Coram Deo

By: Aaron Downs Apr 25, 2025

When Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you” (Matt 11:29), he utilized a metaphor that resonated with his first-century audience, but one that might puzzle contemporary readers.

By: Aaron Downs Apr 2, 2025

For Christians, confession is not about shame—it's about healing, restoration, and drawing closer to God.

By: Aaron Downs Mar 16, 2025

We finished our sermon series in Romans. Here is an overview and a list of resources for future study.

By: Aaron Downs Mar 13, 2025

Haykin demonstrates that British Baptists treasured the Eucharist as both memorial and sacrament, considering it the means of grace that draws believers closest to Christ.

By: Aaron Downs Mar 4, 2025

Ash Wednesday and Lent remind us of our mortality and the hope of reconciliation through Jesus, encouraging a somber and reflective disposition that leads to renewal and the celebration of the resurrection.

By: Aaron Downs Jul 31, 2024

Christians on the Left and the Right use Scripture and prayer during presidential campaigns. So let's ask, "Lord, teach us to pray for our presidential candidates."

By: Aaron Downs Jul 12, 2024

To cultivate the habitus required as a logical and reasonable response to God’s mercy (Rom 12:1-2), we must carefully consider our habits and we must root ourselves within the ecclesial habitat.

By: Aaron Downs May 8, 2024

To help us grow in our theology and practice of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, I want to recommend St. Basil the Great's On the Holy Spirit.

By: Aaron Downs Apr 10, 2024

Comer argues that discipleship, or apprenticeship to Jesus, involves three main goals: be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do as he did.

By: Richard Dahl Nov 28, 2023

Let’s encourage one another, and especially our visitors, by initiating a greeting and by listening well.

By: Aaron Downs Nov 22, 2023

Luke's Gospel provides insight into a truly Christian approach to gratitude.

By: Mel Hennegan Jul 25, 2023

In Christ’s death, we die to our old identity. We are no longer slaves to sin. We are free from any obligation, addiction, and necessity to sin because sin has no reign on us.

By: Josh Huber May 30, 2023

Instead of abandoning us to eternal death and destruction, God, in His mercy and grace, devised a rescue plan for humanity. At precisely the right time, God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die for the ungodly.

By: Jenny Aldridge May 22, 2023

The persecutions, losses, physical pains, and tragedies we face, help us to spiritually grow so we can better serve God and provide an empathetic sense of direction for others as we follow the path God has set before us.

By: Swati Harmon Apr 7, 2023

This resurrection week, look not to fleeting joys but to be joined to the one who fully satisfies, whose perfect kingdom will have no end and be full of immeasurable riches of grace.

By: Tim Havlik Mar 29, 2023

Neither Jews under the Law of God, nor Gentiles, who see the good character of God in creation, have succeeded in obtaining righteousness because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (3:23).

By: Aaron Downs Mar 11, 2023

The PDF Discussion Guide for the Marriage Seminar is available in this post.

By: Tim Havlik Feb 21, 2023

Our Creator does not uncover our wickedness to cruelly shame us, but to give us the truth--there is no hope that we can ever redeem ourselves.

By: Swati Harmon Feb 18, 2023

God’s desire for us is to live full lives, for our hearts and our minds to be so saturated by God’s word, that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may love God fully.

By: Kristen Mulnix Feb 4, 2023

A person who lives to point out or even revel in the failures of others condemns only himself.

By: Aaron Downs Jan 27, 2023

In the end, professional sports fandom has a lot to do with finding some level of identity and value in connection with the success of a sports team.

By: Jenny Aldridge Jan 25, 2023

We can see idolatries visible in our current society, when God the Creator is replaced by idols of those things that have been created.

By: Aaron Downs Jan 9, 2023

Paul’s focus seems to be less on the act of sharing the gospel but on the identity of the recipients of the gospel.

By: Aaron Downs Dec 25, 2022

On this Christmas Day we celebrate the birth of our King Jesus, the Light of the World, the Defeater of the Dragon.

