A Response to Iain H. Murray’s “Expository Preaching—‘Time for Caution’”
Consecutive or systematic exposition of Scripture done well is strengthens the people of God
As with so many other issues in church life, a valid protest—if, in fact, Mr. Murray’s caution is that—does not presume the validity of the proposed solution. The belief accordingly remains untouched, for this writer at least, that consecutive or systematic exposition is the most effective way of declaring the whole revealed counsel of God... Continue Reading
Meeting Jesus at the Prayer Meeting
When we are too distracted or sleepy in the prayer meeting, it is good to remember that we are not praying alone
As we met last night for prayer we weren’t meeting alone. We were meeting with Jesus. Our own prayers for conversions, growth, preservation, fellowship, joy, unity, faithfulness, and the glory of God are simply the “Amen” we utter in response to the continual intercession of Jesus Christ the only mediator between God and man. When that... Continue Reading
Houston To Drop Pastor Subpoenas
The City of Houston will withdraw its controversial subpoenas of five pastors tied to a lawsuit over the city's equal rights ordinance
I didn’t do this to satisfy them,” Parker said of critics. “I did it because it was not serving Houston.” Parker’s administration already had withdrawn its request for some of the pastors’ sermons, which proved a particular flashpoint, and the clergy said Tuesday she seemed to be considering whether to remove the subpoenas altogether. ... Continue Reading
High Maintenance Christians Are Better Than Nice Ones
“It costs God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things; but to convert rebellious wills costs Him crucifixion.” ---C.S. Lewis
He spoke the world into existence knowing the cost. He came in the flesh knowing the cost. Jesus knew the cost when he made the promise with the Father and the Spirit before the world began. He didn’t come to save nice things or nice people. He didn’t make a promise to redeem nice, low... Continue Reading
God, Without the Fuss
It's the Bless-Me Club. It is self-help, and that kind of message plays very well in America.
“The reason [Osteen is] so popular is because of the spiritual infantilism of America. Not just spiritual, the infantilism of American culture,” Anthony says. “And he feeds the Paris Hilton, Britney Spears culture. It’s all me. Benefit me. What can I do for me? How can I feel better? What can I do about me?... Continue Reading
7 Wrong Reasons to Join a Church
What are some important considerations in choosing a church?
Committing yourself and your family to a local church is one of the most important decisions you will ever make this side of eternity; and yet, for all the weightiness of it, it is a decision to which the larger part of church attenders have given little to no thought. Over the past three decades, I... Continue Reading
Can You Be Happy in Every Circumstance?
“God can make you happy in any circumstances. Without him nothing can.” Andrew Bonar
Christians weep and sorrow too. However, the Christian battles against that sadness by faith, and gradually and slowly begins to win the victory, to see the good hand of God, to sense the Father’s love, to experience the Savior’s sympathy, and to enjoy the Spirit’s comfort. As faith strengthens, so does joy, so that even... Continue Reading
What Luther Says to this Confessional Age
Oprah style confessions, now so popular among Christians, are what Luther would have regarded as a form of human righteousness
Our confessional age is an age where the baring of souls is seen as an act which makes the confessor vulnerable or ‘authentic’ and thus serves ironically to enhance their authority or invulnerability. That might sound strange, but who in this present age can criticize the person who has told the world that they suffered... Continue Reading
Protestantism’s Birthday – A New 95 Theses Needed
We need a New Reformation. We need “Scripture Alone” as our guide again.
Do we see denominations inventing and “discovering” their own doctrines? Do we see churches bending their theology in order to fill the pews? Do we see widespread moral failings in the clergy – everything from pedophilia to homosexual encounters? Do we see story after story in the news about financial shenanigans? How many churches wallow... Continue Reading
The Progressive Evangelical Package
There may not be a Progressive Gospel(s) Federation with explicit standards we can look to, but there are certain tenets
Many of us labor under the illusion that the progressive package, the party line, doesn’t exist. Some of those within the camp take its putative diversity and ideological inclusiveness as a point of pride. I suppose for them my aim is to pop their balloon. For others floating within progressivism’s orbit but not yet diving... Continue Reading