Beware of a “Test the Fruit” Hermeneutic
The problem with this theory is that it elevates our evaluation of consequences above Scripture as the standard for evaluating what is right and wrong.
This way of adjudicating doctrines is a poison pill. It removes authority from the word of God and gives the reader the authority to scrutinize the Bible’s truthfulness based on whether or not it hurts people’s feelings. This is no way to read the Bible. When Matthew Vines’ book God and the Gay Christian... Continue Reading
3 Questions Pastors Should Ask before They Fight for Change in Their Church
In ministry, you’ll need to choose your battles wisely. Here’s how.
This is a general template to follow as you determine the changes you desire to make and how they should be chosen and done. Whatever you do, choose battles wisely as if you will be at that church ten years or more. That will give you a different perspective and will help you be patient.... Continue Reading
Why a Tree and Not a Cross?
Why refer to the material of the cross instead of the cross itself?
Why mention the tree and not the cross? To speak of the tree recalled the curse of death for breaking God’s Law, and all deserve this curse because everyone has broken God’s Law (cf. Deut 21:22–23; 27:26). But Christ did not sin and did not deserve the tree. He deserved life for perfectly obeying the... Continue Reading
Does the Son Eternally Submit to the Father? Methodological Considerations (Part 1)
This complex debate about the Trinity cannot easily be resolved through proof texts from Scripture and from Christian tradition.
There is no text in the Bible that clearly requires or rejects eternal submission, and those who support eternal submission of the Son are not easily categorized as pro-Nicene or as Arian. What is the best path forward? In my new book, The Son Who Learned Obedience, I present a case against the position... Continue Reading
That Didn’t Take Long
The APA Normalizing Polyamory
Many of us predicted polyamory would, in fact, be the next cause of the sexual revolution. Polyamorous marriage seems, for now, inevitable. That would mean marriage between more than two people, and why not? If marriage is officially severed from procreation, as so-called “same-sex marriage” has now legislated, then there is no reason to keep... Continue Reading
Having Been Justified by Faith, We Have Peace with God Through Our Lord Jesus Christ
Saving faith is never focused upon man or what man does but always upon God who accomplishes his will in all things.
What was the object of Abraham’s saving faith? It was the God who is able to fulfill the promises He has made. Abraham believed in the God who justifies the ungodly. Here we have the connection between the promise of God and the very act of justification itself. It was Abraham’s faith based upon the... Continue Reading
Five Encouragements for Pastors Intimidated by Biblical Counseling
Bring the truth of Scripture to the troubles of everyday life, particularly in relationships.
This era is full of personal struggles. Some of these struggles are not new: anxiety, depression, addiction, shame, and anger. Others are more recent, such as internet addiction and some psychiatric diagnoses. But all of them can be helped by meaningful engagement in a wise and loving local church. In pastoral ministry, your time... Continue Reading
David Brainerd: A Weak Vessel Used in a Mighty Way
What is it about this young man’s life that has emboldened men and women to take the gospel to the most difficult and dangerous places on earth?
It’s so easy to allow our weaknesses to cast doubt on our ministry effectiveness. In the life of David Brainerd, we see God’s power flowing through a man marked by emotional and physical weakness. Though he was often racked with suffering, the young minister kept his hand to the plow. He did not allow his... Continue Reading
Therapy, Sin, and Shame
Shame is a message from our conscience, that built-in witness to the divinely established moral law.
In this life we will always have some shame. That is part of living in a fallen world. Christians do not have to be dominated by it—our feelings are not the ultimate measure of truth—because our Father accepts us for the sake of Christ by his free favor alone. That’s the other factor here: grace.... Continue Reading
Participating in Pastoral Refreshment
The Lord uses the zeal of his people to recharge the hearts of his preachers!
In my own pastoral experience, I am most refreshed and stimulated to renewal when people seek the Lord and eagerly join in the ministry of the church. The Apostle Paul expressed his own joy and renewal over the service and love of people who rolled up their sleeves and jumped into service with Paul. ... Continue Reading