By: Aaron Downs Dec 20, 2022

God’s prophet (John) would call people to turn from their sins so that they could embrace God’s Son (Jesus), the giver of salvation.

By: Tim Havlik Dec 14, 2022

Our sleeping brothers and sisters are not lost to history, but will return when our King comes again to reign.

By: Mel Hennegan Dec 11, 2022

God takes his Son and places him in authority over all rulers and authorities on earth and in heavenly places.

By: Aaron Downs Dec 11, 2022

We are called to adopt Mary’s humility and faith as we answer the call to bear Christ to the world.

By: Aaron Downs Dec 5, 2022

Embrace the Holy Scriptures. Hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them because they nourish within us grace, patience, and comfort as we anticipate our Lord’s return.

By: Aaron Downs Nov 28, 2022

Beginning Sunday and continuing into the next four weeks, Christians across the world celebrate the season referred to as Advent.

By: Aaron Downs Oct 31, 2022

James’s short but incisive letter teaches what it means to walk in the way of wisdom that issues forth in authentic Christianity.

By: Aaron Downs Oct 21, 2022

Ignoring sin makes us less conscious of it, and when we become less conscious of sin, we become less conscious of grace.

By: Aaron Downs Oct 2, 2022

The elders believe it is not only permissible but also desirable for both men and women to participate in the public prayers and Scripture reading in our corporate worship services.

By: Swati Harmon Aug 19, 2022

Truly there is no other way to be justified before God outside of Christ’s righteousness imputed upon us through faith.

By: Aaron Downs Aug 13, 2022

Open membership advocates make strong, credible arguments for their views. These arguments deserve careful and charitable engagement, even as they may prove to be unconvincing in the final analysis.

By: Tim Havlik Aug 10, 2022

We are dependent on God’s undeserved favor to us and the peace that only Christ brings to us in this troubled world.

By: AJ Mulnix Jul 27, 2022

Because Jesus was faithful to the end, we can look to him and be confident that he is interceding for us now as we strive to walk in his example.

By: Josh Huber Jul 2, 2022

In pointing out Jesus’ deity Paul sets us up to place our full hope in Christ for reconciliation. For it will be through this God-man that all things in heaven and earth will one day be reconciled as a result of Christ’s finished work on the cross.

By: Kristen Mulnix Jul 2, 2022

Salvation came at a cost. Remembering the story of Abraham and Isaac reminds us of that cost. We see that “God was willing to sacrifice for you what was most precious to Him.”

By: Aaron Downs Jun 29, 2022

Jesus and the biblical authors did not avoid speaking about sin, but they also did not speak only about sin. They brought an appropriate emphasis into the contexts in which they spoke. Similarly, we should carefully consider which emphasis is required when we talk to children (or anyone) about sin and the love of God.

By: Aaron Downs Jun 8, 2022

Central to our gospel hope is the reality of Jesus’s past resurrection and our future resurrection.

By: Aaron Downs Jun 1, 2022

James writes in ancient Israel’s prophetic and wisdom traditions, bearing a remarkable resemblance to Jesus’s teachings. Although James addresses his letter to ethnic Jews, there are good reasons for every follower of Jesus to receive this letter as authoritative and instructive.

By: Jenny Aldridge Jun 1, 2022

Because Jesus humbled himself and horrifically died on the cross as a ransom for our sins, he is the only mediator we have to go before God.

By: Kristen Mulnix Feb 2, 2022

When we look around at the created world, we should respond with a sense of awe and worship the good Creator.

By: Tim Havlik Jan 20, 2022

When Christ comes again, our maturity will be complete. Then we will all dwell in eternally perfect grace, love, and fellowship with our God. There is no greater blessing than this!

By: AJ Mulnix Jan 12, 2022

When Jesus took on the form of man, we were able to see what was only shadowy in Psalm 86. Jesus was God's grace and mercy in the flesh.

By: AJ Mulnix Dec 22, 2021

Angels proclaimed the first coming of Jesus to the shepherds on the hillside. One day they will proclaim His second coming. At that time, the whole universe will hear it.

