Consider the Small Churches
Find a church with humble leadership.
The burgeoning of large churches with arrogant pastors has led to the stunted growth of many Christians and a serious de-christianization of too many cities. The rocketing growth of large churches often leads to the hollowing out of other, smaller churches around. When they implode, those people often don’t go back to church. Well,... Continue Reading
Presbyterian “Quirks”: The Sabbath, Psalms-Singing, and Images of Christ
Our spirituality is guided not by what we can see, but by faith in God’s Word.
That our spirituality should be guided by faith isn’t necessarily a controversial point among evangelical Christians. Where this becomes controversial, though, is when we extend this logic to chart out how to think about these Presbyterian “quirks.” The title of this class captures what most people think when they first learn about Sabbatarianism, Psalms-singing,... Continue Reading
AWOL Black Fathers
A problem must be acknowledged before it can be fixed. And the failure of black fathers is among the worst problems afflicting our community.
The subject of father-absence remains taboo among many black activists, even though the rate of father-absence among blacks is horrifying. For these activists, any attempt to discuss black cultural failures is a kind of victim-blaming and a distraction from what really ails the black community—the persistence of white supremacy. When my mother called me... Continue Reading
Supreme Court Will Hear Major Religious Free Speech Case from Colorado
Creative artist Lorie Smith is challenging a Colorado nondiscrimination statute that compels Christian businesspeople to express messages contrary to their faith.
Given the current conservative leanings of the high court and its recent decisions affirming religious freedom, this case is setting up to be an important one. It may prove to be the perfect opportunity for the high court to finally vindicate the free speech rights of Christian creative professionals whose chosen messages do not conform to the politically... Continue Reading
Honoring God as a Nation?
“If all men are bound to honor God, the entire nation, in her national capacity, is doubtless obliged to serve and honour him.”
There are many “mild and suitable means” to privilege right worship without coercing it, and to discourage false worship without trying to do away with all difference. The early statesmen of America, informed by guides such as Vattel, sought to pursue just such a prudent and Protestant middle way. Although changed circumstances may require different... Continue Reading
Is Identity in Christ Unbiblical?
It’s not unbiblical to talk about identity in Christ. But, disconnected from the larger Biblical Story of Creation to New Creation, it’s woefully, and consequentially, incomplete.
Our identity was established by God from the very beginning of the story. We’re made in the image of God, and that image is restored and perfected in Christ. The implications of this are immense. Our purpose to steward and rule the created order is restored in Christ. Our God-given relationships—with Him and others and the... Continue Reading
On Being Normal (& Reformed)
Are we reformed Christians aware of attributes in our own personalities which might unnecessarily impede a listening ear, losing a redemptive opportunity or potential convert?
It’s been said that the gospel is offensive enough without our adding to it. We should make every effort to assure that if someone is offended, it is an issue which needs to be worked out between them and God. It should not be due to our own lack of willingness to get out of... Continue Reading
The Pastor’s Personal Holiness
Spurgeon knew that the fall of a minister brought great shame to the church and the witness of the gospel.
The holiness that Spurgeon was after is one that is humble and happy and “wondrously attractive,” just like our Savior’s. This is what he sought to model for his students and this is what we should strive for in our lives. For students of the Pastors’ College, their Friday meetings with C. H. Spurgeon... Continue Reading
How Do We Protect Ourselves against Rage-Driven Ministry?
God wants His people to be united in love and truth.
Jesus came into this world to rescue us from sin and death, including the sins that fuel rage-driven ministry. He is our hope and our strength. No darkness will overcome Him or prevail against His church. A cursory reading of the Bible reminds us that God really, really doesn’t take kindly to those who... Continue Reading
ESPN Broadcasters Hold Moment of Silence to Protest Florida’s Parental-Rights Bill on LGBT Ed
ESPN’s Elle Duncan spoke out against the Florida bill and similar proposals in other states, claiming they are “targeting our LGBTQIA+ communities.”
While progressive opponents of the legislation have labeled the measure the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Republican state senator Dennis Baxley, who spearheaded the bill, said it is intended to restore authority to parents who are better equipped to address the topics of gender identity and sexual orientation in the early stages of childhood development. ... Continue Reading
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