In the final analysis, our basic human need as sinners trumps all other needs that are unique to age and stage of life. That means that the gospel is more important than any targeted ministry. It also means that, though we should work hard to communicate the gospel in understandable, age-appropriate ways, there is only... Continue Reading

She was a complete stranger, so I hesitated to approach her. Looking around, I hoped to spot a traveling companion, someone who was already returning to comfort her. That’s when I noticed that many other people were watching her as well. Although she was not crying loudly, her soft sniffling and flowing tears caught the... Continue Reading

It should be noted that the right to marry is one of the most frequently denied rights we have. People who are already married, 12-year-olds, and people who are too closely related are just a few categories of people routinely and/or categorically denied the right to marry. Hence, the charge that it is wrong to... Continue Reading

I lose sleep quite often over the things Jesus tells me I should not worry about: my life, my possessions, my future. Such is not of the Spirit. Why is it easier for me to worry about next week’s schedule, and to lose sleep over that, than over those around me who could be moments... Continue Reading

Christ’s supreme achievement on the cross is that He placated the wrath of God, which would burn against us were we not covered by the sacrifice of Christ. So if somebody argues against placation or the idea of Christ satisfying the wrath of God, be alert, because the gospel is at stake. This is about... Continue Reading

And what is of first importance? “That Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,” and “that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” The cross and the empty tomb stand at the center of the Christian faith. Without these, there is no good news — no salvation.... Continue Reading

You may lead a church that is growing and flourishing, a true picture of God’s will being done “on Earth as it is in Heaven”; or, you may lead a church that is more like the church of Corinth in Scripture: immoral, immature, selfish, etc. Enjoy God regardless. Don’t buy into the American Dream and... Continue Reading

Jesus paid for sins once and for all – there is no more need for further sacrifices or payments. He satisfied divine justice forever. That’s why there is NOW no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (RO 8:1). Jesus has paid for all our sins – he will never have to pay for... Continue Reading

Yesterday IRD staff joined in the March for Marriage from the National Mall to the U.S. Supreme Court and back. Afterwards, Owen Strachen, theologian and church historian at Southern Baptist affiliated Boyce College in Louisville, KY, visited our office to talk about the newly unveiled “Marriage Generation.” Here’s the website: http://www.marriagegeneration.org/. This project aims to... Continue Reading

We in the PCA take ourselves very seriously, but I wonder if we really need the PCA anymore. Of course, we like being the 800 gorilla in our little world, though it may be that we will in not too many years be eclipsed by the EPC and the Evangelical Covenant Order. But we may... Continue Reading