Does God Have Regret?
As God’s ways appear to us, there will be change and variation, but as God is in his character and essence there can be no variation of shadow due to change
What does it mean for God to say “I regret”? Can God change his mind? Can we thwart God’s plans? Is God ignorant about the future? Is God just like us in that he makes honest mistakes and sometimes look back at his decisions and says, “Golly, I wish I could do that one over... Continue Reading
The Criminalization of Heartland Christianity
A proposed ordinance does not respect religious liberty
If we don’t want to see America become “more like the Soviet Union,” we must take what action we can to make our convictions heard. Those in the Springfield area may want to call or write the members of the Springfield City Council individually and ask them why they want to fine and even jail... Continue Reading
Little Theologians in Worship
A review of Daniel Hyde’s new book, The Nursery of the Holy Spirit: Welcoming Children in Worship
Let’s face it, it’s easier for parents to wave goodbye, “kiss, kiss!”, and have some uninterrupted peace while they are trying to listen to the sermon. Even now that my kids are old enough to be quiet, I still have to worry about getting them to actually pay attention. And I see those paper airplanes... Continue Reading
Is the Church over the Bible or is the Bible over the Church?
The proper posture of God’s people (the church) is always one of submission to God’s word. There is no higher authority than God himself.
One might wonder: Why is Freeman so intent on lowering the authority of Scripture? Every argument in his article, whether historical or theological, has one simple end in mind, namely to convince the reader that the Bible is a problematic construction with less authority than people think. So, why would Freeman, an Orthodox priest, do... Continue Reading
The Argument from Irony Against Close Communion
A response to Mark Jones' article on baptism, communion, and Baptists
Jones, however, would have me and other Baptists set all of that aside in favor of his scripture-free arguments defending open communion. And I really do mean “scripture-free.” Jones is not taking his stand on scriptural teaching, but rather on what he perceives to be the ironies of the Baptist position. I will be the... Continue Reading
Bleep! Why Christians Shouldn’t Cuss
In the end language is to be used for what glorifies God.
Christians understand that an inability or unwillingness to take control of our language shows a paucity of self-control or lack of graciousness toward others. Swearing shows that you are unconcerned about that which Christians ought to be concerned: edification, grace, humility, patience, self-control, evangelistic witness, example to children, integrity, and many other virtues that we... Continue Reading
The Vindication of Antonin Scalia — A Sad Milestone for Marriage and Morality
A giant milestone in the moral revolution passed when the U.S. Supreme Court turned down every single appeal from several states on the issue of same-sex marriage
Once again, Justice Scalia saw it coming. He called the Court’s decision to strike down DOMA “jaw-dropping” in both its audacity and its reasoning. Then he offered these memorable words: “As far as this Court is concerned, no one should be fooled; it is just a matter of listening and waiting for the other shoe.”… no... Continue Reading
Same-Sex Marriage and the Supreme Court: What Now for the Church?
The Supreme Court has declined to take up appeals from states in which the courts have found same-sex marriage to be a constitutional right
Let’s hold fast to what the gospel reveals about the meaning of marriage and the gospel behind it. Let’s articulate a Christian vision of what marriage should be, and let’s embody that vision in our churches. Let’s love our gay and lesbian neighbors. Let’s move forward with persuasion and with confidence. This is no time... Continue Reading
What Is The Covenant Of Redemption?
Central to the message of Jesus is the declaration that He was sent into the world by the Father
“The covenant of redemption is intimately concerned with God’s eternal plan. It is called a “covenant” inasmuch as the plan involves two or more parties. This is not a covenant between God and humans. It is a covenant among the persons of the Godhead, specifically between the Father and the Son. God did not become... Continue Reading
“For His Good Purpose”
American pastor Saeed Abedini pens a letter to his daughter from an Iranian prison
God is in control of the whole world and everything that is happening in it is for His good purpose, for His glory, and will be worked out for our good (Romans 8:28). Jesus allows me to be kept here for His glory. He is doing something inside each of us and also outside in... Continue Reading