Nicholas Wolterstorff’s Cheap Shots
Why the Christian Philosopher’s case for same-sex marriage is shallow
“All of Wolterstorff’s engagement with Scripture appears to be shaped by his gambit: If same-sex sexual intimacy isn’t inherently unloving, then opposition to same-sex marriage can only be due to a misbegotten commitment to divine command theory.” Nicholas Wolterstorff’s recent case for same-sex marriage, delivered as a lecture at Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church... Continue Reading
Lux in Tenebris: How God Is Moving on Secular Campuses
I have been reminded of late that God is on the move at the American university
“I read Adira’s testimony with lightning running down my back. At my alma mater, a college I warmly remember, God is at work. Through diverse means, including the heroic efforts of Rob Gregory and the McKeen Study Center, he’s moving. I can scarcely say how encouraging this is.” It is not uncommon for evangelicals... Continue Reading
Brexit, Presidents and the English Reformation
Despite Henry’s strong desire to break free from Rome, it was in no sense out of sympathy with the same desire shared by the leaders of the Reformation in Germany
“The ‘reform’ that Britain sought under Henry VIII was very different from where it would eventually lead. The sheer unexpectedness of the result of last June’s referendum in Britain left everyone reeling, because no-one really expected it – not even those who had campaigned so vigorously for it.” The idea of the United Kingdom’s... Continue Reading
A Few Brief Thoughts on the Hatmaker Hermeneutic
While I commend the Hatmakers for what seems to be a serious process of reading, reflection, and prayer, I find the logic of their position unconvincing.
The biblical teaching about marriage is not an oh-by-the-way piece of ethical advice that can be easily swapped out for other arrangements. I know these are difficult, painful issues. But we have to prayerfully and rigorously think these things through. We are bound to hear more stories in the years to come about other Christian... Continue Reading
Four Ways to Learn to Love Your City
I think God has more for us than stiff resignation about our assigned duty station.
So what do you do when you find yourself in a place you don’t love? I have this conversation a lot with people in my church that come here through the military, or through federal jobs, or for med school. Maybe you live where you live not because you chose it but because your job... Continue Reading
Prepping in Biblical Perspective
The biblical "prepper" trusts in God's goodness and sovereignty and, therefore, doesn't succumb to being gripped by sinful fear.
As is evident from the passages above, faith and preparedness often go hand-in-hand. We see this so clearly the example of Noah. If you see danger coming–whether from a forecasted ice storm, home invasion, solar EMP, financial collapse, or a hurricane–you prepare. God has given us minds to use and guidance to follow. At the... Continue Reading
Grace Paced Living in a Burnout Culture
“I’m tired and I’m broken and I just need some rest.”
Although no two burnouts are the same, as I’ve counseled increasing numbers of Christians through burnout, I’ve noticed that most of them have one thing in common: there’s a deficit of grace. It’s not that they don’t believe in grace. Many of them are well-grounded in “the doctrines of grace.” Many of them are pastors... Continue Reading
6 Marks of a Faithful Ministry
Pastors aren’t called to be popular, but to be heralds of the truth.
The pastor’s ministry is a pure ministry. This one is so important in an age where the prosperity gospel has risen to such prominence. “I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have... Continue Reading
The Woman in a Wheelchair Who Thought She Could Not Be Saved
Since Luther’s day, nothing has changed. Indulgences are still in effect, the Pope hasn’t changed his name, and tradition and the magistrate still trump the Scripture in importance.
I get the fact that so many of us have Catholic relatives and friends and we cannot bear the thought that they would spend eternity in hell, but the worst thing we can do is to ignore the truth that is so clearly hitting us in the face. The Roman Catholic Church still teaches a... Continue Reading
A Giant Step Backwards
Is it time to listen to the abuse victims and survivors in your midst rather than telling them what they may or may not do with their lives?
So yet again we have another case of an abuse victim in a complementarian church who is not receiving help and even being disciplined for wanting to be free from her abuser. This is a giant step backward and sends a very clear message to victims that they will be believed and helped only if... Continue Reading