By: AJ Mulnix Dec 12, 2021

As sickness, disease, and old age pervades our world we have this promise–hope of Jesus’ return in his humanity to perfect our humanity.

By: AJ Mulnix Dec 8, 2021

It is easy to just go through the motions of the Christian life. Many times we have Pharisaical hearts. We need to remember the wonders that God has done to shock us out of our unthinking worship habits.

By: AJ Mulnix Dec 5, 2021

During this advent season we remember the “great joy” through the joy of participating in Christmas traditions like putting up Christmas trees and giving gifts.

By: AJ Mulnix Nov 28, 2021

At its core, advent is a season of waiting. We remember and celebrate the thousands of years that God’s people waited for the promised Messiah to come. Each year during Advent we remember the people of God who waited centuries for the coming of the promised Messiah to rescue them.

By: Kristen Mulnix Nov 19, 2021

For those who have repented and trusted in Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, this future judgment is cause for rejoicing!

By: Swati Harmon Nov 12, 2021

Like the Israelites, we must also meditate on God’s word and keep it, work out our salvation with fear and trembling, and be a witness to this present generation that is hostile to God.

By: AJ Mulnix Nov 6, 2021

It is not often pleasant to experience correction or rebuke from others, but it is what we should invite into our lives.

By: Tim Havlik Oct 26, 2021

According to Jesus, consuming love for God is the most important command to observe, and similarly, deep care for others is vital.

By: Brian Cameron Oct 21, 2021

As we seek to stand firm in the faith, we must remember that Christ has already secured the victory.

By: Kristen Mulnix Oct 7, 2021

A heart rooted in love for Christ acts in loving-kindness toward his neighbors, family, friends, and enemies.

By: AJ Mulnix Sep 29, 2021

God will be faithful amid temptation and testing in your life.

By: Swati Harmon Sep 21, 2021

God, in his sovereign wisdom, has ordained all things, and yet he is inviting us to participate in his plans through prayer.

By: Aaron Downs Sep 14, 2021

Christian confession brings with it all the power of exposing darkness to light, but it does so in a way that does not destroy the confessor. Instead, it heals and restores.

By: Kristen Mulnix Sep 10, 2021

There is no sin too consuming, bad, or binding that cannot be overcome by Jesus’ blood.

By: Jenny Aldridge Sep 1, 2021

Our deepest wish is that we do not offend God. He is our greatest joy and he gave his Son to pay for our sin.

By: Brian Cameron Aug 26, 2021

It’s not enough to occasionally skim the Scriptures as we might do with the news headlines. We must go deep within its pages.

By: Tim Havlik Aug 10, 2021

When we pray, God acts on our behalf.

By: Josh Huber Aug 5, 2021

The true path to a fulfilling life is to see the infinite beauty and glories of God’s word and then to embody them.

By: Aaron Downs Jul 29, 2021

Our thankfulness to God is not determined by the age in which we live but by the future hope of Christ’s return and the present faithfulness of God.

By: Aaron Downs Jul 15, 2021

In Christian homes, there should be a hospitable welcome to share in the death-mitigating bread of the common meal that echoes the welcome from Jesus, the death-defeating Bread of Life. As Christ welcomed us to his Table, we welcome others to ours.

By: Swati Harmon Jul 13, 2021

"May we not shrink back in our call, and may we make disciples as we go."

By: AJ Mulnix Jul 3, 2021

The hope of resurrection should lead to perseverance and an orientation to labor for the Lord in this world.

By: Aaron Downs Jun 23, 2021

At Resurrection Church, starting June 27, we will begin weekly participation of the Lord’s Supper in keeping with the New Testament witness that is fortified by the practice of the global Church throughout history.

By: Brian Cameron Jun 23, 2021

e each have a personal responsibility to God to live out the scriptures.

By: Kristen Mulnix Jun 15, 2021

"We can trust that God can and will bring us through difficult circumstances and make us more like him."

