Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5 (ESV) Since its publication in 1946, Dr. Benjamin Spock’s (1903-1998) book Baby and Child Care has sold millions of copies, and its views, which were controversial initially, are now part of mainstream thinking on parenting. He argued that children are naturally …
Today, we are pulled in many different directions on what it means to be human. On one hand, a radical constructivism rules: I choose and build my identity, and for you to use any category to describe me that I have not chosen is an offense and affront. From this perspective, there really is not …
Editor’s note: This post is part of a series featuring outstanding excerpts from student papers at the BibleMesh Institute, which offers affordable online training for local churches, schools, and ministries. The author’s name has been withheld for privacy and security purposes. She is preparing to serve as a missionary overseas. The Gospel is the central …
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6:3 (ESV) After 40 U.S. billionaires pledged to donate at least half of their fortunes to charity,[1] a news headline announced: “New status symbol for wealthy: Giving money away.”[2] According to one expert on charitable giving, “It …
A key feature of the Gospel of Matthew is the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7), which is a collection of Jesus’ most famous teachings, including the Beatitudes (5:3–12) and the Lord’s Prayer (6:9–13). In these chapters, Jesus is presented as a new Moses, who ascends the mountain and teaches his followers how they ought …
Previously, I have written about Tim Keller’s insight that all true love is sacrificial love. For love to truly make a difference in the lives of others, it must be substitutionary love. In other words, it requires us to stand in for others, to take hits for them, to help carry their burdens—to be, in some …