Fear and doubt are contagious. By God’s grace, so is faith. Today, R.C. Sproul prompts us to surround ourselves with those who will help bolster our trust in Christ.

It is unlikely that we will be delivered from the blemishes on our character until we confess our sin by name. Today, Sinclair Ferguson provides three essential principles for pursuing repentance and spiritual transformation.

of the traditional ways Calvinists had expressed the faith. Two of Edwards’ theological treatises illustrate his insights in explaining Reformed doctrine: The Great Christian Doctrine of Original Sin Defended (1758) and Freedom of the Will (1754). In Original Sin Defended, Edwards argued that universal depravity of the human heart comes from Adam’s sin, due to a “constituted oneness” of Adam with the entire human race. Out of this “constituted union of the branches and the root” came universal human moral depravity, and man is guilty as a consequence of union with Adam. In Freedom of the Will, Edwards distinguished between “natural ability” and “moral ability,” asserting that post-fall humanity retained all natural faculties (ability) to do God’s will but no longer had the moral ability because of innate moral depravity. Edwards’ unique exposition of these doctrines became the foundation of “New England Theology” identified with later Edwardsean theologians who advanced beyond their teacher into more extreme views. His son, Jonathan Edwards Jr., was among these theologians.

Edwards’ Personal Narrative described a deepening experience with Christ in his twenties and a delight in divine things. In 1746 he wrote his first major work, A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections, explaining the nature of genuine religious experience. The necessity of conversion was a root cause of a divisive controversy in his congregation. His grandfather, Stoddard, had allowed outwardly virtuous persons in the town to partake of the Lord’s Supper, viewing communion as a potential “converting ordinance.” Edwards ceased this practice, requiring a personal profession of faith prior to membership, baptism, and participation in communion. This change became so disruptive that Edwards was dismissed from his pastorate at Northampton in 1750. He continued to preach for the congregation until they found his replacement.

Eventually, Edwards moved his family to Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he pastored a congregation with ten English families and two hundred Mohican Native Americans. Edwards was an advocate for missions, encouraging “concerts of prayer” where God’s people gathered for prayer. He authored an influential American missionary biography, An Account of the Life of the Late Reverend David Brainerd. David Brainerd’s (1718–1746) short, difficult, but productive ministry among the Delaware Native Americans inspired numerous missionaries in the following generations. In his final year of life Jonathan Edwards became the third president of the new Presbyterian College of New Jersey (now Princeton) in 1758. He died within three months of accepting the post from a smallpox inoculation.

: See his treatise: *An humble attempt to promote explicit agreement and visible union of God's people in extraordinary prayer for the revival of religion and the advancement of Christ's Kingdom on earth *(1747).

If Adam did not need a mediator before the fall, will believers need one in glory? Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers Christ’s ongoing role as Mediator and why this question matters for our understanding of redemption and the Christian life.

on December 17, 2025.*

: Some illustrations are adapted from my forthcoming commentary on the Larger Catechism, published by Ligonier Ministries.

How much better would a Christian serve his nation if he spent less time complaining about society and more time pleading for it in prayer? Today, Sinclair Ferguson contrasts wasteful and fruitful ways of dealing with political concerns.

How did Methodism spread across the American frontier? Today, Stephen Nichols looks at the lives of circuit riders who carried Methodism westward.

It’s desirable to be people who are kind, welcoming, and friendly. But can we be trusted to keep a secret? Today, Sinclair Ferguson examines the virtue of faithfulness and the damage that an unguarded tongue can cause.

and patient Good Shepherd known as such to those whom He calls. But do we give ourselves wholly to the activity of prayer when we head into the heavenly throne room?

Finally, dependence on the Spirit is marked by a natural mode of expression that employs scriptural language and biblical confidence as we pray God’s Word back to Him, lay hold of His promises, and seek for a deepening communion with Him. The sweet hour of prayer is no time for ostentation or impressive soliloquys. The language of prayer is the soul’s simple conversation with God.

When we disagree with someone about the Bible’s teaching, we cannot simply shrug and say, “That’s your interpretation.” Today, R.C. Sproul reminds us that serving the God of truth involves a concern for understanding His Word correctly.

our online year-end event. You can download Fight the Good Fight: A devotional on Awakening for free. We hope it’s an encouragement to you. Feel free to share this resource with friends and family to encourage them as well.

Even as we pray and give thanks for you, in dependence on the Lord, please pray for His blessing as the Word goes forth through Ligonier. “Unless the  Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts. He instituted marriage not only for our blessing but also as a powerful reflection of Christ’s love for His church. Yet in a world stained by sin, happiness in marriage can feel elusive. In this book, Rebecca VanDoodewaard weaves together Scripture, theological truths, and stories of Christian couples from around the world. She illustrates the joy that comes from modeling marriage according to God’s design––joy that even the darkest trials cannot steal away. The real-life stories in this book address topics such as: Communicating in a cross-cultural marriage Handling marital conflict Navigating major life transitions Struggling with infertility Supporting a spouse in ministry Trusting God amid suffering Endorsements “This is a 'how to' book in the deepest sense. In A Happy Marriage, Rebecca winsomely deals with the foundational principles of this most basic of human institutions and their practical implications. The breadth of her historical and cultural context is unique. Her observations are profound.“ —Barbara Challies “A Happy Marriage: Covenant Joy in a Fallen World is a unique book on marriage. Through the honest reflections of a number of cou­ples, younger and older, and her own biblical/pastoral reflections on God's good gift of marriage to His creatures, Rebecca VanDoode­waard explores, often with an unsettling honesty, the joys, privileges, sorrows, and strains experienced by Christians in marriage. Just as the Bible never allows us to imagine that life in a fallen world will ever be without tears, Rebecca acknowledges this, but shows us that for Christians, marriage is a gracious gift from a God who longs to see His children experience 'covenant joy in a fallen world.' I recom­mend this book without any hesitation.“ —Dr. Ian Hamilton

are made clean. That is a cause for great celebration.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isa. 1:18)

