From the elders

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Occasional writing on Bible study, the Christian life, our culture, and why we do church the way we do.

A Dore engraving of two figures at the mouth of a tomb

Latest · Encouragement

Don't Waste Your Faith. Put it Into Practice.

We talk ourselves out of what we know to be the truth about our situation, because it’s easier to just convince ourselves that we’re ok because we understand* certain things about God’s Word. We can explain the doctrine of salvation, we can draw charts about the end times, we can reference theological terms and formulas… We might even know God’s requirements and what He expects of us. But we’re deceiving ourselves if the Word of God isn’t actually transforming the way we think, the way we speak, the way we live, the way we respond to life’s trials and perplexities.

September 18, 2025 · Christopher Preston

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A red-chalk drawing of the apostles preaching

Culture

How to Handle the World's Hostility

1st Peter is a letter terribly pertinent to the context in which we find ourselves today. The apostle Peter writes to instruct believers on how to maintain hope and holiness in an increasingly hostile culture. Peter wrote his two epistles to Christians in the Roman provinces of Asia Minor who were facing rising hostility because of their faith in Christ—because their faith makes them different. They’ve been transferred to a new society, they no longer belong to the world, and the world recognizes that. They are experiencing an uncomfortable shift in social status. They face suspicion, distrust, social displacement. They’re being shamed by their neighbors and fellow countrymen; and Peter writes to encourage them that while they face dishonor and disgrace in the view of the world, their trust in Christ will result in their future vindication. Their faith and hope in Christ will not disappoint. Ultimately, “the honor is for you who believe” (1 Peter 2:7).

February 14, 2023 · Christopher Preston

Philosophy of Ministry

Statement on Religious Exemptions

Standing in the ancient Christian tradition, and committed to the doctrinal standards and supremacy of the Holy Scriptures, Fairview Bible Church affirms our religion’s principles of liberty of conscience, honoring and preserving human life from fertilization to natural death, as well as the sovereignty of individuals and families in medical and healthcare decision-making.

November 6, 2021 · Christopher Preston

Bible Study

Stop Blaming Satan for Your Sin

*In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter gives this appeal: “Loved ones, I urge you, as foreigners and sojourners, to abstain from fleshly desires which wage war against your soul.”*

October 22, 2021 · Christopher Preston

A Flemish painting of a village gathered outside a church

Culture

Honorable Conduct in a Dishonorable Culture

In 1 Peter 2:11, the apostle Peter gives his appeal to believers as foreigners and sojourners to abstain from fleshly lusts. 1 Peter 2:12 gives the positive component to Peter’s exhortation: Keeping your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that although they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

October 15, 2021 · Christopher Preston

A flock of sheep moving through a canyon at first light

Encouragement

How to Have Peace

Philippians 4:6–7 is an oft-misunderstood passage. It’s almost become cliché. It’s one of those portions of Scripture easily utilized as a bumper sticker, or seen on a coffee mug, or overlaid on a stock image of mountains or flowers in the local kitsch store. It’s numbered among those verses that have become so familiar as to be considered banal, tacky, trite. But Philippians 4:6–7 is a tremendously comforting passage when understood correctly.

August 31, 2021 · Christopher Preston