Parents Pay Attention: Modesty, Self-Control & Entertainment
Our culture’s constant portrayal of adultery as something normal can easily take root in us
“People critical of discussions on modesty often ask the following question: “Why is the responsibility for keeping the 7th commandment always the girls’?” They make a very good point. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount the assumption is that you do not have to look lustfully. It is a choice, and a sinful one at that.... Continue Reading
Ex-Gay Therapist Responds to SBC’s “Reparative Therapy” Stance
Unfortunately, the voices not heard in this sudden revival of debate are those within the ex-gay community, many of whom have used therapy for wise counsel, accountability and healing
“By now you’ve likely heard RNS News report that Dr. Russell Moore has supposedly “denounced reparative therapy” for same-sex attracted individuals who wish to change their sexual attractions and join the ex-gay community. But if you read all of Moore’s statements, you cannot find him downright rejecting sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE).” Did you... Continue Reading
The Beauty of the Cross: 19 Objections And Answers On Penal Substitutionary Atonement
Speaking of Jesus’ death as the saving center of history provokes a quizzical response in the pews and the marketplace
“Now, I happen to be convinced on the basis of Scripture that some form of penal substitution is at the heart of Jesus’ saving work on the cross. I thought it might be helpful, then, to have some sort of post dedicated to listing and answering most of the standard objections against the doctrine, as... Continue Reading
7 Lessons Pastors Can Learn from the Mark Driscoll-Mars Hill Fallout
Whenever a pastor falls, especially one who is famous (or infamous), it affords the church in general and pastors specifically an opportunity to do some serious reflection.
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1). Being a pastor is not a right. It is a rather terrifying responsibility. Take time every day to reflect upon the fact that you will be judged by Jesus for how... Continue Reading
The Good Shepherd Vs The Humanist Chaplain
How can a Humanist Chaplain provide pastoral care?
It may be easy to borrow some of the ethics of Christianity and claim them for yourself when things are looking up. Go ahead and whip up your own version of potluck dinners, community, love, service, and all that good stuff, but you can’t even sing Kumbaya, “come by here,” on the good days. And... Continue Reading
What the Election Reveals About Us, and Why We Vote as We Do
Not only does our worldview determine behavior but the contrary is also true – our behavior often affects our worldview.
The illustration used by Weeden and Kurzban is very instructive. Young people who are involved in premarital sex, non-marital cohabitation, and recreational drugs develop a worldview to justify their activities. Of course, this is what all sinners do. Sinners want to justify their sin and in order to accomplish this they try to realign their... Continue Reading
The Vast, Vast Mercy of God
Sometimes we tend to focus on God’s judgments and forget his incredible mercy
God is unbelievably long-suffering and patient. Again and again and again he doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve. In his mercy he gives those who hate him opportunity after opportunity to repent before bringing judgment. God so longed to show us mercy he sent his only Son that whoever believes in him would have... Continue Reading
Simultaneously Content and Discontent
It is right that you are discontent with the brokenness of this world. But remember Christ is the only work that brings true satisfaction and contentment.
So, here’s the thing. It is right that you are discontent with the world. Both unbelievers and believers recognize that, as Steve Tyler put it, “there’s something wrong with the world today.” Yes, it is right that you are discontent with the brokenness of this world. When God made this world and man in His... Continue Reading
Narcissistic By Nature
Navel-gazing wastes our time and energy to the detriment of our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ.
It is easy for us to become preoccupied with how we are doing. But here is what happens when we get wrapped up in spiritual navel-gazing: we become proud when we think we are doing well, and we are devastated when we fail. We will look at how others are doing and measure them against... Continue Reading
Two Changes I Wish the ESV Would Make
One is far more important than the other, but both would help the body of Christ in using the ESV.
I thought that I would have no problems in shifting to the newer ESV, but have come across two things that I wish translators would change in future editions. The first reason is vertically focused and deals with the way the ESV translators chose to refer to God when using pronouns. The second reason is... Continue Reading
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