Biblical Portraits of Creation
A review of a book on the biblical doctrine of creation
The book concludes with an appendix, which is essentially a reprint of Kaiser’s article “The Literary Genre of Genesis 1-11,” which initially appeared in 1969. In this article he argues for reading Genesis 1-11 as straightforward “historical narrative-prose.” I think the article is convincing. However, such self-identified evangelical scholars as Peter Enns (formerly of Westminster... Continue Reading
Having Boldness To Enter The Holiest
It is Christ's mediation that allows God’s people to draw near to Him in worship
“With the advent of Jesus Christ, the symbolic worship of the tabernacle has given way to the reality: we draw near to God through the rent flesh and shed blood of the Messiah. His resurrection is God’s justification of His mediatorial work (see Acts 17:31). Any approach to God apart from Christ, therefore, is rebellion... Continue Reading
The Opposite Of Name It, Claim It
I can't help but think how different a Christian benediction is from the "name it, claim it" mentality
“Our “positive confession” is what God says, not what we creatively speak. And the good news of the gospel is not that we can demand what we want from God and he is then required to give it. No, it is that despite our wretched, sinful condition and rebellion against God, he has lavishly given us Christ and all... Continue Reading
Does God Hate Your Minister and Your Church?
In Jeremiah’s day, God was furious with those ministering in his name
“May our churches be places where God’s Word is supremely taught, and God’s blessings and curses are faithfully presented. May our ministers be servants who are advancing in sanctification; may ministerial hypocrisy not be present. May all God’s people be proactively pastored; no one should be left alone or forgotten. Through the gracious power of God’s Holy Spirit, may... Continue Reading
The Questions of Gay Marriage: Covenant or Biology in Genesis 2?
Of the passages relating to sexuality in the Bible, few are as evocative as this one from Genesis
“To attempt to remove the nature of the covenant from the possibility of procreation distorts not simply the meaning of this passage, but creates a division between the word of promise and the physical reality that at every point Scripture overcomes. If this is right, then I would suggest there is more at stake in... Continue Reading
Why We Have No ISIS Strategy
A culture, lacking recourse to the transcendent, will be unable to seek the reconciliation that comes from genuine repentance
In the words of scholar N.T. Wright, they want, “to reap the fruit, but sever the root.” In so doing, they refuse to see what Nietzsche so clearly did — the real, horrific consequences of a world finally free from the God of Moses and Jesus. Alexander Schmemann elaborates: “Here, in this paradox, is the whole... Continue Reading
Preachers Heckle Students
Rev. Thornton’s presentation came on the heels of a hostile one
“Thornton, a pastor with the Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship in Bristol, Tenn., was one of the religious speakers who presented in front of the library this week. Thornton’s presentation began around noon Wednesday. “I will preach, Lord willing, of both law and grace, heaven and hell,” Thorton said before his presentation. “I will preach that Jesus... Continue Reading
Don’t Want To Be Called Racist? Then Let The Children Suffer
The abuse has gone on for years, but no one addressed it for fear of racism
National Review editor Rich Lowry reports that “in a BBC documentary, the author of a 2002 report to the Rotherham council on the scandal said her work was quashed. When she noted that the perpetrators were from the Pakistani community, a colleague told her ‘you must never refer to that again — you must never... Continue Reading
The Illusion of Neutrality
The secular state cannot be neutral in matters of religion.
You cannot say, “The People must remain absolutely neutral as to whether the People, as such, owe any allegiance to God, to acknowledge His benefits, and to pray for His protection.” To say it is to deny the debt. It is to take a position while trying to appear to take none. To decline to... Continue Reading
Law, Wisdom, And Charity: Life In A Twofold Kingdom
Does recognizing that we live under God’s twofold kingdom somehow dispense with the moral law?
Yes, we do live in two spheres simultaneously but a believer is always under God’s moral law in both. As a citizen of the common sphere, under God’s sovereignty and authority, I am not free to enter into business relations that compromise my profession of the Christian faith. Obviously, Paul tells us that we’re not... Continue Reading