isaiah 49 not only provides comfort during the difficulties of our "exile" experiences, but also compassion and courage to help those who need the Servant's redemption and reconciliation.
Everyone wants to belong—to become part of a circle of friends or a group where they will be accepted, valued and loved. But often the price of admittance is costly and one’s ongoing status is fragile. So what does the Word offer to those who feel like they do not belong or think they will not become anyone of value?
It is one thing to hear that the Word is eternality itself and is the fountain of life and is the light of the World. It is another thing altogether to acknowledge it—which is what most people are unwilling to do.
Fear drives us to find security in the idols we make instead of the God who has made us, chosen us and redeemed us. Isaiah 44 justifies trust in the God of Israel and displays the foolishness of trusting idols.
The prologue of John states that the Word “was life, and the life was the light of men.” He gives what he is. For those who live in a world of darkness what truth could offer more hope than this? He who is “the light of life” intrudes himself upon the deepest shadows to bring a redemption no one else can.
God encourages his exiled people by assuring them of his presence through trials, reminding them of their value to him, and promising to re-gather them.
Like Cyrus, which this text anticipates, the “Servant of the Lord” (in which he is announced in this passage) will bring forth Justice when he comes. But what kind of justice is anticipated?
The Lord called into existence the things that do not exist, demonstrating his sovereign power through a simple, creative word. Christ’s ministry is nothing less than this. The outpouring of his divine authority is evident in what he accomplished and has promised for his new creation.
Jesus sends his exhausted disciples into troubled waters, but he has a clear intention for them.
Isaiah 40 not only contains God's call to comfort his people but also addresses the concerns of the people and the prophet in light of God's judgment.
WSC President Joel Kim delivers the opening morning devotion for the 2019/20 school year.
In the midst of challenging circumstances, we emulate the Psalmist in looking within ourselves. Yet this Psalm and the Scriptures remind us of our dependence by highlighting the phrase "but God."
God's word comes to his people as a time of judgment gives way to a time of comfort and restoration. We hear the command to comfort followed by three comforting voices.
Lawsuits among believers stem from a failure of the church to live in light of its union with Christ.
References to the garments of Joseph provide a unifying pattern to the story of Joseph and ultimately Joseph is a type of Christ.
As Jacob expires from this life, his faith testifies to the blessed comfort of dying in the Lord.
We will explore Jesus’ obedience in the face of temptation. Too often this is overlooked as a major work of Christ but it provides some of the best news for us.
In Genesis 15 the LORD came to Abraham to make to him three promises: to be his shield, to give him a Seed, and to be his Savior and Abraham received the substance of the covenant of grace, Christ, through faith alone and Christ’s righteousness was credited to him for righteousness.
Because he trusts God's promise for his descendants, Abraham claims a piece of property in the promised land.
God uses his judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah to train Abraham in righteousness and justice. Abraham sees both God’s righteous judgment and his righteous mercy.
The account of Jacob's sacrifice in Genesis 46:1-7 reveals the extent of God's gracious transformation of Jacob as he trusts God to fulfill the promises even as he leaves the promised land of Canaan.
God’s promise of the gospel to Abraham is rooted in creation but ultimately unfolds in the glories of the gospel fulfilled by Christ.
The Internet has given us access to all sorts of things, including unfettered access to evil. Only by finding contentment in Christ will be find the strength to turn away from this easily accessible evil.
The stories of the patriarchs are not always positive. In fact, much of what we find is the complete opposite. In this episode of Jacob's life, we come face to face with people, like us, who don't seek the grace they need, and don't deserve the grace they get.
We will look at the high priority that Jesus gave to prayer in his ministry to be encouraged in the ongoing provision and practice of prayer in our own life.
Who sets the agenda for our lives and for the church? Personal interaction and ultimately God’s word should set the agenda, not the revenue-driven Internet.
Jacob's wrestling encounter with God sheds light on two realities: first, the path of pastoring; and, second, and more importantly, the path that Jesus walked before us.
Jesus teaches us how to avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy by giving us the heart of an authentic life of prayer.
Amid the dysfunctionality of the covenant family, the Lord preserves a seed of faith within Jacob’s art of deception to make him the an heir of the promise.
Karly and Lisa share a brave, honest and raw conversation about speaking your truth, stepping into the discomfort that comes with clarity, and putting friendship first.
This is the final episode of Keeping Good Company for the foreseeable future. It is a powerful example of the goodness to be found in honouring yourself, honouring the differences in the people you love, being brave and Keeping Good Company.
1:45 Karly and Lisa look back to where their joint venture began. Karly reflects on the extreme anxiety she was experiencing, and Lisa recalls the shaky situation her family was in. In their moment of need, they came together, launched a mastermind and podcast, and shared their personal magic with other inspiring business women.
4:55 The conversation turns to clarity and the letting go that necessarily follows having a better understanding of yourself. Lisa highlights the increasing clarity they have both gained around what they each stand for. They share courageously the fears that arise when your vision doesn’t align with that of your biz partner, and how they have been shaming themselves for those differences.
7:30 Lisa and Karly look at their differences in a positive light, noting what they have been able to do for other women by each bringing their unique talents to the mastermind. Lisa shares that by coming together with Karly, she was able to trust her own ability to provide practical business help.
10:00 Karly and Lisa put their hearts on their sleeves to share how this conversation and their growth feels: being nervous and yet courageous enough to speak their truth, feeling the friction of misalignment, and wanting to step fully into their own power. Karly highlights the courage and compassion required to have these conversations and continue to show up for one another despite all the ‘life’ that happens.
15:30 Lisa shares the vision that is lighting her up but would give Karly hives. Karly shares what is lighting her soul on fire but is far from Lisa’s ideal business retreat. They chat about how these differences feel and navigate it all with honesty, self-awareness and compassion.
21:25 Lisa and Karly riff on using ‘what feels good?’ as a compass.
24:45 When a friendship is more important than a business. Karly and Lisa chat about the fears that have arisen out of letting go of the mastermind and how fear can cause us to hold on to things longer than feels good. Includes a great chat about who gets to be Oprah and who gets to be Gayle!
27:10 Karly and Lisa affectionately fumble through their goodbye to the podcast and business. It’s over, bitches – not really… but really. They reflect on what it means to keep good company and how they’ve honoured that here.
30:10 Karly invites you to step into your own power, get clarity for yourself and then be courageous enough to step into that.
32:20 How you can connect with Karly and Lisa individually, and all of their red-hot plans for the future:
Karly Nimmo @ Show Up Speak Up Karlosophies Instagram Facebook
Lisa Corduff is @ lisacorduff.com smallstepsliving.com Instagram Facebook
35:50 Karly offers her assistance with starting your own podcast. Head to radcasters.com for her rockin course.
37:55 It’s one last goodbye – or twenty. Bye!
The Lord revealed to Joseph that the Lord was going to use him in a marvelous way, that he would be a savior of sorts, but between the time he innocently went looking for his brothers in Dothan and the fulfillment of the dream there was much humiliation and danger to be endured as the Lord prepared him for that great act of deliverance.
Who sets the agenda for our lives and for the church? Personal interaction and ultimately God’s word should set the agenda, not the revenue-driven Internet.
In this episode of Keeping Good Company Lisa introduces the best concept she has found for building accountability into her business and life - and it’s got nothing to do with anyone else… If you find yourself procrastinating and shifting your own deadlines, this episode is for you.
2:00 - What happens when you are an idea’s person and how Lisa is experimenting with the way she completes work tasks 2:55 - What self integrity means to Lisa and what she had relied on to date in her business for getting things done 3:50 - The new way - practicing self integrity 4:30 - Are you acting with integrity? 7:35 - Showing up with integrity 10:30 - Integrity for the things that matter
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus calls his disciples to be the kind of people who develop an awareness of sin in their own hearts in order to be of greater service to others in the gospel. The practice of self-examination is grounded in gospel freedom and is done for the sake of neighbor love.
Is your business feeling a bit like Groundhog Day? On this episode of Keeping Good Company Lisa and Karly explore one of the realities of entrepreneurship: when the work no longer feels new and exciting. They look at when being a thrill-seeking entrepreneur doesn’t align with sound business decision-making, and consider ways to inject more fun into the things that work but might not be as exciting as you’d like them to be.
1:44 Lisa shares where she is at with her Small Steps Membership and choosing a fresh and exciting launch strategy over her proven and successful existing approach.
8:25 Lisa and Karly delve into their own versions of being overly attached to their businesses. They share their wisdom around when this might present a problem for entrepreneurs, including self-esteem issues, pricing difficulties, growing resentment and having boundaries.
14:08 Karly provides a cool analogy for business success when you’re a flighty entrepreneur: musicians with a number 1 hit need to be willing to perform that hit night after night – and find ways to make it new and exciting for themselves.
16:30 Karly and Lisa jam on feeling like you’ve grown beyond where your business is focused, or just that it’s feeling stale, and coming back to the ‘why’. Lisa shares how the recent changes in her have moved her away from the person she was when she began Small Steps.
19:40 Does it make business sense? Moving on to the next thing and the next thing may be exciting, but it doesn’t necessarily make great business sense. Karly shares her a perspective on embracing the past/present instead of shutting it down and moving on, thus creating space for fun.