By: Josh Huber Jun 2, 2021

"We take ultimate delight in Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus, through his life, death, and resurrection has beat and conquered all opposing forces."

By: Tim Havlik May 27, 2021

As we live by the Spirit, God renews us in our hearts where he has planted eternal life.

By: Brian Cameron May 13, 2021

We have hope in God's faithful love and mercy.

By: Aaron Downs May 11, 2021

Holy Spirit or Human Spirit in Ephesians 1:17? Which is it?

By: Aaron Downs May 4, 2021

Whenever God’s declaration of judgment is delayed, it is because there is an extended opportunity for the salvation of the damned.

By: Ruth Cameron Apr 30, 2021

Whatever uncertainty we are facing, Jesus is the same.

By: Jenny Aldridge Apr 23, 2021

"Too often in our everyday lives, we get focused on the immediate small details of what goes wrong, what isn't right, and miss the big picture over the long haul."

By: Tim Havlik Apr 13, 2021

"God can help me overcome the struggles that I face so often in this sin-stained existence."

By: Jenny Aldridge Mar 31, 2021

"Our union with Christ through faith and baptism shifts our center from ourselves to him and the great sacrifice he made for us."

By: Brian Cameron Mar 27, 2021

"Direct access to God is only possible by way of Jesus Christ, who is truth himself, and the giver and sustainer of eternal life."

By: Aaron Downs Mar 16, 2021

"It is impossible to abide in Christ if we leave him standing on the doorstep. We need ears to hear the knocking on the door."

By: Aaron Downs Mar 16, 2021

Stewards of Eden provides a careful assessment of the biblical texts, current practices, and potential paths toward a more conscientious and biblical approach to the earth and its resources.

By: Kate Downs Mar 10, 2021

"At the end of our physical limits, God’s strength and understanding are just beginning."

By: Tim Havlik Mar 4, 2021

"No amount of suffering or persecution can separate us from the love and grace of our God."

By: Ruth Cameron Feb 25, 2021

"As weary burdened people, we can come to Jesus, soak in his words and rest in him."

By: Aaron Downs Feb 17, 2021

Why, if there is any reason at all, should Baptists take interest in Lent? And if they do, are they stepping onto the slippery slope of legalism that will inevitably end in Roman Catholicism?

By: Aaron Downs Feb 16, 2021

There is nothing magical about the benedictions at the end of our services, but there is something powerful about an appeal to our covenant God to bless and keep us.

By: Brian Cameron Feb 12, 2021

Christ’s command is simple to understand, but, as with all Scripture, it takes work to apply it consistently to our lives.

By: Josh Huber Feb 3, 2021

We make Jesus’ presence on earth felt and known as the watching world sees Christ’s church building itself up in love.

By: Josh Huber Dec 19, 2020

Immanuel, God with Us.

By: Tim Havlik Dec 2, 2020

Parents must spend time to love, know, and shape each of their children so that they can discipline their children with wisdom.

By: Josh Huber Oct 21, 2020

This liberating truth overflows David with joy as he proclaims the beauty and glory of God’s forgiveness.

By: Brian Cameron Oct 15, 2020

We should continually give thanks to God for the work of Christ on the cross to save us from our sins and establish an eternal relationship with God.

By: Josh Huber Sep 16, 2020

For those who belong to God, there is the precious promise that death will be swallowed up, shame will be removed, and tears will be wiped away.

By: Brian Cameron Sep 8, 2020

As each of these trials test our faith, they also build endurance in our lives as we cling to our faith and hope in God even more.

By: Aaron Downs Sep 4, 2020

Just as the tree of life will provide healing for the nations, so too can a wisely worded sentence bring healing to those who hear it.

By: Tim Havlik Aug 27, 2020

There should be no shame in the heart of a Christian to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

By: Josh Huber Aug 19, 2020

There is a day coming when we will meet the treasure of our souls, Jesus Christ.

By: Brian Cameron Aug 10, 2020

While our words of love have meaning, our actions speak volumes. Let us be a people of action as we love one another.

