“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Word nerds everywhere are grateful to Inigo Montoya for this profound statement. People use words they don’t understand all the time. Simple words, even. Joy is one of those, I think. Christians speak, sing, and pray about joy. Good! But what […]
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God Is Always Good
In these difficult times, we wanted to share an article that we thought would be particularly encouraging (and challenging). This is Day 1 from our devotional Gospel Meditations for the Hurting by Chris Anderson and Joe Tyrpak. We pray that it will minister God’s grace to you today! Read Psalm 100. “For the Lord is […]
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Succinct, Stirring, Christ-Saturated Theology: “He Will Hold Me Fast”
Matt Merker’s “He Will Hold Me Fast” has quickly become a beloved hymn of Christ’s church. It’s so encouraging, so soothing, so hope-building. And because of Matt’s exceptional writing, it’s so Christ-filled. The first two stanzas of the song were written by Ada Habershon, a friend of Charles Spurgeon, D. L. Moody, Ira Sankey, and […]
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God Has Spoken
So far, Church Works Media has published over 50 hymns and songs. Some are more familiar, some less. One of my favorites is still kind of unknown: “God Has Spoken.” Scripture describes several ways in which God has revealed Himself to humanity. This hymn highlights 3 of them, noting the crescendo from general revelation to special […]
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Wise Men: Gentiles Who Sought the Savior
I love nativity scenes. My family has several, from a porcelain “Avon” series to a colorful “Cracker Barrel” collection, to an unbreakable “Little People” set made for little hands. None of it is fine art, but it wouldn’t feel quite like Christmas without it. At our house, we usually put the wise men across the […]
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Angels: God’s Faithful and Former Messengers
You could argue that everybody but Jesus is an “extra” in the Christmas story. The narrative of the incarnation has but one Hero. But that’s not to say that those with supporting roles were chosen at random. No, every detail of Christ’s coming was significant, from the lowly shepherds (“Nobody and Everybody,” as we considered […]
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The Shepherds: Nobody and Everybody
We give a lot of thought to “staging” in the modern world. Weddings are choreographed to look “just so.” Events like graduations are designed and rehearsed to be both beautiful and meaningful. Every “State of the Union” address features some individual with a symbolic story seated next to the President’s family. It’s expected, and nevertheless, […]
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Time Flies
We just introduced Gospel Meditations for Young Adults (available now to preorder). Here is a preview of Day 4 from Chris Anderson. Read Psalm 90. “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) I have vivid memories of high school and college. Talks, events, and even […]
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The Value of a Soul
Matthew 16:26 is sometimes obscured by the epic texts that surround it. Matthew 16 contains Peter’s proclamation that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God (v. 16). It contains Jesus’ promise to build His church and lay siege to hell (v. 18). It contains Jesus’ first prediction of His approaching passion (v. […]
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For the Sake of His Name
This week, Chris Anderson is traveling in Indonesia with two young families from the church he pastors who are praying, strategizing, and planning to move there. This excerpt from Gospel Mediations for Missions is a fitting thought for the occasion! “Why in the world do they do it?” I’ve often wondered what would motivate missionaries […]
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