21:15 Karly inspires with where she is at in her business right now. With revenue consistency in the bag, she has given herself permission to be immerse in play and creativity, with no expectations attached. She explains that the creation mode brings the love in which fuels her to do the other jobs which may not feel as energising.
24:00 Karly and Lisa remind us that there are seasons and we can honour the season we’re in, whether that be stability and structure, or birth and creation. Lisa highlights that sometimes you’re in the season of uncertainty, but that season too will end.
26:00 Karly and Lisa invite you to find ways to bring the fun back in, or keep the stale things ticking so you have more freedom to find fun elsewhere.
Feel free to continue this conversation in the Keeping Good Company facebook group. Please answer the questions on your way in. No answers, no entry.
Despite God's amazing call to lead one of the greatest rescue missions ever, Moses says "no" to God five times. Like most people in Exodus, Moses wrestles with his own form of spiritual slavery -- a fear that is greater than his faith in God.
Who sets the agenda for our lives and for the church? Personal interaction and ultimately God’s word should set the agenda, not the revenue-driven Internet.
Karly brings us an inspiring chat with her author coach, Emily Tamayo Maher. Emily is the creator of The Meaning Method, a program she uses to help aspiring authors turn their personal life story into the books they were meant to write. This chat is simultaneously grounded in the practical and wonderfully woo-woo.
Today, on Keeping Good Company, Karly and Emily delve into the common blocks people face when writing a book and creating more generally, with an overarching theme of tying in the chakra system and the power of imagination.
1:27 Emily shares her passion for coaching aspiring authors to write their book and her path from stressed out teacher to working fulltime in her own business. Karly and Emily reminisce about how the universe brought them together.
3:45 Karly and Emily riff on the power of taking some small action when you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by self-doubt.
6:25 Karly shares the effect of finishing her book and releasing it in audiobook format and Emily shines a light on the transformative power of telling the story of your life.
10:00 The conversation turns to the creative process. Karly shares the process she has recognised in her own creative life – the summer and winter of her creations. Emily praises Karly’s personal ethos to move faster than her inner critic. They reflect on their own experiences of throwing themselves over the wall.
14:40 Karly and Emily partake in a fascinating conversation about the chakra system and the flow of ideas through the chakras. Emily touches on empowering your imagination and the function of the imagination to perceive and command. Emily also shares her belief that you are supposed to make real your dreams.
23:15 Karly reflects on the acceptance she experienced by having awareness around her creative process. Her creation tap is turned fully on and she can detach from the self-doubt.
24:45 Emily shares her inspiring approach to turning her clients doubt centre into a clear vision centre through energy work; empowering imagination to become more creative. She also shares how she has personally used her methods in her own life to leave teaching and create a fulltime business for herself.
28:38 Karly asks Emily what common blocks people face once they’ve moved past self-doubt. Next follows an enlightening conversation about finding your voice, procrastination, faith and flexibility.
32:24 Karly and Emily dive deeper on finding your voice and message: tips on finding it, does it actually need to be found and is it an everchanging thing. Emily highlights the importance of curiosity and courage.
37:03 Emily affirms Karly’s experiences around finding your voice and adds her own experiences to the conversation.
39:15 Do you have a book in you? Karly and Emily invite you to start writing. Emily encourages you to “trust the crown, write it down”
43:27 Emily focuses on the need to make the process fun and shares one of her practical tips for maintaining the joy.
43:59 Karly reflects on what a gift it has been to be coached by Emily and write the book she wanted to write while feeling completely supported.
If you’d like to work with Emily or check out her free resources, you can find her at https://www.meaningmethod.com or join her Facebook group, The Writers Block.
And as always, you are invited to join in the conversations that happen outside of this podcast, in Lisa and Karly's Keeping Good Company facebook group. Please answer questions on your way in.
Genesis 38 vividly portrays the power of sin among Jacob's descendants as Judah falls deep and deeper into sin. Tamar, by contrast, demonstrates her faith in God's promises to Abraham's seed through desperately clinging to her position as matriarch of Judah's heir, and she sees God's blessing through the unusual birth of her twin sons.
Today’s episode of Keeping Good Company is a cracker! Lisa interviews her mentor and coach, James Wedmore. James is the creator of a seven-figure business which he uses to help entrepreneurs develop the mindset needed for entrepreneurship. He is also the creator and host of the enormously successful and “totally woo-woo” podcast Mind Your Business.
Lisa and James chat about the inner world of entrepreneurship. James provides valuable advice on how to take your business to the next level by working from the inside out. Lisa shares the personal transformation she has experienced under James’ guidance.
05:20 Lisa and James chat about one of the big beliefs Lisa held about business when she first began James’ mastermind, The Inner Circle. James shares the mistake that most struggling entrepreneurs are making and the critical piece of the puzzle that they are ignoring. Includes an enlightening definition of ‘resistance’. 9:30 How entrepreneurship is the ultimate playground for personal and spiritual growth. James hits the nail on the head with: “you cannot do what you can’t believe.” 11:40 Breaking down the belief that you’re not good enough. Do you FEEL worthy and deserving of your goal? Are you chasing your worth through working harder and achieving more? James provides some perspective on worthiness. 15:55 Lisa raises the story of selfishness that many of her tribe experience and James provides a wonderful perspective. Selfishness doesn’t equal harming others and how being selfish could actually be seen as selflessness. 19:45 Lisa shares the effects of getting shingles and James calling her out on a lack of responsibility for her life. That leads James into chatting about the common thread he has found all of the wisdom seeking he has done: as within, so without. James relates this back to business – your business is a mirror of who you are. 24:55 There are no problems. There are no failures. James talks interpretation, labels and stories and suggests that embracing problems may be the difference between successful and struggling entrepreneurs. 27:35 Lisa and James turn the conversation to failure. Lisa shares her new perspective on failure after a launch didn’t meet her expectations. James provides a framework for the real-world process in which there is no room for failure. 33:10 Being the objective scientist and the risk of accidental success. 37:35 Lisa asks James for a framework for getting past and dismantling the stories that hold people back. James provides a light explanation on brain function in relation to beliefs and provides two questions you can come back to when you’re struggling to reach a goal in business. 44:35 James reveals his brand new, free 8 part mini-series, The Rise of the Digital CEO. Lisa shares the incredible impact working with James has had on her business and life.
Change your business by diving into James' Rise of the Digital CEO training by clicking right here!
Sarah displayed persevering faith in the God who made promises to her through her actions.
Karly and Lisa take a deep dive into podcasting. Karly shares her path to becoming the creator of two number one podcasts on iTunes. They bust through the common barriers people create in their minds, provide guidance on what is needed to get started and share their experiences of using podcasting to create deep relationships.
Today Karly and Lisa talk building relationships through podcasting and how it isn’t as hard to get started as you think.
00:30 Lisa asks Karly: why podcasting? Karly chats about her path to podcasting: recording on her double tape deck as a kid, formal studies in sound and radio, working in commercial radio, creating a successful voice over company, and producing two number one podcasts on iTunes.
11:30 How Karly’s success in podcasting helped her find her voice and go all in on the medium.
13:00 What there is to love about the medium of audio, including a low barrier to entry and the freedom to podcast anywhere and anytime. Also includes a chat about the things that hold people back from podcasting and how Keeping Good Company got started.
15:50 Karly talks about what she has seen in her students of the Radcasters Podcasting S’cool and how lack of time and tech stuff don’t need to hold you back. Lisa suggests ways to get around what is in your way.
19:30 The key to moving from who you are now to someone who is getting noticed is going live on a podcast. Karly also shares why this is her favourite medium: building deep relationships.
22:15 What you DON’T need to have a podcast.
23:15 Lisa gets into the effect of sitting in procrastination or creating barriers or expecting perfection to begin with.
24:55 Karly shares her insights into podcasting for those wanting to get started and the best gift she’s received from from her podcast Karlosophies.
26:00 Lisa and Karly chat about the fear of interviewing and how to come at it by lowering your expectations.
27:30 Karly reflects on how getting to where she is was just one step at a time without knowing what she was moving towards. Lisa and Karly encourage you to start where you are, right now: “there is no better time to suck than right now”
30:45 Karly shares what she’s doing with Radcasters, working one on one to with people to get podcasting. And great news... the school is open and ready for you to join at radcasters.com
1 Peter 2 proclaims Christians the new people of God, and exhorts them to live accordingly as sojourners and exiles, with exemplary lives before unbelievers. Genesis 20 shows how the original sojourner, Abraham, failed to do this, yet also displays God’s common grace.
Who sets the agenda for our lives and for the church? Personal interaction and ultimately God’s word should set the agenda, not the revenue-driven Internet.
Lisa and Karly discuss their knowledge and experiences around getting on camera. Lisa shares her beginnings in community tv and how video has served her in business. Karly breaks down some common barriers by sharing her early on-screen efforts, depressed and running on the beach.
Today Lisa and Karly talk showing up on video: the barriers, the benefits and the best way to get started.
3:10 Lisa provides some background on her path from uni student to successful business owner, including her dreams of working on the ABC’s Four Corners.
6:45 When there is no chance to back away, you just do it. Lisa reflects on the invaluable training her time in community tv gave her for running her own online business.
