The Domino Theory and Egalitarian Pulpits
The Bible, due to the creational order, does not permit a woman to preach or hold offices in the church.
The issue was and still is one of how Scripture is to be interpreted. At the end of the day the question is always the same, “Does the Bible gives us a comprehensive and clear teaching on whether or not women should preach or be ordained to the office of elder and pastor? And if... Continue Reading
Pastoral Burnout and Pauline Strength
"Negative world" ministry requires pastors with Pauline toughness—both mental and emotional.
The reality of higher stress and conflict for ministers in the negative world is here. That’s why understanding that the times have changed is so important. Each person who pursues a call to pastoral ministry will need to find a path to finding the mental and emotional resiliency to stand fast in the midst of... Continue Reading
Providence Showing Off
Even on a meandering prayer walk, there are no unplanned steps, no random encounters.
I don’t always pick up on the providential designs beneath my daily encounters. But some days they’re simply on full display. Almost as if providence is showing off. Most of my prayer walks in the bazaar are an exercise in being alone with God while being surrounded by other people. Strange as it may... Continue Reading
Pornography Use Is Becoming an “Acceptable” Sin
A majority of men and women in a national sample express some level of approval for pornography use.
Don’t believe the lie that porn use among committed couples is an acceptable sin. It’s a sin that will harm your relationship today and lead you to hell tomorrow. The Story A recent poll shows pornography is affecting relationships between men and women—and reveals how indulging in porn is becoming an acceptable sin. The... Continue Reading
The Manly Virtue of Magnanimity
We should attempt great things while enduring great hardships.
Bearing burdens, eschewing meanness, and setting an example of noble generosity is not just a saner and more effective way to live; it is the way of the cross. For the manly virtue of magnanimity is the way of the One who accomplished great things by defeating His foes, even while crying out, “Father forgive... Continue Reading
Important Contexts for Understanding Reformed Theology
Classic Reformed theology was developed within real human history with real historical, cultural, political, philosophical, and theological contexts.
Our 21st century historical, philosophical, and theological context is very different from that of the 16th and 17th centuries. If we are not aware that there are differences, it can be very easy to read our contemporary context back into the writings of those centuries. Most Christians understand the importance of context for properly... Continue Reading
On Discernment, Gullibility and Healthy Scepticism
We are in desperate need of some mental and moral clarity on the Ukraine conflict.
In a fallen world, only Jesus is 100% good. Everyone else is a fallen and selfish sinner. So that means we must decide what is true and false on things other than just who is saying it. One quite good thing that has developed over the past two years is that so many folks... Continue Reading
Take Heed
It is one thing to understand the sinful actions of unbelievers in Scripture; it is quite another to understand the sins of the saints.
We must resist the temptation of thinking we can stand in our own strength. We must depend on the grace of the One who said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). If we fall, we must go to Christ, confessing our sin and hoping in His mercy. Bernard of Clairvaux once... Continue Reading
Working through the Covenant of Works
Adam agreed as a willing party of the covenant by virtue of his obedience; otherwise, it makes no sense to say he disobeyed and fell from life and original righteousness.
Those who object to Adam meriting in Eden seem to neglect the distinction of his living continually before the Fall as righteous and good and thus enjoying further living communion with God. In the first article of this series on covenant theology, we saw that “covenant” is, exegetically, essentially an “agreement.” Isaiah 28:15, 18 practically demonstrates this by twice using the... Continue Reading
Songbirds Fly at Night
The online age has encouraged an intense form of individualism. With it has come the loss of serendipitous learning and an ever-diminishing appreciation of the world.
As image bearers, we were designed to behold wonderous things. Indeed, a continual perception of glory is necessary if we are to fulfill our role faithfully. To this end we must give our attention. According to this privilege, we must order our steps. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes. To be a vice-regent, we... Continue Reading
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