The Creation Account: Literal Or Literary?
The Westminster Confession of Faith declares that God created the world "in the space of six days" (WCF 4:1).
Had Moses intended that six days represent six eras, he could have chosen a more fitting expression: olam. This word is often translated “forever,” but it also means a long period of time (e.g., Ex 12:24; 21:6; 27:20; 29:28; 30:21). Furthermore, he should not have qualified the days with “evening and morning.” The great... Continue Reading
The 10 Commandments of Progressive Christianity
Although its advocates present liberal Christianity as something new and revolutionary, it is nothing of the sort.
The abiding presence of liberal Christianity struck me the other day when I came across a daily “devotional” from Richard Rohr. Ironically, it was entitled, “Returning to Essentials.” And that devotional listed out 10 principles that Rohr thinks Christianity needs to embody (his list is actually drawn from Philip Gulley’s book, If the Church Were Christian).... Continue Reading
The Spirit’s Role: Regeneration
If we are changed by God’s Spirit, then is there nothing to do but sit back and wait for the Spirit to work? No!
The Spirit ordinarily regenerates people by the preaching of God’s Word. The Apostle Peter uses another picture for new life, drawn this time not from animal but plant life: “since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” (1 Pe 1:23) This change... Continue Reading
How to be a Better Boaster
At heart, it’s really all about worship, self-worship and getting others to worship you.
Virtue-signaling is a recent innovation, and we’re still refining it, but it’s a way of show-casing your own virtue to gain you higher standing in a social group. Some good ones I’ve seen on social media are: “Saying prayers for the poor in Africa,” or, “Grieving over global warming.” Social media has also made it... Continue Reading
Trusting in the Lord During Seasons of Waiting
“My God will hear me” (Micah 7:7). Five small words — but they teach several crucial lessons.
Remember this the next time you think you are too busy or burdened to ask God for help, or direction, or protection. Pray while you’re studying for or taking a test, making a sales presentation, apologizing to your spouse, or explaining the gospel to your children. God hears your prayers! “My God will hear... Continue Reading
The Simplicity of the Christian Faith
If there were a recipe for Christian salvation, it would read, “No other ingredients needed but Christ.”
Christ’s fullness is given to us. Fellowship with Christ means fullness in Christ. The Christian, by Christ’s Spirit, is united to Christ in fellowship, and in Him we have everything. We are filled. We lack nothing. The Christian faith is quite simple. For many Christians, it seems too simple to sum up our faith... Continue Reading
Fighting Fear with Fear
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
Scripture reveals that humans are creatures created to fear. But like every other part of our spiritual constitution, we twist the design into perversion. God’s design is for you to live in the joyful fear of the Lord as the only escape from the terrifying fear of man. So let’s dive in. In part 1,... Continue Reading
Stephen Hawking, the End of the World, and the Bible
Among the many potential causes of the end of life on Earth noted by Hawking were such things as an asteroid strike and the emergence and eventual takeover by Artificial Intelligence.
Does Scripture give us a hint as to whether the world will end, and if so, how? Yes, it does. Of course, as you already know, it doesn’t tell us what everyone really wants to know, namely, when will it end? That is a mystery that God has chosen to keep hidden within his own heart. But... Continue Reading
On Pastoral Failings and the Fallout
In recent months, we’ve seen a number of Christian leaders acknowledging their complicity in immoral or unethical behavior.
Scripture gives us example after example of men who finished poorly. David’s adultery left his family in shambles. Solomon’s appetites turned his heart to idols. Asa fell prey to a prideful spirit that kept him from relying on the Lord when he grew ill. Hezekiah’s pride left the kingdom vulnerable. Moses’ moment of faithlessness kept... Continue Reading
Our Planned Parenthood
Marriage and family would be planned and those plans would come to fruition. Or else!
From late in my high school days, my plan was always to have five children. We would have a boy, a girl, a boy, a girl and a boy. Each child would come two to three years apart. We would start our family three years after we were married. Not only that, I would be... Continue Reading