10:15 Lisa considers why her first ever online course, Small Steps to Wholefoods, was so successful and shares the role video played.
12:45 Karly and Lisa chat about social media platforms and how video is so helpful in creating conversation and connection. Karly talks about the benefit she has received from being willing to get on screen even at the risk of awkward situations.
18:25 The barriers are in the mind: judgement, taking up space and Mario Forleo’s set. Karly and Lisa also note the power of video to stop the scroll.
24:30 Karly goes back to her early days of showing up – depressed and running on the beach with a handheld video recorder – and helps to breakdown some of the mental barriers to getting on camera.
26:20 Lisa shares the best place to get started with showing up on video.
31:20 A call to action – Karly and Lisa inspire you to have a crack.
Join the Keeping Good Company facebook group and be sure to answer the questions on the way in.
Like his grandfather Abraham, Jacob has nothing in his waking world to guarantee his role as promise-receiver and promise-bearer. Yet God interrupts his scheming and shame to introduce him to his new world of the gospel.
The special friendship between Jonathan and David is well known. It's the type of friendship we all long for and will need especially as people entering into pastoral ministry. We'll look at 3 specific aspects that made their friendship so special: common passion, vulnerability/transparency, and commitment.
Lisa and Karly talk all things visibility. This deep dive covers big ground; from being vulnerable, to what people are looking for in their social media feeds, to the language of sharing, to the many ways different in which you can show up and speak up.
Today Lisa and Karly explore, with their customary authenticity; being visible, vulnerable and in conversation with your people when doing business.
00:30 - Lisa reflects on an Instagram draft post that gave her sweaty palms.
04:05 - Lisa shares her ongoing evolution: sharing from the depths of vulnerability; sharing without having all the answers; showing up in new ways even if you can’t see how the pieces fit yet.
06:30 - Karly explores the difference between sharing ‘at people’ and sharing from a personal place, and what language feels good when doing so. Karly shares a filter she uses when sharing.
08:30 - Lisa gets a text from her Dad, gets fired up and ready to start new conversations.
09:55 - Karly and Lisa jam on the goodness of sharing from a personal place and what people are looking for when scrolling social media. Lisa shares the filter she uses when sharing.
12:10 - How treating being visible online as an inconvenience is not helpful. Karly and Lisa make the obvious but crucial observation that social media is social (!) and requires you to be in conversation.
15:20 - Honest chat about what’s like online in the early days of business; hearing crickets.
20:20 - Karly reflects on getting drawn back into grilling herself on the ‘how??’ and using her practice of showing up to get out of her head and back into action.
21:05 - Reminder: you don’t have to be anywhere in particular to be successful. What you can be doing.
To continue this conversation and hang with some RAD likeminded people, head to the Keeping Good Company facebook group… but PLEASE answer the question on the way in.
Dr. Estelle looks at Gen. 22 and explores the exact nature of Abraham’s faith as seen in this passage and Christ as the ultimate answer to his “problem.”
Dr. Fesko begins a series on "The Christian & Technology." As common as it is to use screens, have they become a new American idol?
Lisa has recently returned from a mastermind retreat in San Diego and Karly is back from a weekend away with some fellow clarity-seeking women. While they’re feeling filled up from their experiences, they reflect on the value of getting away from the daily grind, what that does for them and their businesses, and what ‘getting away’ actually looks like in their lives. Karly also looks at her own life and the structure she’s created for productivity and realises she’s created a prison for herself.
Today Karly and Lisa chat about the benefits of getting away and the importance of your environment.
1:15 Lisa shares how she broke the ‘pool rules’ of San Diego 3:30 Lisa chats about how she feels the moment she’s en route to the airport and her creativity fires up. 6:20 Karly talks about her practice of taking space for herself daily and regularly carving out weekends away. 8:00 Guilt - Karly and Lisa share when and if they feel it and how knowing your values can help to let it go. 12:10 How getting away doesn’t have to be a big trip; the beauty of building these spaces into your daily routine. 16:25 Karly and Lisa jam on the importance of your environment. Karly realises she’s created a prison for herself for the sake of productivity but at the cost of creativity and feeling good. 21:20 Karly and Lisa agree on the value of in-person connection and Karly weighs that up against her need for a quiet work space. 23:10 A handy summary of the different ways of getting away and creating space. 26:20 Karly nails another mic-drop takeaway.
To continue this conversation and hang with some RAD likeminded people, head to the Keeping Good Company facebook group… but PLEASE answer the question on the way in.
WSC President Joel Kim's opening convocation of the Fall 2018 semester, titled, "Seminary in a Global Age."
Karly has a motherfucker of a head cold and would so much rather be laying in bed streaming Made In Chelsea on HayU. Instead, she’s here, busting open an honest conversation with Lisa, and you, about how to maintain that all important level consistency (as discussed last week) when you feel like shit, haven’t stopped crying for two days, feel totally gross in your body, are uninspired, crippled by self doubt or totally over hearing yourself.
3:00 - Lisa shares that she’s feeling like her social media presence right now is feeling a little vanilla… and the one question she comes back to in order to create content when not inspired. 5:45 - Karly explores her approach to finding something to share when she’s not feeling creative or in flow. 7:10 - The seasons that live within the creative process and strategies they use for dealing and honouring that. 10:00 - Karly and Lisa take a total side tangent chatting about who they were in their childhood and discover they were both big sharers and bold personalities. Then give some ideas for those who are not innately gasbagging oversharers. 13:20 - Karly moves from uninspired to sharing some notes she’d been inspired to write during the chat. She talks about honouring your feelings and going to hide under the doona at times, and other times lacing up the metaphorical shoes and start running. 15:30 - Creating non-negotiables and asking yourself what you are committed to. 17:15 - Being connected to your endgame and knowing your intention for social media.
To continue this conversation and hang with some RAD likeminded people, head to the Keeping Good Company facebook group... but PLEASE answer the question on the way in.
Lisa recently found herself in the back of a car with two other well known 'wellness bloggers' and it prompted her to look back at her journey from blogger, with a thermomix and some decent recipes, to building the Small Step empire that it is today.
Today Karly and Lisa jam on what it takes to make it in this crazy online world.
2:00 - Lisa dives into the very beginning of 'Lisa Corduff' - the brand. And Karly looks back at her days creating Think Beautiful... when facebook was a much easier place to grow a business. 5:00 - Karly asks Lisa what her advice would be for those starting out on facebook today. And they explore other mediums for growing your reach, but that they all require consistency. 8:10 - Why sometimes it's important to offer something and lock yourself in... Karly shares her fear and reluctance around showing up daily for Find Your Freq, and how it's really allowed her to have MORE creativity. 9:45 - Why blogging might be making a comeback. 12:00 - Karly and Lisa's advice for someone who is showing up and not getting traction. 18:20 - How there's not just one way to business success... some which don't even require you to be on social media, at all.
The link to Jo's Organic Facebook Content Guide is here. It's $10 and will help you to better understand facebook - what works, and what doesn't.
To continue this conversation and hang with some RAD likeminded people, head to the Keeping Good Company facebook group... but PLEASE answer the question on the way in.
Karly has recently returned from Hay House Writers Workshop and has made the big decision to self publish her first book (which she's been writing for around 2 years) as an audio only book. She's back, and recording the book already... because she's decided to follow a path of least resistance.
2:10 - When Karly is very innocently asked 'is your book an audio book' and her brain almost imploded with the simplicity. She shares how we have this insane ability to way overcomplicate things. 4:00 - Karly explores the hurdles that have come up, beyond just self doubt, that could have really derailed her prior to now, but now she's taking a different approach. 7:20 - How to ask for help in a way that will actually get you a response you can use. 8:50 - What is the difference between resistance and flow and how can people recognise the flow then walk that path? 13:40 - How to find a way to take action on something you want to see realised, so that you can open the door to the next creative project, by finishing your last project. 16:00 - Wrap up of the key lessons of this episode.
If you'd like to get a copy of the much awaited audio book and be part of the Memoir of Mediocre Life journey, you can get chapters as they are released and access to an exclusive facebook group at karlynimmo.com/book for only $16.50.
To continue this conversation and hang with some RAD likeminded people, head to the Keeping Good Company facebook group... but PLEASE answer the question on the way in.
Lisa has just returned back from Sydney, running one event and speaking at another, in amidst some big stuff happening in her personal life. She had a choice to make; cancel on the trip, or go. It could have easily have been a case of 'there's just too much going on, I'll stay home'. Instead, Lisa packed her bags, pulled some serious ninja moves, shuffled and organised a shitload of stuff, called in for support, and got on that plane.
Today Karly and Lisa chat about when your life becomes an excuse for not following your dreams.
1:00 - Lisa shares her decision making process... should she stay, or should she go? 6:15 - Karly talks about her early days of working for herself and the routine and structure she had to put around that, in order to make her business work: includes chat of boob sweat and pj pants. 7:30 - Lisa chats about balancing motherhood and business and shares why the kids are not a hinderance, but a superpower. 12:10 - Why being comfortable isn't always a great driver for change and why external accountability matters. 15:50 - Karly and Lisa jam on how if you allow your external circumstances to determine the action you take you will never make your dreams come true. 17:45 - The concept of self integrity and why it's so important to say YES to you.
