Church Of England Approves Women Bishops In Historic Vote
On Monday (July 14) the General Synod of the Church of England said “yes” to women bishops
At a meeting in York, the General Synod gave final approval to legislation introducing the changes by the required two-thirds majority. Overall, the Synod voted 351-72 on the measure. Ten abstained…. In a statement Welby said: “Today marks the start of a great adventure of seeking mutual flourishing while still, in some cases, disagreeing.” ... Continue Reading
California Governor Signs Bill Replacing Words ‘Husband’ and ‘Wife’ In State Law
The terms will be replaced with “spouse” to accommodate same-sex marriage
“I am pleased Governor Brown has recognized the importance of this bill, which makes it explicitly clear in state law that every loving couple has the right to marry in California,” Mark Leno said. “This legislation removes outdated and biased language from state codes and recognizes all married spouses equally, regardless of their gender.” ... Continue Reading
What Makes for a Good Elder?
There are also qualities that make for a good elder beyond the actual biblical requirements for service.
This past week one of the best elders I ever served with went home to glory. I lost a dear friend. This has led me to reflect on what makes for a good elder. Of course, a good elder will fulfill the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. That is foundational. He must... Continue Reading
How to Respond in the Midst of Suffering
A few thoughts for those of us in the midst of suffering, on behalf of those who are trying to help
This is how the body of Christ operates. For every person that goes through suffering of one kind or another, there are others in the body there to walk along side you because they have been through the same thing. It is part of the comfort we have by being in Christ. We are not... Continue Reading
Before We Call Suffering “Persecution”
Even in persecution, we find an opportunity to examine ourselves and to repent of the sin that surely is there.
But there is a third category, and this is where I suspect most of us find ourselves. Even when we face antagonism or suffering as a result of our allegiance Christ—even when we are doing or saying the right thing—some of our hardship may come because of our own sin. In their commentary on the Westminster... Continue Reading
Romans 13 and the Immigration Crisis
For those of us who call ourselves Christians, the Bible tells us to welcome the stranger.
Crossing the border between Mexico and the United States without the proper permission certainly violates the law, and we must not ignore this fact. We are not encouraging parents to send their children to the United States. It is not only illegal, it is also dangerous, putting their children’s lives at risk. However, we need... Continue Reading
A Child Was Bored in the Service
Is boring children the worst sin a church can commit?
But children are unregenerate. They do not know God. There is a natural enmity in their hearts against him. Their boredom is not principally caused by their immaturity but because of their hearts of stone. This is to be combated by the loving lives of their parents, regular family devotions in which they become familiar... Continue Reading
Why ‘Compassionate Conservatism’ Died
Compassionate conservatism became anathema among conservatives because it had no limiting principle
In the 2000s, compassionate conservatism morphed into an acceptance of governmental centralism combined with a desire to make welfare more effective by working with rather than against religious bodies. Given early personnel and legislative decisions, plus Washington pressures to use power rather than relinquish it, plus the back-burnering of domestic policy after 9/11, the 1990s... Continue Reading
When the Abortion Industry Self-Destructs
What will it take for abortion activists to convince the general public that their position is a psychotic threat to humanity?
Light bulbs are coming on. And that will continue to happen. The question is about when we will feel the cumulative effect. How long will it take for the abortion industry to self-destruct? How many instances like this must happen? How many leaked truths and unmasked mishaps must occur before the confused populace is jostled... Continue Reading
The Next Big Church Thing
Imagine a church that constantly reinvents itself in order to keep the attention of the post-modern culture
Here’s an uninspired prediction: A church will copy Next’s approach of constant identity shifting. Imagine, a church operates as a typical seeker-sensitive mega-church for three months. The next week, instead of exposed ductwork and video screens, the congregation finds a high-church sanctuary, complete with an altar, vestments, candles, incense, liturgy, and choir. Three months later,... Continue Reading