The Reformers did not return to the sources because they believed the old was better than the new, nor because antiquity possesses authority simply by virtue of its age. They returned to the sources to recover the language and words that were actually written and spoken, especially those by great teachers and, most importantly, God Himself.
The certainty of faith is utter assurance because it depends upon nothing of your own. It is entirely trusting that God is a propitious, pardoning God—the God who justifies sinners by forgiving them.
Sinners get faith as a gift when Christ takes their captivity captive.

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James’ concern today is false doctrine. This week he is directing his gaze at the preachers who deliver a false gospel.
Let us move beyond the milk and onto solid food — the meat of biblical, creedal, confessional theology in our preaching.
The text gives beautiful imagery of the “waters of life” and how they will transform the dead and barren and bring new life.
To act according to a “theology of glory” that exalts in money and status at the cost of your brothers and sisters who are hurting or suffering in any way is to act in the opposite way of Christ.
Jesus does not remain at a distance from our suffering. He fully enters it and bears its burden.
Our enemy is both external AND internal. Outside of us AND inside of us. It is the old evil foe who prowls around us AND the old Adam who wreaks havoc inside each of us.
No soldier enters the battlefield without protection. So, Paul teaches us what it means to be clothed in the full armor of God, whose might is our strength.
These statutes are a description of what the child of God looks like—how they walk, talk, teach, live, and have their being!
Hypocrisy continues to rear its head as the formalistic worship and worshippers neglect their LORD and their neighbor.
Is this text about marriage or Jesus? The answer should be obvious by now: Yes!
No longer do we read about Jesus promising to satisfy and raise and abide in His people. Instead, we encounter a Jesus who goes on the attack.
The new life Christ opened for us in His justifying resurrection, the new life into which we were baptized is a life of faith.