To continue this conversation and hang with some RAD likeminded people, head to the Keeping Good Company facebook group... but PLEASE answer the question on the way in.
Karly and Lisa explore the wonderful world of... refunds.
It's a place where our emotions can get the best of us. It's a place where we can feel a little personally attacked, or fall into chronic self doubt. We can also get a bit reactive and defensive.
What if a refund request actually has little to do with you, or with the quality of your product? And how can we turn a refund request into an opportunity?
1:45 - Lisa shares her own experiences with refund requests, her generous refund policy and why she's chosen to be relaxed about the whole process... even though there's always some ickiness. 3:50 - The framing with which Lisa views refunds now and what she does to combat refund requests before they've even purchased something. 7:18 - Karly walks through the process many people go through when they get a refund request. 8:00 - Lisa shares a story of when she first moved into teaching people about business, and received a scathing email requesting a refund... and how she approached the situation and turned it into a positive experience for everyone involved. 13:05 - What to be careful about when it comes to refund requests. 16:10 - Karly offers some advice around when it's time to take the feedback onboard and make changes and when to take that feedback to create something new.
To continue this conversation and hang with some RAD likeminded people, head to the Keeping Good Company facebook group... but PLEASE answer the question on the way in.
Off the back of a call for Keeping Video Real with Samantha Nolan-Smith (who featured on episode no.9) Lisa asks the question Sam offered the KVR peeps a few poignant questions: What is our interpretation of how our parents saw us? How did our friends see us? What did we take that to mean? What is the energy of those words? Both questions provide Lisa and Karly with massive insights into who they are and how they've been limiting themselves based on old childhood programs.
2:03 - Lisa explores how her friends and parents might have described her and makes a big discovery about what she has made that mean. 7:30 - Karly explores her history and how it's expresses itself in her business. 9:50 - 'Tell me about your childhood' might not just be from a 90s sitcom, or Dr Phil show. 13:20 - Karly and Lisa explore their differences: Lisa with her people pleasing and need to achieve. And Karly realises how she's been running an unconscious program of setting a low bar. 19:45 - The importance of personal development and the ways Karly and Lisa have been lead to doing 'the work'. 26:00 - The Takeaways from todays conversation.
Join the Keeping Good Company facebook group and be sure to answer the questions on the way in.
Karly and Lisa explore their best and worst business investments. They start the episode in fits of laughter when Karly can't seem to think of any 'bad' investments... which is hilarious, considering her $100k business failure. Lisa shares mistakes she's made in her business; investing in the wrong people. They chat about the key lessons they've learned through the mistakes they've made... how to decide what is a worthy investment, and what is not... and they discover there really is no bad investment.
1:25 - Karly shares her worst investment... and reflects on how she's finally moved on from her biggest 'failure'
5:00 - No investment can really be considered a 'bad investment' long term.
7:30 - Lisa shares that time she invested in a copywriting service and reflects on how where she was at maybe have sabotaged that experience.
10:00 - Lisa talks about the lessons she took on board from investing in the wrong person for a big job.
14:30 - The tricky balancing of releasing control while maintaining control. Karly explores the relationship she has built with what she considers her best investment, her editor Neil.
18:30 - What are Lisa and Karly's biggest expenses/investments in their businesses.
21:00 - How do you decide what you are going to invest in?
25:00 - Investing in a fast track, over investing $$$$ learning how to do all the things.
27:10 - Lisa explores the questioning that occurs when we go to make an investment in ourselves... and shares creating ways to make the process smoother.
And now, make a great investment of your time into the Keeping Good Company facebook group. Be sure to answer the questions on the way in.
This weeks episode Karly and Lisa wax lyrical on goal setting. Both Lisa and Karly have felt deep resistance around setting long term business goals.
Concerned that having a goal will stifle creativity, Lisa discusses how her 90 day plan has bought more structure to her business. While her 10 year vision feels like a goal setting playground.
Karly, takes time to reflect on her year of wins and thoroughly celebrate how far she has come. This inspires her to stop avoiding the future and start planning for it.
Join Lisa and Karly as they dive into goal setting and how you can find a ways to set goals that feel aligned with your purpose.
06:43 - The moment Lisa decides “Maybe there's something to this goal planning”
08:09 - Why a vision matters when it comes to goal setting. And getting ok with it taking as long as it takes.
09:43 - Karly's realisation that avoidance of her stuff, could become someone she loves future burden.
20:45 - Don’t apologise for what motivates you and what feels good
24:28 - Without goals - What’s there to show for your business?
27:18 - Sometimes our goals are set from our pain points and that's okay.
37: 26 - Are you ready to move out of your current comfort zone and stretch yourself?
Are you motivated by the SMART goals? What does goal setting even mean to you Join the conversation in the Keeping Good Company Facebook group (psst make sure you answer the questions!!)
In today's episode Karly and Lisa talk about their recent new offerings and how different approaches, can bring amazing results. Karly and Lisa have just both launched new products into the online market and have launched in very different ways. Karly has taken her no fucks given approach, and built her offer as an artwork coming from the inside out. Where Lisa has bought serving her community and her business acumen to highly profitable but low key offering.
Listen in as Karly and Lisa debate their different approaches and how you can “go your own way” in business.
08:30 - Who does art serve? The artist or the viewer?
11:15 - Two different approaches to business: the outside in way and the inside out way.
12:22 - Karly share that what she's creating does land with people - because she's being her.
24:01 - Biggest lessons - What Karly and Lisa learned through their launches.
30:13 - Your current offer isn't the rest of your life. As a business owner, you can be nimble AF.
Join the facebook group! Make sure you answer all the questions on your way in. Review us on iTunes.
What do you do when things are going wrong? Today Lisa recounts her online business worst nightmare: How one of her biggest ever webinars totally went pear-shaped. Far from being a pity party, Lisa recounts how she has used a huge technical fck up to get back in the zone and how making one small decision can completely shift your whole perspective. 06:25 - What happens when all the eggs are broken? 13:00 - Find out how Lisa shifts the mood around her launch fck up. 14:48 - “You’ve got the strength - it’s just that you haven't used it - we just gotta get you back to you” 17:14 - The end result is going to be what YOU make of it...what will you choose? 20:33 - How this will end up being something that Lisa is really grateful for Top tip for getting back in the zone...Just choose to be happy Join us in the Facebook group and tell us about your biggest business (or life) f*uck up. (Don't forget to answer the questions!!)
In today's episode, Lisa and Karly Talk about what happens when you have all the good ideas. How to filter and sift out the ideas that align with you and your purpose. How to be ok with letting go of the things that “seem like a good idea”.
Often, it’s easy to get caught up in the rushing in of a brilliant new idea. The moment when the idea lands, in our brain, many of us want to race out and scream at the EUREKA! This is it - the thing - the idea, program, mastermind, e-course, series that is going to be MY THING! But then the small voice, in your head (or a real voice of someone you share with) sows the seed of doubt. “Is this really the thing?” or is this “just another crazy idea?”
Karly and Lisa take you through their processes of ideation and creation and leaning into the resistance of the new “great idea”. They speak of how letting go of the attachment to the external outcome facilitates your most aligned ideas rising to the top and becoming the parts of your business that you can feel most connected with.
The resistance and fear will show up ALL the TIME! Trust that sometimes you need to take a step towards the idea and see what happens - sometimes we need to push through and resistance when the resistance is showing up.
This episode, allows for listeners to feel safe that there is no shortage of ideas, and being discerning about the ideas you choose to give your energy to, will make the difference in how much joy comes from the work that you do.
Episode Highlights 08:34 - Karly discusses how her volume of ideas are getting less and less frequent as she becomes less attached to finding “the thing”
1034 - The best ideas are the ones that keep haunting you and keep coming back into your mind
13:42 - You're not entertaining ideas because you're clear on where you’re going. Lisa ? Karly
15:10 - Can your business be a playground for personal growth?
15:45 - "Just because you can doesn't mean you should”
22:30 - what are you chasing in your business? This is Lisa’s “Season of Scale” - chasing the things that feel enjoyable
28:10 - Can you be saying yes to smaller things so that you can think outside the box?
Final thoughts for the Episode:
What would you do if you were brave? What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? Listen in to Karlys Episode about being brave
Join the Facebook Group (Answer the questions!) and tell us about your experience with your BIG ideas!
W. Robert Godfrey, President Emeritus of Westminster Seminary California, delivers the 2018 commencement address. On May 26, 2018, WSC sent forth 26 students to serve as pastors, teachers, missionaries, and leaders for the church and for the world.
We are all sinners. But Christ suffered for our sins and has redeemed us with his precious blood.
In a world where evil seems to get the upper hand more often than not, our Lord strengthens our faith in his unfailing Word by being silent in the hour of darkness.
Jesus’ “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John show us both our own spiritual neediness and his complete sufficiency as our Redeemer to meet our every need.
Eph. 1:3-14 shows us the importance and necessity of relying upon and returning to the blessedness of God's grace over and over again throughout our ministry.
In Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus teaches that fasting, although fitting under the old covenant, is not to be an ordinary practice of new covenant believers due to their joy in the fellowship of Christ.
Jesus’ “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John show us both our own spiritual neediness and his complete sufficiency as our Redeemer to meet our every need.