Followers of Jesus seem to be at the mercy of earthly kings bent on destroying them. But each of these rulers will instantly fold at a single word from the mouth of Christ. Today, Barry Cooper invites us to take heart in knowing the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Christians ought to prize knowing God’s Word and obeying His precepts. But if our discipline doesn’t produce gentleness, we’ve gone dangerously askew. Today, Sinclair Ferguson addresses the problem of a loveless faith.

the cost of giving is disproportionate to any recognition or even relational benefit, it takes kindness to cheerfully act. Kindness is laying down our life for those around us (1 John 3:16), even―and perhaps especially―when they do not realize it. They might be oblivious that they benefit from our kindness. They might totally underestimate what the kindness cost us. Christians are comfortable with that, because any kindness we show is made possible and also dwarfed by the kindness that we have known from the Lord. Perhaps this is why, in Colossians 3:12, kindness comes between “compassionate hearts” and “humility.” Seeing the kindness of Calvary puts our own cost in perspective and even makes us cheerful givers as we realize that the Lord’s lovingkindness is full and free, and we want to be like Him in pouring out for others (John 7:38).

Kindness is also willing to meet needs that are not usually seen as needs: the need for encouragement, teaching, and occasionally correction or rebuke. This is a different kind of provision, but also one made sacrificially when it is done biblically. The teaching of kindness should be on our lips (Prov. 31:26). The wounds of a friend are faithful, and the tongue of the righteous only wounds to bring healing to others (Prov. 27:6; Prov. 12:18). The missionary Amy Carmichael observed, “If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief or shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”

Love is kind (1 Cor. 13:4). We are called to kindness. In this command, the Lord calls us to something much bigger than being nice. That calling in itself is a gift: It is made to those who already have the gift of the Spirit. And in His great kindness to us, in enabling us to be kind, God makes us more like His own beautiful Son.

If you want to have a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, pay attention to the titles that given to Him in Scripture. Today, R.C. Sproul marvels at the incomparable Christ.

Just as one stain can ruin our favorite outfit, a neglected blemish on a Christian’s character can spoil his witness. Today, Sinclair Ferguson reflects on a penetrating letter by John Newton, who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace.”

Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts.

He instituted marriage not only for our blessing but also as a powerful reflection of Christ’s love for His church. Yet in a world stained by sin, happiness in marriage can feel elusive.

In her new book, A Happy Marriage, Rebecca VanDoodewaard weaves together Scripture, theological truths, and stories of Christian couples from around the world. She illustrates the joy that comes from modeling marriage according to God’s design––joy that even the darkest trials cannot steal away.

Order your copy today.

Read real-life stories addressing topics such as: Handling marital conflict Navigating major life transitions Struggling with infertility Trusting God amid suffering And more

A Look Inside the Book “For the Christian, happiness in marriage is due to God’s design and His blessing on that design as two redeemed sinners seek to serve Him together.” —Rebecca VanDoodewaard

Read a sample and order your copy today.

The Gospel Is for Every Christian Marriage

This hardcover book and its accompanying digital study guide are valuable resources for church small groups, premarital and marriage counseling, or anyone looking to strengthen their marriage according to God’s design. Purchase copies today for you and your friends.

Ordering from Canada? Place your order through Reformed Book Services to receive the lowest shipping rate.

When we come to know Jesus Christ as Savior, we’re also coming to know the Creator of all that exists. Today, Sinclair Ferguson shows that becoming a Christian opens our eyes to view the world from a wholly new perspective.

It is only by God’s grace that we will be saved from the judgment we deserve. But we must ensure we have a correct understanding of what grace is. Today, R.C. Sproul warns of a potential danger in relying on God’s grace.

table.

Thirdly, Christ nourishes His people as He uses the supper to bind us more closely to one another in His church in contrast to the world. At the capstone of his argument concerning food issues, why we must give up rights to help fellow Christians, and why we must not partake in pagan rituals, Paul invoked the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 10:16–21: The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.

Paul returns to a theme that we already saw in Luke 24, namely that the Lord’s Supper brings us closer to Christ. The cup is “a participation” in His blood and the bread is also “a participation” in His body. Heidelberg Catechism 76 helps us make sense of this claim in asking, “What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink his poured-out blood?” In sum, It means to accept with a believing heart the entire suffering and death of Christ and in this way to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

In other words, the supper is an act of faith to receive Christ and His benefits.

Still, Paul’s point carries further to say that the one bread means that we are one body. We are joined to Christ and joined to one another at His table. Because of this fellowship, we cannot give ourselves to participate in that which is contrary to Christ. The Lord’s Supper is Christ’s gift to nourish His people. Let us come to His table ready to have less of the world and more of Christ.