A Wonderful Illustration Of The Necessity Of An Objective Definition Of Reformed
It has become common place to use the adjective Reformed so broadly, so disconnected from the history and tradition of the Reformed churches, that the word is in danger of losing its meaning.
To include, as many do, Karl Barth, and to include (as Wax does) Chuck Colson, N. T. Wright, and John Wesley in the “Reformed” house makes the definition of Reformed so difficult as to be border on incoherence. However influenced Colson might have been by the neo-Kuyperian social and cultural agenda, he compromised the article of the standing or falling of the church (justification) in the Evangelicals and Catholics Together project. Wright is a leading proponent of the “New Perspective on Paul.” Again, this movement rejects the Reformed confession concerning salvation. The same was true, of course, of Wesley, who was an “evangelical Arminian,” who opposed the Reformed soteriology with might and mane.
National Prayer Breakfast & Noble Hypocrisy
Fake piety, to the extent present, at least acknowledges however self-servingly a larger transcendent moral and spiritual order beyond self-will.
Conservative commentator William Kristol tweeted: “I’ve never been a fan of the Prayer Breakfast, knowing perhaps too well the insincerity of the piety of some of the conspicuous prayers.” And he added: “Today’s farcical events would give the organizers a good reason to end it, with a statement encouraging real prayer rather than fake piety.”
When Meaning Matters
A review of The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp
In one vignette, she describes a conversation with a friend about Peter walking on the Sea of Galilee. In the short exchange, Voskamp makes the sudden realization that Peter sank into the waves, not because he took his eyes off Christ, but because he failed to believe in himself (85). After all, her argument proceeds, Jesus believed in Peter, so all Peter needed to do was to believe in himself. The Broken Way veers toward a “believe in yourself” flavor throughout the book.
What Does “World” Mean in John 3:16?
“World” refers to the quality of God’s love. It is not here a term of extension so much as a term of intensity.
The world represents sinful humanity and is not worthy of God’s saving love. Apart from the love of God, the world stands under God’s condemnation. But in Christ, believers experience God’s surprising, redeeming, and never-ending love. John 3:16 is not about the greatness of the world but about the greatness of God. One of the most... Continue Reading
8 Traits of a Faithful Minister
Important reminders of biblical traits for life and ministry.
Wisdom from the Heart: A Deep Knowledge of God’s Word, Being Taught by the Spirit of God. “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be... Continue Reading
When Mockers Marvel
God overcomes our petulance with his patience. His faithfulness overrules our faithlessness. He takes mockers like you and me and makes us marvel at him.
I remember as an unbeliever making sport among the Christians whom God put around me. On one particular occasion I was doing my best to tempt a believer into acting out and losing it. With self-control, he calmly said, “Raymond, God is not mocked.” Within a year I was arrested by the sovereign grace of God... Continue Reading
What John Calvin Taught Me About Parenthood
There is much to learn from Calvin about justification, soteriology, and God’s sovereignty, but there are also a few lessons we can learn from him about our responsibilities as parents.
After my first child was born, I spent hours reading Scripture and thinking through what God expects of me as a parent. Then I came across Calvin’s commentaries and found among all the rich theological truths that pastors and theologians discuss and debate a nugget of truth for parents in his commentary on Psalm 78.... Continue Reading
Defining Forgiveness
The Bible is a story of forgiveness.
Notice the language and depictions: pardon, pass over, tread underfoot, cast into the depths of the sea. Were we to take these steps, what would become of the offenses of those we forgive? Of course, all these actions of God point us to Christ. In Him and by Him these actions are effected and realized... Continue Reading
Canadian Study Touts Euthanasia’s Cost ‘Benefit’
Researchers claim country’s healthcare system could save millions if more sick people chose suicide
Researchers at the University of Calgary have released a study extolling assisted suicide’s cost benefits: “If Canadians adopt medical assistance in dying in a manner and extent similar to those of the Netherlands and Belgium, we can expect a reduction in healthcare spending in the range of tens of millions of dollars per year.” The... Continue Reading
New Planned Parenthood Videos Get Lawmakers’ Attention
Footage shows workers refusing to provide prenatal care
While Planned Parenthood facilities’ websites and voicemails state they provide prenatal care, employees turned away the activists seeking those appointments. “No Planned Parenthood does prenatal care, hon,” a worker at an Albany, N.Y., facility said. Live Action said it reached out to 97 separate Planned Parenthood facilities across the country, and only found five willing... Continue Reading