Deliverance from sin is not the result of self-salvation. We cannot pull ourselves out of the pit. Rescue is the Action of God alone.
Why does Mary praise God the way she does when she visits Elizabeth in Luke 1? Mary's use of Hannah’s words in 1 Samuel gives us a glimpse of the great joy and hope Mary has in the coming Messiah.
Jesus’ “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John show us both our own spiritual neediness and his complete sufficiency as our Redeemer to meet our every need.
In 2 Tim 2:1, Paul calls Timothy to a strength that can only come from the gracious realities of the gospel.
Darian Lockett delivers a lecture discussing diaspora as canonical context for James and 1 Peter at the Spring 2018 WSA convocation lecture.
Darian Lockett delivers a lecture discussing the theological and historical commitments of reading canon as scripture at the Spring 2018 WSA convocation lecture.
In Matthew 1:18-25 Matthew narrates the angelic announcement and command to Joseph regarding the divine birth and redemptive names of Jesus.
Rev. Dr. Jon Payne delivers a lecture entitled, "The 21st Century Pastor and Prayer," at the 2018 WSC Den Dulk Lectures.
Rev. Dr. Jon Payne delivers a lecture entitled, "The 21st Century Pastor and Proclamation," at the 2018 WSC Den Dulk Lectures.
Rev. Dr. Jon Payne delivers a lecture entitled,"The 21st Century Pastor and Piety," at the 2018 WSC Den Dulk Lectures.
In Mark 5:1-20 the gospel of the Kingdom of God confronts and conquers the demons who had possessed the Gerasene man. There were three responses to this confrontation. The demons told the truth about who Jesus was, many in the area were repelled by Jesus, however, and responded in fear, in favor of the status quo but the former demoniac responded in faith and confessed him to all who would listen.
Jesus’ “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John show us both our own spiritual neediness and his complete sufficiency as our Redeemer to meet our every need.
In Matthew 3:1-17, John the Baptist comes as the last of the Old Covenant prophets, preparing for the coming judgment day by calling for repentance demonstrated through baptism. Jesus comes to be baptized as part of his submission to and fulfillment of the Law and the prophets.
Just before the collapse of the walls of Jericho, the nation of Israel was circumcised and celebrated the Passover.
Jesus’ “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John show us both our own spiritual neediness and his complete sufficiency as our Redeemer to meet our every need.
Being a disciple isn’t convenient. But for those of us who live in a fast-food world, the anticipated feast makes it all worthwhile.
The Psalmist reminds us that God is inescapable because he is everywhere and knows all things.
Jesus is the light of life and salvation dawning from Galilee upon a people lost in darkness and death.
Christians are freed by grace from the Law’s yoke and curse. But this liberty is to be enjoyed not by pleasing ourselves but by serving each other in love.
Would you ever use the word “beautiful” to describe a church, a ministry or a sermon? Isaiah makes clear that when a ministry is full of the gospel of Jesus Christ it really is something very beautiful.
The good news is that death is the last enemy and has already been defeated by Jesus in his death and resurrection.
God's grace is better than anything else in the world. It is a pure gift from God to sinners. It is to be insisted upon and let loose in Christ's church, without hesitation, and to be enjoyed no matter what messiness such a good gift causes.
Jesus in his healing of the leper exposes Jewish distortions of the law as he also fulfills the law. But more importantly, he reveals who he is and his mission to save as does what the law was powerless to do.
Jesus Christ is a complete Savior, bringing us a comprehensive rescue from all the damage that our sin has done.
Jesus Christ graciously calls us not to be unbelieving but to believe in him so that we would have life in his name.
In contrast to the disobedience of Israel, Jesus is the one who prevailed in his probation keeping righteousness; he is called, he is proved, he is obedient.
God’s grace in Christ not only heals the rift between guilty individuals and our holy Creator. It also breaks down the walls (race, gender, culture, language, etc.) that divide us from one another.
Mark 10:13-52 presents four ways by which one might seek to enter the kingdom. Jesus instructs us to enter the kingdom as a child and as a blind man, but not as the rich or powerful.
In the heart of his letter to the Galatians, Paul presents God’s glorious, gracious remedy to our alienation, guilt, and spiritual dehydration.
The world offers us a mirror to see ourselves in an ever-changing reflection of what it tells us. In the prologue of Job, God gives us a window to see a never-changing image of how God sees us.
Many Christians quite misunderstand our Lord’s teaching in Matthew 24 because they miss the parallel that our Lord drew between his future bodily return and the days of Noah. Indeed, missing the connection between Noah and Jesus has been the cornerstone of the entire “Left Behind” phenomenon and has been since the beginning of the modern “secret rapture” craze since 1972.
God’s grace, through the cross of Christ, unmasks us. The cross exposes our guilty secrets and the condemnation and lethal punishment that we deserve, leaving us nowhere to hide to preserve our “image.”
Jesus assures his disciples on the verge of their worldwide ministry as he is about to depart of his constant presence with his people throughout this age.
There is a danger in American society of being burned out by the "everything is awesome" mentality where each moment needs to be extreme, meaningful, worthwhile and special.
Because Christ, the Son of Man, paralyzed sin and death for us, we must continue to trust him and bring others to his feet.
As we celebrate the birth of the Protestant Reformation, 500 years ago this fall, that we will meditate on Galatians, which Luther called “my Katie von Bora,” in six Morning Devotions over the semester.
Westminster Seminary California President Dr. W. Robert Godfrey concludes an 8-part devotional series titled, "Seeking God with the Psalmist."
As Habakkuk and the people of Israel face the coming Babylonians, God comforts them by revealing His awesome power and intention to right all wrongs. God’s display of terrifying beauty gives hope and perseverance to His saints.
In a world infected by human sin and its toxic byproducts, accomplishing physical, intellectual, and relational goals requires hard labor.
Our words are a window into our hearts and what occupies and preoccupies our minds and feelings. Wise words are honest, few, calm, and apt.
Wisdom reminds us that when we approach God in prayer and worship that our words should be few; since, our foolish tendency is to multiply words instead of trusting in the perfect and sufficient words of Christ.
Westminster Seminary California President Dr. W. Robert Godfrey continues an 8-part devotional series titled, "Seeking God with the Psalmist."
God in the book of Proverbs instructs us on how to interact with fools, those who have embraced ways of living that lead to misery and hardship. But God also calls us to examine ourselves, to evaluate the ways we act, and to turn to him as our only hope in this world.
Westminster Seminary California President Dr. W. Robert Godfrey continues an 8-part devotional series titled, "Seeking God with the Psalmist."
The wisdom literature of the Bible exists primarily in the Hebrew Scriptures but the New Testament capitalizes on the wisdom literature and in Colossians 2:23 and 3:16 the Apostle Paul applies basic themes and structure from the wisdom literature to the Christian doctrine and practice of worship.
As Paul struggles with the realities of unbelief and opposition to his work, he resolves his anguish by contemplating the being of God. We may resolve our discouragements by meditating on the Triune God.
To be happy in this life it's not enough to just do the standard things; we nust consider the work of God.
Westminster Seminary California President Dr. W. Robert Godfrey continues an 8-part devotional series titled, "Seeking God with the Psalmist."
Examining Matthew 7 in the light of its immediate context, we find that Jesus is contrasting the faithful teaching he brings with the false shepherds of Israel.
In this passage, Paul would have us realize that even truth, that is true knowledge, becomes folly if it is employed to accopmplish an end for which it is not adapted.
Westminster Seminary California President Dr. W. Robert Godfrey continues an 8-part devotional series titled, "Seeking God with the Psalmist."
In our task of theological education and preparation for the ministry we often sense a feeling of need, a desire for more.
Through this experiential saying on hope and the heart, we gain understanding into our nature as humans, helping us to live rightly as God's redeemed people in this world.
Westminster Seminary California President Dr. W. Robert Godfrey continues an 8-part devotional series titled, "Seeking God with the Psalmist."
A closer look at Jude’s exhortation. He exhorts us to “keep" ourselves in the love of God, but all the while God is the one who “keeps" us. Our contending comes within the context of his keeping. We persevere because he preserves.
How much does the world influence how we respond to personal attacks and vitriol? Wisdom literature provides us with an infrequently tried response, namely, silence.
Westminster Seminary California President Dr. W. Robert Godfrey begins an 8-part devotional series titled, "Seeking God with the Psalmist."
Visible results cannot serve as the basis for our confidence in ministry, for they are often deceptive or delayed. Our confidence in ministry can only come from faith in the power and promises of God.
“Dispersion,” scattering, is a bittersweet theme. On the one hand, the Creator authorized his animate creatures and humanity, their rulers, to “fill the earth”—very good.
The Preacher of Ecclesiastes cautions us not to be overly optimistic about wisdom and its power. Even though wisdom works well, time and chance can spoil the benefits of wisdom and a little bit of folly can destroy wisdom’s power.
Jesus teaches us important truths about how we must enter the kingdom of God, truths that his disciples had failed to grasp.
This devotion will suggest that “steadfastness” or “perseverance” is the right notion for James 5:11, not “the patience” of Job. Furthermore, this suggests that James is referring to Canonical Job in its unity, not just the first part of Job.
The Lord gives to his church “mercy servants,” whose deeds of compassion complement the gospel witness of his “Word servants.”
