This Sunday we’re looking forward to our Children’s Christmas program. It’s a memorable and special part of our Advent celebrations here at The Moody Church. I’m always touched by the hard work and sincere hearts of our kids as they lead us in worship and remind us of what Christmas is all about. I was … [Read More…] December 22, 2024
On December 16th, 1924 a group of leaders gathered to lay a cornerstone for a new building between Clark and LaSalle streets in Chicago. That building would become known as The Moody Church. On Monday, it will be the 100 year anniversary of that historic day. Engraved on the cornerstone are these words: “Other … [Read More…] December 15, 2024
Winter came in with a blast this past week. The cold, hard days remind me of Christina Georgina Rossetti’s “In the Bleak Midwinter.” First published as a poem in 1872 and set to music as a hymn in 1906, Rossetti beautifully describes the inbreaking of God’s gracious hope in Jesus in a world so very … [Read More…] December 8, 2024
As we enter this season of Advent, we’re going to focus in on what theologians have called “The Threefold Office” of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King. In the Old Testament, these three offices were held by different individuals, each of whom was anointed for their role. The prophets spoke the Word of God to the … [Read More…] December 1, 2024
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
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
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
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
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
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
