Paul exhorts us, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). But I lacked patience in this ministry conflict. I was often in fighting mode instead. That was unwise and obviously worsened the conflict.   “Brother, being called to pastoral ministry is the greatest privilege in this world. It’s a... Continue Reading

When we go to church, we listen to music together, but we do not just listen; we participate and sing along. In doing so, we are lifting our spirits and building bonds with those around us. But there is one final component to church music that ties everything together and completely sets it apart.  ... Continue Reading

In the name of objectivity and pluralism, religious education must introduce the beliefs of Islam and other religions as well, the Court says.   The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the Christian-focused model of religious education (RE) in Northern Ireland’s schools is unlawful, concluding that the current system fails to meet the requirement that... Continue Reading

What does it mean that Jesus is our peace? Peace in the Jewish concept is expressed by the word shalom. Shalom does not mean simply the absence of hostilities. It means wholeness. It means everything is right with your life. When you wish someone shalom, you are saying, “May all things in your life be... Continue Reading

The alternative is to simply believe that the universe has always existed. But that appears even more difficult to believe than the idea that it began.   To delve into the question of God is to delve into the question of existence. One of the deepest, and simplest questions we can ask is, why does... Continue Reading

If they were real progressives, then they would try to make backward progress. When they see where we are going with marriage, they would say, “I must have missed my turn. Let’s go back.” Real progress follows the road that God designed, and when we see that we’ve erred, we turn around.   We’ve all... Continue Reading

Is it difficult for some Christians to swallow the biblical fact that God ordains suffering? Sure. We all do. We all ask, “Why, Lord, why?” That’s natural—and not sinful to do so. But we don’t need to defend our Lord, right? God doesn’t need us to plead his case as to why he permitted that... Continue Reading

The Christian worldview concerning this central problem is utterly unique. When compared to other belief systems, it is singularly profound, satisfying, and comforting. In fact, in the end, I’m convinced the Christian worldview is the only one that adequately deals with evil and suffering.   We live in a post-Christian era. Among Westerners, especially, the... Continue Reading

When this kind of knowledge is fueled by pride, it becomes toxic. Such a person often refuses accountability, resists correction, and will not submit to biblical authority. They posture themselves as teachers but cannot themselves be taught. Scripture is no longer a mirror that reveals their need for grace but becomes a weapon to justify... Continue Reading

It is in mercy to sinners and to his saints that God requires the removal of the murderer, first in the Church because of sin by excommunication and then by the State, because of a crime that admits no adequate compensation of equity (a life sentence in prison by no means compensates for the loss... Continue Reading