My Brittle Bones
Have we reached the point where the belief that some humans command a favored right to life simply because of their physical strength is now unquestioned orthodoxy?
…. “we will need to obtain blood samples from some members of your extended family to allow DNA testing.”….I naively asked why the genetic data was required. Waving a dismissive hand toward our daughter, who until this point had tried her darndest to win the doctor’s attention with coy smiles and giggles, this gifted physician... Continue Reading
Raising Kids in a Pornified Culture
How can parents raise children in a pornified culture?
We can’t simply tell our kids to stop doing certain behaviors; we must also teach them to delight in what God has made. I’ve been trying to make a discipline of pointing out all the good in God’s creation….In short, I want my kids to know that sexual perversion is the height of idolatry (Rom.... Continue Reading
Obama Administration to Judge: We Can Force Your Wife to Violate Her Religion
Has there ever been a presidential administration as dismissive of religious liberties as the Obama Administration?
In reference to the judges concerns, the government lawyer says, “I actually don’t think it is that important.” What he does believe is important is contraceptives, since they are “important to the health and well-being of women and to advancing gender equality.” Yet even if we concede this point, the Administration has given no rational explanation for why... Continue Reading
Thinking Biblically About C.J. Mahaney and Sovereign Grace Ministries
Exploring how we can think about Mahaney in what I hope is a distinctly Christian way
In a situation as difficult as this one, especially in a situation as difficult as this one, the Lord calls me, he calls each of his people, to pursue peace and love and unity. I take this as a call to consider carefully what information I learn, to keep in mind that none of us has access... Continue Reading
Stand Up for Scouting on Firm Ground (Part 2)
Looking at the policy change proposal from the perspective of principles rather than consequences
Scouts inherently believe in a moral law (almost certainly emanating from the Divine). The outline and summary for these principles can again be found in the Scout Law as well as the Slogan. Previously, this moral law was undergirded by both social norms and common American religious institutions, especially churches and synagogues….The BSA so assiduously... Continue Reading
The 4 Elements of Courage
Peter tells us to summon up courage, to stand strong, defending and proclaiming the very words of life found in the Scripture
American Christianity has often individualized the faith, often over-emphasizing the personal, the private walk with God. But it’s a mistake to live apart from Christ’s body, for doing so severs you from the life and love and fellowship you need to fight the good fight. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with God’s people is courage. Standing alone is... Continue Reading
The Greatest Danger to Your Pastor’s Spiritual Growth – Narcissism
Responding and helping the narcissists in your church
Too often the most narcissistic person at the center of a church conflict is not just any old narcissist, he is often a narcissistic pastor. Rather than teaching his congregation that he is nothing but a mere messenger and then doing everything in his power to deflect praise away from self and toward the true... Continue Reading
PCUSA Presbytery of the James Seizes Control of Virginia Church
The withdrawing group, the Church in Restoration (EPC), had its inaugural service Feb. 24 with more than 600 in attendance
During that meeting, the session of New Hanover Presbyterian Church expressed its unanimous intent to leave the denomination and graciously indicated its desire to help the Administrative Commission provide for the transition of members wanting to leave the church and pray for those who choose to remain. Because of the session’s unwillingness to stay and... Continue Reading
What’s Next for Military Chaplains if DOMA Is Rescinded?
The Obama administration's push to normalize same-sex behavior in our Armed Forces may prove detrimental in many ways, especially our military chaplains
Should the government normalize homosexual marriage, chaplains would be confronted with a difficult moral choice of choosing to serve their God or serve Caesar. Because of the high percentage of theologically conservative and biblically oriented chaplains within each military branch, the conflict will be real and a cause for great concern. The Obama administration’s... Continue Reading
Justifications for Avoiding Missions
Some of the more common excuses for avoiding missions
No missionary has ever been sufficiently qualified to serve God, and every missionary I have ever met feels horribly unprepared to the task at hand. Your ability and skills are less important on the mission field than your willingness to serve others. You don’t need training, certification or a job title to bring the gospel... Continue Reading