The Death of A Mentor, Howard Hendricks (1924-2013)
Remembering Professor Hendricks, Dallas Theological Seminary
It’s difficult to describe the sense of loss at the news today of Howard Hendricks’ death. He leaves behind an enormous footprint—a legacy of teaching and ministry that looms large over the landscape of American evangelicalism. As one of his former students, I can attest that his legacy still looms large over my own life.... Continue Reading
Stop Refereeing Your Preschoolers!
Handle sibling conflict in a way that leads to kids keeping the peace
With my own preschoolers, I began by teaching them to overlook the offense, talk the issue over, and then get help. I first introduced conflict resolution to my children during a quiet moment when they were receptive listeners. We talked about their usual conflicts: toy-grabbing, shouting or throwing game cards. I explained that when a... Continue Reading
I Confess: The Discipline of Being Confessional (Part III)
Confessions help prevent or at least hinder cults of personality
This is one reason why confessionalism runs counter to the evangelical passion for Top Men and for making parachurch organisations functionally more significant for identity than local churches and ecclesiastical denominations. Not that all parachurches do this: seminaries, groups like the Alliance with very limited briefs, and charities focused on particular issues are unlikely ever... Continue Reading
Ten Basic Facts about the NT Canon that Every Christian Should Memorize: #3
The New Testament Books Are Unique Because They Are Apostolic Books
For obvious reasons, the church would value apostolic books over and above other type of books. And this is exactly what happened. The books that the church regarded as apostolic were the books that were read, copied, and used most often in early Christian worship. These are the books that eventually became the New Testament... Continue Reading
Non-Believers Taking College Campuses by Storm
Secular groups on college campuses are proliferating
The Secular Student Alliance is essentially a support network for the autonomous atheist, agnostic, and humanist student groups that choose to be its affiliates. The rapid growth of the SSA is analogue to the general growth of the American secular movement. Atheist groups were once fringe organizations that didn’t get along. That began to change... Continue Reading
How Do You Counsel A Husband Who Has Revealed a Struggle with Pornography to His Wife?
Advice for pastors on an increasingly relevant topic
Every pastor already faces this. Unfortunately, I fear the problem will only become more common in the future; that is marriage counseling as a result of a husband’s struggle with pornogrpahy. The work to restore trust and intimacy within a marriage deeply affected by this sinful struggle is only possible through the gospel and applied... Continue Reading
How Much Is Left to Do in the Great Commission?
If God grants the passion and courage and wisdom, the remaining task is neither vague, nor enormous, nor unattainable
We should be dumbfounded at how doable the remaining task of world missions is. Before I show this, let’s clarify some definitions. Missions is not the same as evangelism. Evangelism is sharing the gospel with any unbelievers, and that work will never be done till Jesus comes. Missions, on the other hand, relates to people... Continue Reading
Suffering and African American Theology – Part 1
The rich tradition of the Black church — its music and preaching — was the locus of the earliest expression of African-American theology.
From various sources, many slaves began to pick up bits and pieces of biblical truth. By God’s grace they were able to gain interesting insights into God and his covenant grace as they put these fragments of truth together — foundational insights on which much of Reformed theology is predicated. These truths confirmed the slave’s... Continue Reading
A New ‘Old School’ Church in a Beloved Old City
An interview with Jon Payne about a new church plant in Charleston, S.C.
Our approach to church planting, therefore, will focus not upon gimmicks, strategies and programs, but upon a winsome and warmhearted proclamation of Christ through Word and sacrament, and an utter dependence upon God in prayer. And of course, from reverent and biblical worship will flow all manner of kingdom work such as discipleship, evangelism and... Continue Reading
How Much Should A Local Church Depend Upon One Pastor?
My “motto” for pastoral ministry: “Expendable, But Appreciated”
Empower biblically qualified people to do the work with you. Share the responsibility, authority, and equipping of your people and the ministry you do. I am confident that you will not only see God work in more fruitful healthy ways, but you will be more “appreciated” by your people for it. Isn’t it amazing... Continue Reading