Looking Around: Protecting the Unity of Christ's BodyScripture"So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another." (1 Corinthians 11:33, LSB)Communion Is Never PrivateOne of th...  Read More

From the Sheep Gate to the Savior: A Hidden Connection Between Nehemiah and Bethesda?A Gate Built for Sacrifice. A Pool Filled with Suffering. A Savior Who Gives Life.For nearly four decades, his life...  Read More

Looking Within: The Necessary Work of Self-ExaminationScripture"But a man must test himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup." (1 Corinthians 11:28, LSB)The Forgotten Di...  Read More

Looking Ahead: Living in Light of Christ's ReturnScripture"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, LSB)More Than...  Read More

Looking Back: Remembering the Cross at the Lord's TableScripture"For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was being betrayed took b...  Read More

What the Law Could Not DoHere's the Headline: God Did What Our Best Efforts Never CouldMany people view Christianity as a massive ladder of rules. We think if we can just climb high enough, do enough ...  Read More

Here's the Headline: The Power That Broke the ChainHave you ever felt completely trapped by your own bad habits? You promise yourself you will not get angry, or slip back into that old compromise, yet...  Read More

The Verdict of GraceHere's the Headline: No Condemnation: Breathing the Clean Air of Romans 8If you are like most Christians I know, your own heart is often your harshest accuser. You wake up with a v...  Read More

The Shout of VictoryText focus: Romans 7:24–25 (LSB)“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I...  Read More

The Columbo Tactic(original post found here)Using simple, leading questions is an almost effortless way to introduce spiritual topics to a conversation without seeming abrupt. At STR we call this the ...  Read More

The Delight of the Inner ManText focus: Romans 7:22–23 (LSB)“For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in my members, waging war against the law of my mind ...  Read More

The Law of Sinful GravityText focus: Romans 7:21"I find then the principle that in me evil is present-in me who wants to do good."This is the "corrupted" state of our current existence. Even when you ...  Read More