These days, some of the most significant questions facing the church relate to gathering. Pastors and congregations are asking whether or not they should gather, how they should gather, whether or not they can gather, and what gathering itself even means. There are those, such as John MacArthur of Grace Community Church, who have decided …
One Year Later
Give or take a day, I created Brendan’s Bites and posted my first post “Vertical and Horizontal Morality” exactly one year ago today! My goal in doing this was originally to share short, bite-sized articles about faith. The idea was that it would not become a chore or academic exercise, but would focus on genuine …
God Bless America
On Independence Day, I’m reminded of the stories I heard growing up, the stories that I continue to hear, from my grandparents (3 out of 4 are immigrants) about their lives in other countries and what it meant to them to come to the United States. I think about the hardships they endured: world war …
Crucial Truths
A few thoughts.. Every human being is an image-bearer of God. We were all known by God before we were formed in our mothers’ wombs (Jeremiah 1:5). We were all “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:9). And Jesus Christ died for the sins of all who would follow Him. Further, every human life lost is …
Real Worship
I recently heard this quote from the church father Augustine. I think he makes an important point, especially in the section that I have bolded. “So I waver between the danger that lies in gratifying the senses and the benefits which, as I know from experience, can accrue from singing. Without committing myself to an …
God’s Sovereignty and The Virus
In my opinion, there is one reality above all others that can bring comfort and courage in the midst of a pandemic. It is the sovereignty of God: His control over creation. A closely related idea is God’s providence, which John Piper calls “[God’s] sovereignty in the service of [God’s] wise purposes” (desiringgod.org). It is …
What is (Not) the Gospel?
I’ve been thinking for a long time about what to post in light of the current Coronavirus situation. There’s much to say about God’s sovereignty, the hope of Heaven, joy in Christ, and countless other topics. I have something in mind (spoilers: check out Matthew 10:29). But for now, I wanted to address the most …
Everyone’s Favorite Verses
Some of the verses I see shared on social media the most often are those that deal with “feel good” promises from God. What I mean by that is verses like Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to …
Mr. Potato Head God
Recently I was listening to the Truth in Love podcast put on by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. This episode was titled “Remembering George Scipione: A Tribute.” George Scipione (1946-2020) was a noted biblical counselor, professor, and pastor. As part of the podcast, they played a section of one of his sermons. One of …
Praying with Psalms
One of the most impactful changes I have made in my prayer life is beginning with a Psalm of praise. In this post, I want to briefly look at why and how I have done that. I think the very first time I ever considered the idea of praising God in some form at the …
Brendan's Bites 