PASTOR'S PEN

Then Yahweh saw that the evil of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5 If you ask most people today what they believe about humanity, you’ll often hear the same answer: “People are basically good.” We nod politely, we repeat it at funerals, we say it to children, and we cling to it because the alternative feels too dark to face. If you inquire about people's true nature, you’ll receive a confident

Then Yahweh God took the man and set him in the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. Genesis 2:15 Did you know that God created man to work? Long before thorns appeared, sweat dripped into eyes, or the word 'burden' was used—work existed. In Eden's peaceful beauty, God put Adam in the garden, not for relaxation, but to serve. The Reformers regarded this as essential to understanding our purpose: work is not a punishment but a gift. John Calvin observed that God intenti

Then Yahweh said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” Genesis 4:9 This question is only the second time God asks a “where” question since creation. The first was after Adam’s sin: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). Both questions come after sin and are not asked because God is unaware. The Lord knows everything. These questions serve a moral and spiritual purpose, aimed at confronting the sinner and encouraging repentance before judgment. In Genesis 3, God’s question reveals t

Yahweh God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?” Genesis 3:9 Genesis 3:9 marks a crucial moment in Scripture. After Adam and Eve disobey God by eating from the forbidden tree and conceal themselves in fear and shame, God asks a simple yet meaningful question: “Where are you?” Though it may seem redundant since God is omniscient and knows exactly where they are, in biblical and Reformed theology, this question carries profound spiritual meaning. First, consider a

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. Gen 2:24 From the outset, God established marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman. The command to leave and cleave holds both relational and spiritual importance. Leaving does not mean rejecting or abandoning your biological family; rather, it means acknowledging that your primary loyalty now belongs to your spouse. By doing so, you create a new, God-focuse

And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Gen 1: 27 What does it mean that we are made in the image of God? Being made in God's image (imago Dei) refers to reflecting His spiritual and moral qualities, not just His physical form. Humans are endowed with reasoning, moral discernment, the ability to exercise judgment, and to build meaningful relationships. We can worship God, show justice, and strive for holiness.

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Genesis 3:19 Everyone born of women will return to dust unless the Lord returns. On July 14, 2025, Dr.  John MacArthur left this world behind to be with our Lord forever. There has been no other man that I have met who has had a greater impact on my life than Dr. John MacArthur. Many of us have been blessed by his faithful

Then God said to him in the dream, "Indeed, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also held you back from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her . Genesis 20:6 In Genesis 20, Abraham moves his household from the region around Mamre south toward the border of the land of Canaan. Scripture does not tell us the reason for this move. He settles his people in Gerar, between Kadesh and Shur. Gerar was south of Gaza, near the coast o

Enoch walked with God; Genesis 5:21b Three men are recorded to have walked with God: Enoch, Noah, and Moses. What does it mean to have walked with God? When Cathy and I were in our thirties and had all five Children under ten, we didn't have much free time or money. But, we made one thing a priority in our lives. We walked together almost every day. We would walk up and down the road between two cul-de-sacs. The kids would ride their bikes or play in the front yard. When we w