A Court, Clay, and the Cross: Examining the Problem of Evil
The God who spoke all things into being is not utterly remote from our self-inflicted suffering and pain.
Before we shake our fist at God, we must first consider God the Son incarnate, Jesus the Messiah, crucified for us, murdered for us, for our sins, and raised for our justification (Rom. 4:25). It is unthinkable that a Christian, after he has turned his eyes to the cross, would turn away to shake his... Continue Reading
Raising Covenant Children without Presumption or Skepticism
Should we expect our covenant children to have conversion experiences?
It seems schizophrenic to pray at a child’s baptism that they would never know a day without Christ and then expect children raised in the church to have a conversion story. Questions like: What was your life like before you had faith in Christ? How is your life different today? are hard ones to answer... Continue Reading
Now That You Are Behind in Your Bible Reading Program…
Some encouragement and perhaps a plan that may refresh instead of burden you.
One of the struggles I have always had with reading programs is the guilty feeling that comes when inevitably a reading is missed. Usually the first few times I try to make it up, but then get distracted from enjoying the reading because I “have to” get caught up. As my own personal reading rhythm is... Continue Reading
American Christianity: Ideas on How We Got Here
I believe that in our day we have the most biblically illiterate people of any generation since before the Reformation.
What is common to me is that what people understand is what they learn at church, and they go to that church for entirely the wrong reasons. When asked “How do you know you’ll get into Heaven?”, at least 70% of Christians would say “Because I’m a good person!”. If you do not see the problem... Continue Reading
Moralism is Not the Gospel (But Many Christians Think It Is)
Moralism produces sinners who are (potentially) better behaved. The Gospel of Christ transforms sinners into the adopted sons and daughters of God.
The seduction of moralism is the essence of its power. We are so easily seduced into believing that we actually can gain all the approval we need by our behavior. Of course, in order to participate in this seduction, we must negotiate a moral code that defines acceptable behavior with innumerable loopholes. Most moralists would not claim... Continue Reading
What is Your Name?
The problem with the Christian community is that we think we know everything. When someone begins to speak, before the words even leave the mouth, we already have the answer.
I have a suggestion. Instead of focusing on our philosophy and apologetics classes that we took in seminary, maybe we should practice this: “What is your name?” Use words to open communication, not shut it down. Use words to encourage the light, not to continue to keep wickedness in the dark. Use words to connect, to... Continue Reading
The Importance of What We Do in Secret
Six times in the Sermon on the Mount, alluding to three distinct exercises, Jesus employs the term secret.
The Sermon on the Mount is addressing the issue of authenticity. Just how genuine is our relationship with the Lord Jesus? It is altogether possible to practice an outward display of piety—to “talk the talk”—without demonstrating any inner reality of godliness. This is true of every professing Christian, and it is especially true of those... Continue Reading
Against A Truncated Gospel
The central question Christianity answers is: “How does God reconcile man to himself after sin enters the world?”
As I do so, there is a small church I pass. I am not sure what the name or denomination of the church is. I can never get past the banner they proudly display by the entrance of their property. This sign has been there for years, and boldly announces: “God is not mad at... Continue Reading
God Hates Sin and Sinners, But He Loves Saints
A sharp, double-edged sword conveys a sense of justice and death. It is difficult to reflect on that image and think of love. It smacks more of warfare!
One of the hallmarks of the evangelical community in the 21st century is that it readily proclaims the love of Christ, while failing to recognize the justice and holiness of God. Love is popular, but wrath is ugly, ignored, and often condemned. The love and mercy and compassion of God is the “Good News of... Continue Reading
Teach Me To Pray! Forgive Us Our Debts
In your prayers, pray for a willing spirit to forgive others
“In your prayer, you may acknowledge to God that you forgive them—not as a statement of pride to God but as a way of humbly acknowledging to God what you are doing. You may need to ask for help to forgive them. It can be hard to get over the hurt and betrayal of being... Continue Reading