Episcopal Church Sells Property of Breakaway Congregation to Baptist Group
The Episcopal Church has sold off to a Baptist church a property once used by a congregation that broke away from the denomination over theological differences
“With the decision made final, Bishop Seabury Anglican became one of many congregations across the country that lost its property to The Episcopal Church in court. Gauss explained to CP that after the decision his congregation worshipped at a Groton hotel for eighteen months before ending up at an elementary school in Gales Ferry, located... Continue Reading
Virginia Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Is Placed On Hold
The Supreme Court has stopped Virginia officials from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples
“Virginia clerks and clergy members had begun preparing for a stream of same-sex couples seeking marriage licenses. But the order brought an abrupt halt to those preparations, which included new state forms that substituted the word “spouses” for “bride and groom.” The Supreme Court on Wednesday stopped Virginia officials from issuing marriage licenses to... Continue Reading
‘Til the Love Runs Out
The cross tells us that Christ's love will never run out.
He is the fountain of all love. And as I was sitting there praying, participating in this holy sacrament with his covenant body of believers, I was reminded that his love isn’t something that I merely consume. It overflows. I have his love running out of me. I come to the table tired, restless, and... Continue Reading
The “Grotesque Anomaly” of the Un-Churched Christian
Nowhere in Scripture is believer in Christ all by his or her lonesome (or even a family), disconnected from a local body of believers, is considered to be the norm, or even that such a thing is acceptable
Now just because something is an anomaly (or even a “grotesque” one, to use Stott’s words), does not mean that it is not all-too-common. In fact, the passage cited above clearly tells us that neglecting to meet together is (unfortunately) “the habit of some”(v.25). In our day it actually seems to be the habit of many. To... Continue Reading
Sleepless Nights
Reflections upon the doctrine of Providence and temporary insomnia.
I reminded myself of those wonderful words of the third chapter of the Westminster Confession of Faith, “God ordains whatsoever comes to pass . . .” I reminded myself that, yes, I was a creature with freedom of the will (see WCF 9 in case you think I just lost my theological marbles), but at... Continue Reading
A Follow Up to: Why Courtship is Fundamentally Flawed
A response to some of the most frequent questions and concerns
As Christians, our mission is to love God and love each other. This is the greatest commandment. The purpose of all of our activities whether it be dating, courtship, arranged marriage or washing the dishes should be to love God. Binding each other with man-made rules is not love. Taking advantage of each other is... Continue Reading
For the Girls Who Are Waiting
Bless the waiting. Bless the not yet. Bless you, sweet girls.
Despite what movies and magazines will tell you, the point of life is not to be paired up with another person. I don’t know what God has planned for you or your relationships. But, I can tell you, as a girl who wasn’t kissed until her second year of college, that you aren’t weird or... Continue Reading
Nancy Writebol, SIM Missionary Stricken With Ebola Virus, Discharged From Hospital on Tuesday
Nancy and husband, David, resting at undisclosed location
“Nancy and David are taking a long, well-deserved break of peace and quiet to reflect on all that has transpired over the past four to five weeks, all that God has done, and seeking how God will lead them in future paths of service,” said Bruce Johnson, president, SIM USA. “The courageous, humble, faith-filled spirit of... Continue Reading
What Are Gospel Issues?
Today it is very common to hear that such-and-such a topic is “a gospel issue; what does this really mean?
In sum, to affirm something is or is not a gospel issue is not a transparent expression. It is likely to be clearest among those who share a common confession as to what the gospel is. It is useful only when it means something more stringent than that X can be tied in some way... Continue Reading
Accepting “No” as God’s Will
We must accept the fact that God sometimes says no. Sometimes He calls us to suffer and die even if we want to claim the contrary.
This “nevertheless” was the supreme prayer of faith. The prayer of faith is not a demand that we place on God. It is not a presumption of a granted request. The authentic prayer of faith is one that models Jesus’ prayer. It is always uttered in a spirit of subordination. In all our prayers, we... Continue Reading