By: Aaron Downs Aug 3, 2020

There is, therefore, no virtue in placing hope in the promises of the Christian faith or in abiding by the Christian ethic if Christianity is not true.

By: Tim Havlik Jul 28, 2020

Whether or not a church member is appointed as a deacon, every believer is called to serve.

By: Aaron Downs Jul 22, 2020

What we must know is how to navigate the situations before us in a way that will foster life in Christ and love for one another.

By: Josh Huber Jul 22, 2020

Because of Christ’s shepherding care we, like David, can be confident that God will faithfully love and pursue us all our days.

By: Aaron Downs Jul 15, 2020

The significance of the psalm is that Yahweh is the shepherd

By: Aaron Downs Jul 7, 2020

This important book has encouraged the persecuted and downtrodden for centuries and can do the same for us.

By: Tim Havlik Jun 23, 2020

What does God require? Justice, kindness, and humility.

By: Aaron Downs Jun 16, 2020

I’m thankful for such a helpful book that will, I hope, facilitate meaningful conversation about whatever pressing issue is before us.

By: Brian Cameron Jun 16, 2020

The Israelites were called to obey and serve God faithfully with their whole hearts. This is our calling too.

By: Aaron Downs Jun 12, 2020

In an internet age, bad thinking can be perpetuated by liking, sharing, or commenting on posts with logical fallacies.

By: Aaron Downs Jun 9, 2020

We must learn to find our security and our joy in God alone.

By: Josh Huber Jun 5, 2020

We have a Savior who will one day make all wrong things right.

By: Aaron Downs May 28, 2020

The death of George Floyd and the events surrounding it are tragic because they all efface the image of God. What does that mean?

By: Brian Cameron May 12, 2020

Submission to God through Jesus Christ is true freedom.

By: Aaron Downs May 10, 2020

Motherhood is a gift from God. Mothers bring life into the world, mitigating the curse of death resulting from sin.

By: Josh Huber May 8, 2020

The same God who saves will surely lead and sustain us until we reach our eternal dwelling.

By: Aaron Downs May 2, 2020

Are Christians disobeying God by staying home from church?

By: Tim Havlik Apr 8, 2020

It is the resurrection of Christ and the good news of the gospel that we celebrate every Sunday.

By: Josh Huber Mar 31, 2020

God, being rich in mercy and grace, made a way for salvation.

By: Brian Cameron Mar 25, 2020

We can rest assured that in God’s divine providence, evil will be overcome, and His goodness will shine forth.

By: Aaron Downs Mar 14, 2020

"It is by God’s grace that a congregation is permitted to gather visibly around God’s word and sacrament in this world. Not all Christians partake of this grace."

By: Aaron Downs Mar 10, 2020

God always remains faithful and true to His promises

By: Aaron Downs Mar 5, 2020

Jesus began the fulfillment of the messianic mission prophesied about in the Hebrew Bible. He invites us to join in that mission as we await his return.

By: Josh Huber Feb 28, 2020

If we are to find true delight in God as we should we must treasure the word of God above all and seek to obey God who gives commandments for our good and His glory.

By: Aaron Downs Feb 18, 2020

God reveals through the gospel and creation that he is powerful and that he deserves to be worshipped.

By: Aaron Downs Feb 1, 2020

In this book, Tom Schreiner provides a primer on spiritual gifts.

By: The Gospel Coalition Jan 30, 2020

Personality Tests Don't Excuse Your Sin is a helpful article available on The Gospel Coalition website.

By: Aaron Downs Dec 17, 2019

Partnering with other local churches in these (and other) ways requires sacrifice, humility, and creativity.

By: Aaron Downs Dec 17, 2019

Responding to the unchurching of America by unchurching the church simply isn't viable.

By: Josh Huber Nov 24, 2019

Change can be beautiful, difficult, and confusing all at the same time.

By: Aaron Downs Nov 10, 2019

Nobody—not even Christians—perfectly exercise self-control. That is why Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible & Brain Science is so helpful.