November 24, 2024

  • November 21, 2024
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

As the years go by, I find that Thanksgiving brings an increased mingling of gladness and grief. There is so much grace present in our lives, and for this, our hearts rejoice with gratitude to the Giver of all good gifts. There are also the graces that have slipped through our fingers— joyous seasons and … [Read More…] November 24, 2024

November 17, 2024

  • November 15, 2024
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

I’ve been reflecting lately on how vital the Holy Spirit is to our understanding of the Scriptures. You know that every communication event involves an author, a text, and a reader. It turns out, God’s Holy Spirit is involved in all three. This makes the Scriptures unlike any other kind of communication, because of the … [Read More…] November 17, 2024

November 10, 2024

  • November 8, 2024
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

I’m writing this on Wednesday morning. The election results have just been announced. It seems wise to reflect on how we as Christians ought to respond in this moment. Three main thoughts come to mind:   First, if the candidate you voted for won, this is a good time to remember what Psalm 146:3 says, … [Read More…] November 10, 2024

November 3, 2024

  • November 1, 2024
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

In this week where we look back to Reformation Day and look ahead to Election Day, I thought it would be good to remind ourselves of the Reformation truths that ground us in the midst of a chaotic and divisive political climate. As you know, the Reformers centered their doctrinal insights around the five Solas, which … [Read More…] November 3, 2024

October 20, 2024

  • October 18, 2024
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • one response

The national election is right around the corner. In fact, early voting has already begun. Some folks have been asking me how we as Christians ought to vote. So, in the spirit of being helpful, here are ten ways we are to vote as Christians:   1. We vote as stewards who know the weighty … [Read More…] October 20, 2024

October 13, 2024

  • October 10, 2024
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • one response

I came across a little anecdote about our founder, D.L. Moody, in my doctoral research that I thought you’d appreciate. As you probably know, Moody was particularly disturbed by the disunity he saw in Christian churches and denominations in the mid-eighteen hundreds. He reached across dividing lines and built friendships with all kinds of people … [Read More…] October 13, 2024

October 06, 2024

  • October 4, 2024
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

As the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization came to an end last week, we celebrated the Lord’s Supper as a global church of over 5,000 delegates from 200+ countries. We held in our hands the symbols of our broken and beautiful Savior who gave Himself for us, the One who is our only hope … [Read More…] October 06, 2024

September 29, 2024

  • September 27, 2024
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • one response

This past week I’ve been in Seoul, South Korea for the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization. I’ve been learning about what God is doing around the world. I want to share with you a moment that deeply touched my heart Wednesday night as we gathered to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters. As … [Read More…] September 29, 2024

September 22, 2024

  • September 20, 2024
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

Would you pray for me this week? I’ll be joining the North American delegation for the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization which will be hosted in Seoul, South Korea. In 1974, Billy Graham and John Stott initiated the first gathering in Lausanne, Switzerland, responding in part to the failure of the “conciliar missions movement” … [Read More…] September 22, 2024

September 15, 2024

  • September 13, 2024
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

On Tuesday, I received the news that our dear George Sweeting went home to be with Jesus this morning. Pastor Sweeting served as Senior Pastor of The Moody Church from 1966–1971 when he then become the President of Moody Bible Institute. His deep love for God, passion for the Gospel, enthusiasm for the city, and … [Read More…] September 15, 2024