No legal papers ordering the church’s demolition were provided, but government officials tore it down on Friday — even though it was reportedly part of the country’s officially-recognized church network.   Chinese authorities destroyed a 3,000-seat megachurch in Anhui province and detained its pastors over the weekend, ChinaAid reports. No legal papers ordering the church’s demolition... Continue Reading

These preschoolers and kindergarteners were taught “Sometimes people use their bodies to help them know their gender, and some people know their gender in their heart.” Also: “If you have two mommies, they can be called LESBIANS. That means that they are two women who love each other.”   Last week I wrote about a... Continue Reading

There’s a temptation that applies to pastors and other Christians with a public profile, and it’s the temptation to look righteous and holy in public, but to be content to be unrighteous and unholy in private. It’s the temptation to be an “inflatable tank,” someone that can pass a cursory glance even if he would... Continue Reading

After the firm announced its plans for its Reading branch, the decision was condemned by LGBT+ rights groups across the UK. Reading Pride said: “The chain’s ethos and moral stance goes completely against our values, and that of the UK as we are a progressive country that has legalised same-sex marriage for some years and... Continue Reading

This makes us think of the temple. The temple was God’s house, and a person could only go into God’s house via the altar and the sea (1 Kings 7:23-26 and 2 Chron. 4:2-5). At the altar sin was atoned for by the blood of a substitutionary sacrifice. At the sea—which held some seventeen tons of water—sin was... Continue Reading

The writer makes the case for Jesus as God’s final word (Heb. 1:2). The whole of the ceremonial law with its sacrifices, strictures and structures anticipated the One who would be perfect priest and perfect sacrifice. He was the reality that cast the shadow of promise under the old covenant.    The Christian race is... Continue Reading

God offers a full course meal for his people. Besides the word, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper also nourishes our souls. In the story of the Last Supper, Jesus instituted His sacrament in a most unforgettable way. It’s told in three gospels (Mt. 26:26-29, Mk. 14:22-25, Lk. 22:14-20) and mentioned in one epistle (1 Cor. 11:23-26).... Continue Reading

Vaughan was born on July 15, 1827 in Charlotte County, Virginia, and studied at Hampden Sydney College, in the same state. There, he became an avid reader of the sermons of Moses Hoge, a Scott-Irish preacher who upheld historical Reformed Protestantism against the frequent abuses and misinterpretations of frontier revivals.   Today, Clement Read Vaughan... Continue Reading

Following a “legend” requires a humble spirit. Humble yourself before the Lord often. Rejoice that your predecessor has a special place in the hearts of others. Do not allow yourself to be tempted to tear your predecessor down in any way (even in your thoughts!) in an attempt to make yourself look good. Pride can be expressed... Continue Reading

What does life look like when you spend your energy in reputation management? It’s a life constantly on edge; constantly monitoring; never able to really speak or feel freely, but instead just dipping your toe in the water of authenticity to see whether the winds are flowing favorably in your direction at a given moment.... Continue Reading