The peace of God in His Son, Jesus Christ, surpasses understanding, says Paul in Philippians 4.
The seven servants were qualified to care for widows’ material needs because Christ’s church discerned that they were “full of the Spirit and wisdom.”
Psalms 1 and 2 form a two-paneled door which opens on the riches of the Christian life illustrated in the Psalter. The only way into the truly happy life is through the door of wisdom, which is through Christ who is himself the Way and the Life.
We often think of the struggles of ministry. The Apostle Paul certainly had many. But we in ministry can be greatly encouraged by Eph 3:7 where Paul uses the word “grace” to describe the "blessing” that was given to him to preach the gospel to the nations.
In Job 38 Yahweh accepts Job's challenge to justify himself on condition that Job can prove that he has standing to bring suit against Almighty God.
The apostles’ response to the need of Greek-speaking widows in the Jerusalem church shows two truths that define how ministry must be done in Christ’s church.
How much is enough? In this prayer, we are reminded that we should not be seeking abundance or lack, but sufficiency. Sufficiency prevents us from being prideful or greedy, but allows us to find satisfaction in God alone.
The risen and enthroned Lord Jesus is the king over all of his creation; He is the sovereign who rules and reigns over all.
The father seeks to fortify his son against the power of seduction by vividly portraying the consequences of sexual sins, especially adultery, and the joys of proper sexuality with one's wife.
Not only does the Lord love to lavish his grace to multitudes of people, to see them multiply to become a countless choir to sing his praise (as we saw in the first meditation on Acts 6:1-7); but he also delights in diversity—different kinds of people, speaking different languages and practicing different customs.
Wisdom literature gives us a window into the sufferings of Christ, which help us to understand our own trials as our divine vocation.
As the gospel and God's great name was advancing to the Samaritans in Acts 8, Simon the Great was trying to advance his own name.
The Jerusalem church’s appointment of seven servants to care for widows is a pivotal event in the spread of Christ’s gospel after the Holy Spirit’s descent at Pentecost.
An exploration of Deuteronomy 6:4ff that shows the importance of teaching others in the church about Christ.
The Lord comforts us through the resurrection comfort of Christ, and does this so that we may then pass this comfort on to others as they suffer.
Paul corrects the church in Corinth's worldly view of spiritual gifts by grounding the use of all gifts in love.
Jesus' life proved that humility leads to glory. It is only when we see how much we have been served by Christ when we can forsake ourselves and count it a joy to follow in the example of Christ--and wash the feet of the saints. It is through suffering and humility that we follow in Christ's footsteps, and through suffering we can rejoice until our mortal bodies are glorified.
To those who are weary and tired, Paul exhorts them to "not lose heart." How is this possible? While the afflictions are momentary, eternal glory awaits for those who are in Christ.
God makes faithful ministers through prayer, study, and suffering. Over the years he purposes to diminish our self-confidence and bring us into greater dependence on grace. The ever increasing discovery of our weakness makes us increasingly effective shepherds of God's flock.
The Apostle Paul's defense of his ministry against the accusations of the self-described "super apostles" and other critics is instructive for ministers young and old. In contrast to theirs, his ministry began with God's mercy to sinners in Christ, was conducted in the open for all to see, and unlike his critics, his preaching and life were consistent.
In 2 Cor 4:3–6, Paul asserts the deadly work of Satan on unbelievers blinding them to the glory and life-giving light of Christ in his gospel which believers know and which shapes his ministry.
As Paul encourages Timothy to press on in his ministry, he describes the Gospel and its spread. It is all the work of God, and yet the Lord's servants play a crucial role.
Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness replicated key moments of human faithlessness. Where others—like Adam, Israel, and you and me—failed, he remained faithful.
Jesus makes clear to three would-be disciples that following Him means self-denial, suffering, and sacrifice.
The word of God has the power to destroy strongholds of the world through the gospel. It will accomplish the ends for which God has set it forth.
Dr. Michael Horton exposits 2 Cor. 3, in particular to those seeking to go into pastoral ministry. He shows from this text that pastors are a "letter of recommendation" from Jesus as ministers of the New Covenant.
Paul exhorts the Corinthian believers to live according to their New Covenant status by portraying the world in absolute contrasts.
Obsessed with success and power, the disciples are confronted with Jesus' radical definition of greatness.
How can Paul characterize the letter (the law) being a ministration of death, but the Spirit giving life when he speaks elsewhere of the law in such a positive manner?
The story of Jesus healing the blind man (in Mark 8) is surprising in many ways. It is also revealing how difficult it is to see Jesus clearly.
The foundational notion of being born again describes not just a life-changing past event, but the essence of our present life in Christ and the future of a glorious new creation.
We were reminded by Paul that all our sufferings – insults, slanders, hardship, persecutions and difficulties – if suffered for Christ’s sake become the perfect opportunity (as weakness) for the manifestation of Christ’s glory. And for that reason, "his grace is sufficient for you".
Hebrews shows us that Psalm 102:25-27 reveals the eternal permanence of God's Son, our Savior, Jesus.
Paul calls us to repentance and to demonstrate gratitude for the reconciliation that we have in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the king who can be trusted to rule our lives and circumstances with absolute control, for he would never succumb to power's corrupting influence.
Our hopes and lives can only rest secure in Jesus Christ the Son, who is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8).
Paul beautifully explains how Christ is the great Yes to all of God's promises, to which believers are called to submit their Yes of faith.
Although much more simple and with much less outward glory than the Old Covenant administration, the ministry of the New Covenant holds forth more fullness, evidence and spiritual efficacy than the Old.
Jesus the Son is superior to angels because God the Father directed all his angels to worship the Son.
A minister is a servant and a servant must serve someone or something. Moses was a servant of the Old Covenant.
There is great assurance in John's promise that someday we will be like Christ. That promise also provides great hope for life now.
Paul explains how reconciliation in the church rests upon the reconciliation wrought by God in Christ.
God’s covenant promise to David, to build David’s “house” (dynasty) and establish David’s throne forever.
In this personal letter, Paul defends his ministry by reminding the skeptical Corinthians of one thing: ministry is not about us, but solely about God.
The prologue of Hebrews (1:1-4) concludes with the claim that the Son has inherited a name better than that of angels.
Dr. Godfrey delivers the Fall 2015 President's Chapel devotion considering Romans 1:1-7, 15-17; 16:25-27.
Dr. Bryan Estelle looks at the forward-looking typological reference in Deuteronomy 32:1-5, 18ff.
Although we were exiled for our faithlessness, the faithful Word which the Father spoke in Christ, through the Spirit, gives us faith.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is with us as we seek to love him by keeping his commandments in the law.
Dr. W. Robert Godfrey exhorts from Mark 10 in the opening chapel of the spring 2015 semester.
Rev. Matt Eusey gives us a look at the character of Christ's church from the book of Galatians.
From the book of Deuteronomy, Dr. David VanDrunen reminds us that the righteousness and wisdom of God's laws are for all mankind.
Dr. J.V. Fesko continues a morning devotion series on the Fruit of the Spirit. In this first of the series, Dr. Fesko brings God's Word and asks us to consider the nature of love.
In Deuteronomy 20 we see the gospel preached by Moses to Israel as a picture of the blessed life we have in Jesus Christ.
Rev. Nutting brings God's word from the Psalms, and shows us how Psalm 131 describes a spiritual condition of the soul that is developed in us through out Lord Jesus Christ.
Like Israel, we need a mediator whose voice God has heard, and hears. We have that mediator in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dr. Godfrey delivers the Fall 2014 opening convocation message, bring God's word from Matthew 1:18-2:18
God, in his providence, designed all the events of the first century Church so that various crises came up in churches when apostles couldn't get there soon enough, or in person. So they wrote letters.
We live in an age where believers are already justified through our union with Christ, but not yet fully restored as promised in the New Covenant. In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul points out that we are given a taste of the New Age yet to come.
Should we demur from God-given revelation when Scripture identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel? Jesus is the true Israel of God.
Is not the kingdom of God a place where love reigns? Then, as Christians how are we to live so that the gospel of Jesus Christ reaches others?
In the face of the curse of the law, God reaches out his hand and gives grace to the same heart wherein there was only condemnation and guilt.
A special lecture given by Dr. Preston Graham about Multi-Congregational Church models.
The light of the kingdom of God is shining in this world, and we are instruments of adavancing that kingdom through the gospel.
God has brought together his truth in Father , Son, and Holy Spirit; let not our conception of him separate these.
The work of Christ's kingdom, manifest now in the church, is not to be carried out with the kind of weapons that do justice in this world. The Christian is called to hold fast to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to proclaim the truth that he revealed, and make his word known - doing that which no earthly weapon ever can.
Mark challenges many of the purveying views as to who Jesus was by showing that someone greater than all of the Old Testament institutions was present.
Jesus is the One that the Scriptures are about, He's the One in whow we need to believe, and he's the One to whom we need to call people.
We must continue to receive the water of Life from our Lord Jesus Christ through faith.
We are called to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ and to look to him for the strength to finish strong the race set out before us.
The Psalmist teaches us the importance of the believer to continually pray for our hearts, minds, and souls.
Pierced hearts, paradoxical grace, and persuasive pressure are three things that were present at Pentecost and should be present wherever the Word is preached.
