The Clash Vs. Anti-Institution Age
This essay is from Ricky Alcantar and the video linked HERE is a discussion of the topic. Trust in American institutions has cratered — from 48% in 1979 to 27% today — yet 1 Peter 2:13 calls Christians to submit to human institutions anyway. In this episode, we explore four counter-cultural postures for believers navigating […]
The Clash Vs. Emotionalism
This essay is from Ben Kreps and the video linked HERE is a discussion of the topic. Our current cultural moment insists that our subjective feelings of happiness should guide even the most significant spheres of life—marriage, work, and familial relationships, to name just a few. Building your life on the shifting sand of a […]
Local Church Playlist | September 2026
No one should sing more than Christians, for no one more than Christians has more to sing about. Spurgeon put it this way: “We don’t sing enough, my brethren. How often do I stir you up about the matter of prayer, but perhaps I might be just as earnest about the matter of praise. Do […]
Prayer for September
O God, again and again, you have made known your plan, not just to save isolated individuals but to gather a people for yourself. Though all the earth belongs to you, you have gathered a people, a nation, and now the church to be your treasured possession. You said to the people of Israel, “The […]
Resources We Love for Kids and Youth: Local Church
Christian Focus published a wonderful book called What is the Church? to help parents explain to their youngest children that the church is not a building – the church is the family of God who gather there to worship him. Too often our kids grow up thinking the bricks and mortar of our church building […]
Our Best Quotes on the Local Church
“As an expression of Christ’s universal church, the local church is the focal point of God’s plan to mature his people and save sinners. Therefore, all Christians are to join themselves as committed members to a specific local church. A true church is marked by the faithful preaching of the Word, the right administration of […]
The Clash Vs. Busyness
Busyness—not atheism or cultural hostility—may be the biggest threat to gospel proclamation today, since it’s always easier to do what feels urgent than what matters for eternity. Drawing on Ecclesiastes, Ephesians 5, and voices like Piper and Sproul, this episode makes the case for putting evangelism back at the top of our calendars. What if […]
Don’t Forget What the Gospel Can Do
Often when we are aiming to proclaim the gospel we are stuck in fear, or obligation, or discomfort. But it’s important to remember that when we proclaim the gospel powerful things happen. Jim highlights two motivations for gospel proclamation that help fuel our efforts. When We Proclaim, Churches Are Planted A big reason why we’re […]
Introducing The Ordinary Evangelist Podcast
Editorial note: We’re excited to launch a new video and audio podcast from Jim Donohue called “The Ordinary Evangelist.” This intro episode lays out why evangelism seems so hard, and what we can do about it. We’re still experimenting with this format and distribution, so send any feedback to us at ricky.alcantar [at] sovereigngrace.com. Why […]
The Clash Vs. Depression
In this special episode, Ricky and Ben explore the complex issue of depression from a biblical perspective, addressing how faith, Scripture, and community can provide hope and healing. They discuss practical ways to understand, confront, and find comfort in God’s promises during dark times.