Two Justifications?
Is there a future justification based on works? Not according to historic Reformed theology
“Although our justification will be fully declared on the last day (our good works also being brought forward as the sign and proof of its truth, Mt. 25:34-40), still falsely would anyone maintain from this a twofold gospel justification – one from faith in this life (which is the first); the other (and second) from... Continue Reading
‘Rock Star’ Pastors Lose Luster
Are they selling gospel or themselves? Internet helps to scrutinize behavior.
One of the problems with celebrity pastors is that it’s very difficult to draw a line between advancing the gospel and advancing the preacher. When a famous pastor grows his audience and fame, doesn’t this mean that more people are hearing his saving message about Christ? Well, yes. But as revealed by the long history... Continue Reading
You Might Want to Fact-Check Your Pastor’s Sermon
Preachers love to drop statistics and historical tidbits into their sermons. Too bad so many of their facts are untrue.
I’ve heard most of these in church or seen them in the pages of Christian publications. You may have heard a few of them, too: Church members get divorced at the same rate as anyone else. The church in the U.S. is dying. Most Christian young people are shacking up and having sex. Half of... Continue Reading
So’s Your Face
Are we so in need for acclamation and validation that we will doctor our photos to change our appearance?
This is an app that you can buy and download on your phone or iPad to doctor all your pictures. You know, make it look like you don’t have any freckles, pimples, or circles under your eyes. Heck, with the before and after shots, it looks like you can even add make-up, whiten your teeth,... Continue Reading
Parenting By The Book Versus The Insanity Of Parenting In Real Life
When it comes down to it, God absolutely must be the one who saves my kids.
The hearts of my children are too messy, my wisdom is too limited, and my heart is too sinful in order to successfully shepherd my children into the kingdom of God. Only God can do that, and that actually gives me a great amount of comfort. I firmly believe that God will save my children.... Continue Reading
Reaching People in Evangelism
We have to reach out to people who will never come to church or read the Bible.
In His exchange with Nicodemus, Jesus gave us a very negative explanation for unbelief: He said that people love darkness and hate light (John 3:19), so they have no interest in Christ. But more of the story is shown in John 4. Many people are kept from God simply because they think they don’t belong... Continue Reading
Reincarnated or R.I.P.?
22% of Christians believe in Reincarnation?
My point is, the effects of the spiritual shift in our culture to a predominately Oneist view of the world are all around us. According to Pew, those affected by that shift are often sitting right next to us during service at church. Knowing this is, I think, the first step to speaking to the... Continue Reading
Emotional Bullying: Using Guilt to Lead Kids to God
How many of you were told about your personal responsibility for Christ's death as a child?
We need to be mindful of how we communicate these profound truths to children (and, let’s be honest, adults too). The emotional implications for some of the extremely dramatic language, imagery, and metaphors we use can be damaging. Jesus simply said, “Let the little children come unto me.” Not, “Compel them to come unto me... Continue Reading
Meriam Ibrahim arrives in the U.S.
Long-awaited homecoming still leaves questions about U.S. efforts to help persecuted Christian woman
Even if Ibrahim’s release provided a temporary publicity “win” for Sudan, the country still faces well-deserved scrutiny for its severe human rights abuses and ties to terrorism. (The country’s president remains under indictment by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, and Sudanese military planes continue to bomb Christians in the Nuba Mountains.) And if... Continue Reading
At Least One American Missionary Infected With Ebola Heading Back To U.S.
At least one of two American medical missionaries diagnosed with Ebola in Liberia could be back in the U.S. this weekend for treatment at Emory University Hospital
Two Americans being airlifted from Liberia, Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, are described as being in grave but stable condition. Brantly, 33, of Fort Worth, was in Liberia for the North Carolina-based missionary group Samaritan’s Purse to oversee an Ebola treatment center. Writebol, of Charlotte, N.C., was also working at the center on behalf... Continue Reading