Exodus 24 is a difficult passages that illustrates some of the difficulties inherent in interpreting the Mosaic Covenant.
Peter's sermon on the day of pentecost finds its' source in scripture, its' center in Christ, and its' time in the present.
A look at the Exodus motif in Hebrews chapter 9 and the image of the book being sprinkled with blood.
A meditation on a difficult Old Testament text where the striking question is why Israel's census is considered to be dangerous.
An analysis of the Christian answer to the problem of evil in contrast to the answer provided by eastern philosophy.
An analysis of the signs and wonders that accompanied the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
"Is the Lord among us?" is the central question of this passage and the central question of Israel's covenant.
In the Gospel of Mark, the account of Jesus' feeding of the five thousand is replete with Old Testament imagery taken from the Exodus.
Israel's unique military history is summarized with the profound reality of the LORD going before them.
The prophet Jeremiah presents a vivid picture of God's covenant love that finds its' fulfillment in the cross of Christ.
What it means to proclaim the whole counsel of God in light of the Apostle Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian church in Acts 20.
A study of Exodus 25-37 through the lens of God's separation from us and his gracious connecting with us through the Tabernacle.
Verses 6-9 of Isaiah 55 give us a clear direction as to how we are to set up a meeting between a sinner and the Savior in our preaching and in our witness.
The writer to the Book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the final Word and the ultimate Lord.
In verses 4 and 5 of Isaiah 55 the Church's message to a needy world becomes more explicit.
A study of Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus and how it helps us to reflect upon the significance and authority of Scripture.
A brief study of a provocative narrative that confronts the world with the reality and sovereign power of the LORD.
An explanation of the 10 Commandments in its context and in light of the person and work of Christ.
The LORD confronts Moses' excuses in light of the Israelites hopelessness with regards to their situation in Egypt.
Believers are to be confident messengers of God as they invite the world to the Great Banquet.
A study of Christ's inauguration of the new covenant and his role as mediator in light of the typology found in Exodus.
In Isaiah 55 the prophet Isaiah is prophesying and predicting the mission of the Christian church to the world.
A brief examination of Moses' "Song of the Sea," which re-tells the central redemptive event in Israel's history.
Isaiah 54 speaks of a key transition in terms of God's dealings with his people resulting in their transformation.
It is essential to read Exodus as the second installment or chapter of the grand history of redemption.
An exhortation to seminarians not to lose heart in their training and why this is important for the ministry and understanding the Gospel.
A detailed look at what it means for Jesus to proclaim himself to be the Good Shepherd and the profound implications this has for the life of the believer.
A reflection on ministry expectations in light of the prophet Isaiah's call and commission.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that we no longer belong to this present world but we belong to the new creation and thus we are called to walk according to this wonderful and new way of life.
Paul exhorts the Galatians to walk by the Spirit and further explains what this will look like amidst the body of Christ.
The biblical-theological background of the Apostle Paul's concept of "the fruit of the Spirit."
An analysis of the Apostle Paul's imprecation against the Judaizers in Galatians 5 in light of the ethics of the New Testament.
After Jesus ascends into heaven the disciples are to look ahead to the next promise of God in the Father's gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul lays out once again for his readers that they must not forsake the covenant of grace for a covenant of works.
The Apostle Paul pleas with the Galatians to see their error in attempting to take on the Mosaic law as necessary for salvation.
The Apostle Paul appeals to the Galatians not to leave Christ’s freedom nor Christ’s apostles.
The ascension scene painted by Luke illustrates Jesus' universal authority over the nations and his priestly access to the Father.
The overarching need for the church, which animates Westminster Seminary California is the Word of God.
Jesus' promise of his kingdom extending to the ends of the earth was a direct response to the disciples incorrect assumptions about the kingdom of God.
The Apostle Paul expands on the proper role of the Law in the life of the new covenant believer.
Jesus explains to the disciples their mission and the work of the Spirit, which empowers them to fulfill their calling.
An exploration of Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God in light of contemporary misunderstandings.
The Law and the Gospel are the two things humankind need in order to live well and die well.
When reflecting on the providence of God we are brought before his goodness and faithfulness to his children.
One of the key concerns in the Book of Galatians is that the Judaizers had mishandled the interpretation of the OT and this is of tremendous significance for the Apostle Paul.
When you are united to Christ, Christ lives in you and produces the holiness called for by the Law.
The Father’s promise to the redeemed includes the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit in His fullness.
In the Book of Galatians, Paul's life unavoidably intersects with the doctrine he espouses.
When we read the Scriptures as Jesus taught his disciples to read the Scriptures, we cannot miss the centrality of the Kingdom of God and all that it entails.
Before moving on to address correct doctrine, the Apostle Paul's own apostolic ministry is detailed as an essential part of his defense of the Gospel.
As Paul defends the Gospel that he preaches to the Galatian church he does not defend his own reputation nor give his personal testimony.
Luke goes to great lengths to show the objective reality of Christ's resurrection to his readers.
The Apostle Paul sternly warns the church about the dangers of apostasy as well as the divine condemnation that awaits those who would teach and lead others away from the faith.
Galatians is written to all who know and believe the Gospel of God’s grace, yet are more confident in what they have done for God instead of what God has done for them.
We need to hear Paul’s prayer for the Colossian church so that we might know how to pray amidst the spiritual warfare that is ever-present in the life of the Christian.
Paul teaches his readers to rejoice and find contentment in Christ, regardless of their current life situations.
An examination of the post-exilic restoration of the temple service, the office of high priest, and the vindication of sinners.
Resting in Christ does not lead to laziness or complacency, but instead energizes the believer to run for what is ahead.
The prophet Malachi addresses a distracted, impatient, and disappointed people who continue to wander away from the LORD and his promises.
Zechariah prophesies of a coming day when there will no longer be a distinction between the holy and the common.
Paul's own life is a testimony of the power of the Gospel in light of the ineffectualness of the Law to bring justification.
The Israelites were disappointed with the rebuilidng of the temple in light of the Solomonic temple's former glory.
Malachi displays the incredible love of the Lord for his people that will one day be revealed in full.
The tragedy of the exile was the separation of the people from their God which is overcome in the true temple Jesus Christ.
Zecheriah presents a vision of God's judgment and salvation that finds its ultimate fulfillment in both Christ's first and second advents.
The Apostle Paul encourages godly living through the example of Christ in the incarnation, yet never ceases to drive his readers to the finished work of Christ as the foundational reality.
The people of Israel are confronted with their covenantal failure and yet a future hope is held out for them to be fulfilled in Israel's Messiah.
The Apostle Paul shows the Philippians, by his own experience, how the greatness of Christ transforms our reactions and aspirations in the face of suffering for the gospel.
Jesus surprises and encourages his disciples with the proclamation that they and by extension we, are the light of the world.
The teaching of Jesus on the proper relationship of disciples to worldly possessions in light of the Kingdom of God.
The author of Hebrews emphasizes the radical transcendence of God speaking through His Son who shares all of the divine attributes.
A major problem the author of the Book of Hebrews addresses is a lack of Christian maturity.
The Apostle Paul's words to Timothy have an enduring significance for ministers in every generation.
An exhortation to not harden one's heart in light of various dangers that arise in the life of the Christian.
An analysis of the Reformed doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints in light of Hebrews 6.
Dr. W. Robert Godfrey is presented with a festschrift dedicated to him on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
How to cope with the disappointments and failures in pastoral ministry in light of Acts 18.
An Old Testament prophecy about the suffering that Christ would undergo on behalf of his elect.
Isaiah 53 is the hinge of the book of Isaiah and the most quoted section of scripture in the New Testament.
The Apostle Paul grounds his exhortation to the Thessalonian Christians for hard work in their union with Christ.
We must look beyond ourselves to Him who is faithful, knowing with confidence that his Word will spread in spite of us.
The Kingdom of God arrived in the person of Jesus freeing his people from the bondage of the powers of darkness.
In the midst of difficult circumstances, remember who you are in Christ and remain steadfast in Him.
Job presents an anticipation of the New Heavens and New Earth contrary to many exegetical proposals.
It is possible to work so hard at studying the Word that we miss the primary apostolic application of Scripture, that it is to work and have an affect in us.
Prominent themes of biblical revelation are joined to help us better understand our covenantal relationship with God.
God's name and character are written in creation while his essential being is ontologically transcendent.
The Lord is sovereign and holy and cannot be manipulated, thereby extinguishing a syncretistic approach to worship.
The Lord is the source of salvation and the only one mighty and faithful enough to meet our needs.
The Old Covenant language of blessings for Israel points us forward to the greater eschatological benefits of the New Covenant.
Peter's confession of Jesus' identity has enormous implications for Christian faith and practice.
The "righteous man" is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who, by the Holy Spirit, empowers and transforms his followers into his likeness.
The lavish grace that flows from Christ in and through us is what sustains and nourishes us even in moments of doubt and depression.
What is the meaning of life in light of the seemingly chaotic and random nature of the world as we know it.
Only Jesus himself can hold together a church that is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
Jesus requests the restoration of the full display of his eternal glory for the redeemed to behold forevermore.
Christian liberty has everything to do with love because it has a direct relation to both God and to man.
Our calling helps us to understand our identity because we are those who, because of the Gospel, are kept in fellowship with Christ.
