John’s the Baptist is jarring to our contemporary/domesticated view of Christmas. But this is something we must sit with as we ourselves prepare the way in our hearts for Advent.

The Peaceable Kingdom (cf. Isaiah 11:1-9) comes under the reign and rule of Jesus. Why, then, does it seem that this Peaceable Kingdom is nowhere to be found?

1 Peter 2:18-25 is a tough text for a myriad of reasons. Chief of them, however, is that it seems to teach us that as Christians, suffering is not only inevitable, it seems to be necessary.

1 Peter 2:18-25 is a tough text for a myriad of reasons. Chief of them, however, is that it seems to teach us that as Christians, suffering is not only inevitable, it seems to be necessary.

We submit to authority to serve as a witness to the very reality of our new birth and status as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and as God’s special possession.

The church exists to set up in the world a new sign which is radically dissimilar to the world’s own manner and which contradicts it in a way that is full of promise.

When we embrace who God is, what he has done, and who we are, we can truly live into our identity as his people who have received his mercy.

Once we have tasted the goodness of Christ and his gospel we can boldly and confidently work alongside Jesus as ‘royal priests.’

Once we have tasted the goodness of Christ and his gospel, we will long for more, and is this longing that fuels our continued growth.