Bad Examples of Women Pastors (But Great Examples of Godly Women)
Women serve an incredibly important role in the church
“God made men and women different from day one of creation… sorry, day six. He meant for men to fill certain roles and women to fill certain roles. We are one body in Christ made of individual parts, each functioning in their own way. One person is not to infringe upon another or take it... Continue Reading
Sexual Identity: Doing What Comes Naturally
Since the fall not one of us, in our natural state, and to greater or lesser degrees depending on our sanctification, can rely upon what feels natural to guide us or what we think seems normal.
If our inclinations or desires (or habits, to use the technical philosophical term) are infected with sin then what comes naturally to us whether with regard to our relationship to God, to one another, or to our environment, needs both the Word of God spoken to us from outside of us and we need the... Continue Reading
3 Reasons God Sends the Bread of Adversity
The Bread of Life ate the bread of adversity so that we could break bread with him in eternity.
God is faithful to give us what we need, whether it’s white Italian bread, whole-wheat bread, a stone, or even a snake. Though we might not like the latter gifts, we know that the Giver is good, and that each gift will ultimately benefit us if it comes from his kind hand. There’s a tiny... Continue Reading
What if Herod Succeeded in Killing Baby Jesus?
If Jesus would have died at 2 years of age then it would directly change things for us. Chief among these changes is the reality of our justification.
Justification is the glorious doctrine that sinners are declared righteous before God. It is an instantaneous declarative act whereby God says that one who is guilty of sin is declared to be perfect in his sight based upon the merit of another, namely our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Romans 3:18-5:1). “Ruthless, barbaric, and depraved.” This... Continue Reading
The Lawmaker Made Under the Law to Save Lawbreakers
There is one Lawmaker, who, though he really was above the law, yet came under it far more than anyone else did.
Christ’s passive obedience began as soon as he was conceived in Mary’s womb. As soon as he was made of a woman, he was made under the law and subject to its curses. Not that he deserved this penalty, but rather he took the penalty his people deserved. Their liability to punishment was transferred entirely... Continue Reading
The Promise Is for You and Your Children
God is not only the God of Abraham, but also the God of Isaac and Jacob.
That is why Abraham was to circumcise his children: they needed to know they were not free to choose their own gods. They were to receive the sign of the covenant to show them that they were part of the covenant people. They belonged to the one true God, and they were to submit to... Continue Reading
The Tragedy of Dumbing Down Christianity
Ask most American Christians today any question deeper than “Does God love everyone?” and you’re bound to get some sort of response suggesting that that sort of discourse should be reserved for theological universities.
We have replaced rich, robust theology in the Church with emotional music and constant reminders that “God is love and loves you and He’s your personal Savior and loves your soul …” These words are great at bringing outsiders through the doors (because they’re true by and large) but poor at growing believers into mature... Continue Reading
Westminster Larger Catechism Q. 109 and Representations of Deity
A visual representation of Jesus is not necessarily an immoral object. It becomes immoral if it is regarded or treated superstitiously or used as an object of worship.
According to this fourth possible view, a visual representation of Jesus in His humanity is no more than an external image and a visual metonymical representation. It is therefore not necessarily an immoral object. It becomes immoral if it is regarded or treated superstitiously, if it is used as an object or channel of worship,... Continue Reading
10 Theological Tenets for Covenantal Apologetics
10 tenets to keep in mind as you begin to have apologetic conversations with unbelieving friends and neighbors.
Every fact and experience is what it is by virtue of the covenantal all-controlling plan and purpose of God. The facts of the world display God’s glory (Ps. 19:1ff; Rom. 1:20). To take those facts for selfish use is to twist them and pervert them. This is culpable rebellion against God, and it takes place... Continue Reading
Have You Heard The Great News From God?
Do you have a relationship with God, one that will last into eternity?
When you confess you are a sinner, that you need Jesus Christ to save you from your sin, God is faithful to forgive you from your sin and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-10). At that time He applies Jesus Christ’s work to you, forgiving you of your sins and giving to... Continue Reading