Perhaps no theologian worked harder than Augustine to help his fellow believers grasp the truth that we live as pilgrims in this world “for here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city to come.” Reflecting on Augustine’s tome The City of God this summer recalibrated my own sense of viewing this life […]
A few weeks ago, I preached my first sermon as the Lead Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Waverly, Iowa. It was such a joy to open the word together with this particular expression of Christ’s body. We looked at John Chapter 3, the scene where John and Jesus and their disciples are baptizing in […]
The summer between school years is the season during which we annually appeal to you to consider a contribution to support the extraordinary financial needs of international seminary students at Bethlehem College & Seminary. The Alex Steddom International Student Fund aspires to be a means of God-stirred generosity that permits four students from elsewhere in […]
On July 19, 2017, I had a heart attack. One year, three procedures, and massive diet and exercise changes later, the beatings continue, so to speak. The Lord counts my days and knows my steps. An unexpected side effect of changing my diet is a new-found enjoyment of baking bread. I went overboard a bit […]
My family just returned home to Minneapolis after spending a sabbatical for the first six months of 2018 in Cambridge, England. I would like to say thank you to five groups of people. To the Bethlehem College & Seminary Board and President’s Council. Thank you for including sabbaticals in your vision for our school. I […]
In just a few days, most of us will be celebrating our nation’s independence. Although most people do observe Independence Day in some fashion, I think fewer and fewer of them understand just what it is they’re celebrating. It’s a day marked by picnics, play, and fireworks. But what it commemorates, of course, is our […]
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our […]
One of the most precious promises that Jesus offers us is this: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20). With us. If this is true, then we are never alone—ever. When prosperity covers us, Jesus is with us. When hardships surround us, Jesus is still with us. When David […]
Summer. It’s a time for vacations, recreation, relaxation, and refreshment for body and soul. It’s also a time for projects, outdoor activities of all kinds, more time for meeting with neighbors and friends, and for youth camps and Bible school. It’s a time where almost all of us at least have a change of pace […]
“Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by Thy help I’ve come.” This line from the well-known hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” offers a fitting response to the eighth annual graduation service of Bethlehem College & Seminary. We typically link “Ebenezer” to surly old Scrooge in The Christmas Carol, but the hymn writer draws […]