We’ve heard of persecution. When the general public disagrees with or even derides our views on various issues we may even think we experience persecution. Imagine, however, that God sends a prophet to you to tell you everything will be stripped away from you. The prophet tells you—on God’s authority!—that your people will be taken…

Recently I was asked whether a person can miss his or her “calling” from the Lord. The idea is that God has one specific will for your life—a calling—and if you miss it, you’ve messed up everything. If you follow Jesus, the simple answer is, “No.” Let’s dig a little deeper, however. The idea of…

Last Sunday we had our fifth and final excursus in our sermon series through 1–2 Timothy. We had a more focused study on just one verse. Paul wrote he endured everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ (2 Timothy 2:10). Paul often used the…

Yesterday, April 24, marked twelve years for New City Church! God saw fit to raise up a new church in northeast Grand Rapids, and we’ve seen him do incredible things in our midst. Over these twelve years I’ve come to understand my role as the church’s lead elder as one of helping people die well.…

A couple weeks ago I wrote an article about self-defense, seeking to answer the question whether Christians could defend themselves from violent, physical attack. This was in response to a question I received from a member of New City. I was expecting a follow-up question, but I was surprised when it came from the Council…