In the term "mystery," Paul refers to wisdom, which is implicit in the Old Testament and revealed through the Spirit's work in the apostles.
Wisdom beckons us to control our insatiable desires and greed and to be content with what we have been given.
The apostles are left behind by Jesus with a mission that continues for the church in all generations.
The only way to understand and appreciate Ecclesiastes is to do so in light of Jesus Christ who was wisdom made manifest.
The Son has been given His Father's words to give to His people, who are to receive and keep these words.
An analysis of the relationship between wisdom and the nature of sin and what can be done about it.
The priesthood is like gospel ministry in that it was a gift God gave His people which revealed the heart and nature of God toward them.
Wisdom must be sought from God, our heavenly Father, especially in times of trial and temptation.
Jesus is praying for his own glory and for the sake of the Father's glory in giving eternal life to the redeemed.
Wisdom from God helps us to navigate the reality of His good gifts and warns us of the danger of using His gifts to excuse our sin.
Paul defends himself against the Romans who accuse him of misunderstanding law in the life of the New Covenant believer.
An analysis of how Christ's resurrection sheds light on one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament.
Your call to belong to Christ through the Spirit's gospel work is to be worked out in your callings of everyday life.
The acts of God in clothing Adam and Eve and their subsequent extirpation from the garden are chiefly merciful acts.
The Lord brings his people through times of crisis so that they might be reoriented to cast their life lines on God and God alone.
The act of Adam renaming his wife Eve is significant because it refers to something new in the redemptive purpose of God.
Because of the central concept of Christ crucified, our identity is drastically different than those found in our world.
Faith strengthens itself as it prepares to engage the life of the believer by rehearsing the acts of God.
The Church is not a natural community but an outpost of God's Kingdom in this present evil age.
The Lord responds to Adam and Eve's sin in justice and mercy, anticipating the cosmic battle between Messiah and Satan.
We are to follow Paul's example of being willing to forego our Christian liberty in order to gain followers of Jesus.
That his friends and his disciples rejected him reflects the utter and complete humiliation of the Son of God.
Through Christ's death and resurrection, the universal enemies of sin and death have been conquered apart from the Law.
Restoration and recovery can be attributed only to the intervention of God and only because he is the Lord God.
The Apostle Paul confronts the sexual sins of the Corinthians with the gospel - their identity as Christians.
Heed the seriousness of temptation in the Christian life and embrace the one who had victory over temptation.
In regards to meat sacrificed to idols, Paul is preeminently concerned with the motive of the heart.
The Book of Revelation is to be read first and foremost as a blessing for God's people.
The Ark of the Covenant in John's vision shows that Christ's atonement purchased communion with God.
Though our first parents embraced the distorted words of the serpent, God's Word comes with promises and freedom for his creatures.
There is today a great temptation in the church to dispense the christological foundation laid by the Apostle Paul.
Before addressing the theological issues brought by the Church of Corinth, Paul emphasizes the necessity of a life marked by love.
While "spirituality" is a loaded buzzword, for the Apostle Paul, to be spiritual meant to be full of the Holy Spirit and to walk in love.
God sets circumstances in each of our lives with the objective of conforming us to the likeness of Christ.
Christians are to live in the reality of being fundamentally united to Christ and with each other.
In the conversation about God's Word, Satan enlarged the prohibition, reduced the penalty, and distorted the divine intention.
The resurrection involves progression and change, but also continuity because it is the work of God the Creator.
The knowledge of good and evil with its positive and negative consequences is at the heart of human history.
The church as an outpost of the Kingdom of God does not act under the laws of strict justice but of mercy.
Christ is the only true source of satisfaction and fulfillment in our pilgrimage in the wilderness.
Though he knew it would be ruined and marred, God brought everything into being to display His grace and mercy.
The paradox of God's "wise foolishness" and "strong weakness" calls us to look deeply at our heart motivations in light of the gospel.
Pastoral ministry poses challenges in communicating theological concepts, discerning your call, and finding competency in Christ.
An exegetical analysis of the Apostle Paul's theology of the Lord's Supper and its implications for life in the covenant community.
Genesis 3 is of the utmost importance because it is foundational to the Bible and foundational to life.
The burial of Jesus has significance in and of itself as it displays the Father's approval of Jesus Christ and his work.
The flow of blood and water from Jesus' side further reveals our Lord's humanity, death, and efficacy of his propitiatory offering.
That Jesus' bones were not broken reveals the Father's regard for his Son, preventing further indignity.
Christians are called to enter into a spirit of hope in the Lord who fulfills his post-exilic purposes for his people in Christ.
Confronted with visible proof of the resurrection, Jesus promises blessing to those who receive Him by faith, not sight.
The life of Joash teaches us that receiving the finest theological training does not immunize you from apostasy.
By the illness and healing sovereignly brought upon Hezekiah, the Lord causes him to completely turn and trust in the Lord.
The earth shaking at the sight of the Son of God crucified reveals the universal and cosmological implications of the atonement.
The Father was silent as His Son died, but as soon as Jesus' lips fell silent the Father spoke by profound deeds.
Even in one of the darkest moments of redemptive history we see the Lord's preserving work.
The kings of Judah typologically point to the perfect king and fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, Jesus Christ.
Finding encouragement in the midst of the difficult task of living out our calling as Christians.
There is no greater matter that we know than that Jesus Christ appeared to take away sins yet in him there was no sin.
The final saying of Jesus on the cross indicates that communion was restored, having accomplished our salvation.
Israel's kings were bent on idolatrous rebellion instead of living in and enjoying the new paradise they've been given.
Jesus knew that the Old Testament Scripture was approaching final completeness when He exclaimed "It is finished."
A study of how the author to the Hebrews understood and utilized the Hebrew Scriptures in his proclamation of New Covenant realities.
The antithesis between the people of God and pagan culture is epitomized in the face-off between Elijah and Ahab.
God forsaken of God has everything to do with the amazing love and grace of God toward sinners.
King Solomon was a 2nd Adam figure given the task to build God's house and the possibility of merited prosperity and blessing.
Persevering through frequent times of little visible growth and success is necessary in Gospel ministry.
In raising the widow's child, Elijah displayed the Lord's power and foreshadowed the Greater Prophet Jesus.
When considering Christ's crucifixion we are to strive to avoid the two extremes of being too sentimental or too doctrinal.
God as Divine Warrior was hoped for during the period of exile, however he came with mercy on our behalf.
Seminary is preparation for the unique calling of helping people know God, His Kingdom and their role in His Kingdom and Church.
Through Naaman receiving healing from his leprosy we learn that God is sovereign in taking his people from bondage to blessing.
Jesus replies to the thief's requiest in abundant mercy and superlative blessing that the earth had not yet known.
In Old Testament Israel we see a foreshadowing, a type of the heavenly eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Even on the cross Jesus is in communion with his Father, revealing the profound and majestic inter-Trinitarian fellowship.
Zion is contrasted with the cities of this world because it is founded by God as the fortress and dwelling place of His people.
God in his mysterious providence uses the most unlikely means to accomplish his sovereign purpose.
The Apostle Paul utilizes Psalm 78 to encourage the church to be confident in their election in Christ and warn them of the temptation of taking the love of God for granted as Israel had done.
The importance of the Word of God is always to challenge our way of thinking so that our minds might be transformed.
Isaiah prophecies in proleptic form that the hope for both Jew and Gentile resides in God's saving intervention fulfilled in Christ.
The prayer answered by the LORD in Isaiah 26 helps us to better understand the perseverance of the saints and the preservation of the saints.
A devotion on the song that will be sung when the LORD intervenes to save his people on that great and terrible day.
We are to identify with Jesus in his humility, suffering, and lowering of himself for our sake.
In Mark 5 we see the extraordinary power of faith that comes through ordinary people like a blind beggar.
The telos of God's work will be good and just when everything that has been promised by the Father to his people through the merit of his Son and ministry of the Spirit will be completed and consummated.
The fulfillment of God's promise of the seed of the woman is anticipated in the prophecy of Isaiah.
Jesus comes as a king unlike any other king proclaiming a kingdom unlike any other kingdom.
In Isaiah's revelation of the Day of the Lord it is the glory of the Lord of Hosts that is revealed before all.
Isaiah presents for the reader a model response in light of the predicted final judgment.
The picture of the Lord's judgment is intended to evoke a response from the reader, especially in light of our knowledge of Jesus the Messiah and his imminent second coming.
The end of the world is presented as a cataclysm that is world engulfing where everyone will know that it is from the hand of the Lord.
Isaiah 24's vision of the end of the world is picked up and elaborated upon by the Apostle John in the Book of the Revelation.
The prophet Isaiah identifies two distinct cities with two distinct eschatological outcomes.
Because the Word of God is the life of the church, there is a need for competent and faithful ministers of that Word.
The sexual ethics of our culture is primarily a theological issue, for when God is replaced by a "New God" this makes nearly all things permissible.
Paul encourages the persecuted church by reminding them of the profound realities of their participation in Christ and his coming again in glory.
The Apostle Paul uses three rich metaphors to describe his own ministry that provide for us models as we think of ministry in our own context.
The Apostle Paul attempts to display before the Thessalonian church the value of his ministry.