Justification, Holiness, and Historical Perspective
Some friends of justification are so scared of legalism they end up with no place for the law, while others are so scared of antinomianism they do nothing to alarm the legalists
“One of the great things about studying history is that it can illuminate the present. The debates of the eighteenth century are not identical with our debates. We cannot substitute our good guys (whomever they may be) with their good guys (on whichever side) and read the events of their day like a fable for... Continue Reading
Living in the Story
A growing number of evangelical writers encourage us to “tell a great story with your life”
“Don’t get me wrong, I love great stories, and I’m all for living within one. But Scripture never commands us, “Tell a great story with your life.” It never exhorts us, “Start living a great story!” Rather, Scripture tells us we are already living within the epic Story, and we play no small role within it.”... Continue Reading
New ACNA Archbishop Ranges Over Issues Facing the Church
A question and answer session with the second Archibishop of the ACNA
“From a personal perspective, yes, you are correct – I do not ordain women to the priesthood. But I came into the ACNA knowing that other dioceses do ordain women. But now I am in a new position; I am the Archbishop of all the clergy in the church – including the women clergy. I... Continue Reading
7 Good Reasons To Stop Looking at Porn Right Now
If you've been looking at pornography, here are seven good reasons to stop in your tracks
“If you have no sorrow for sin, if you have no real desire for victory, if time and again you recklessly choose your sin over your Savior, you need to ask yourself this: Do I love pornography enough to go to hell for it? If this sin continues to dominate your life, it may stand... Continue Reading
“They’re Back”
The ER doctor soberly explained that I have blood clots in both my lungs again
“Just as it was three years ago, I was sitting comfortably at home with my family when a searing chest pain spread from my lower chest up to my neck with a suffocating sensation. Probably originated from a clot in my leg again, though this time there was no leg pain to warn me.” ... Continue Reading
Preaching The Third Use And Encouraging The Saints
As pastors consider how to apply the text to the congregation, can we not let the final word be the comfort of the gospel as folks head out into their week?
“As pastors consider how to apply the text to the congregation, can we not let the final word of the sermon be the comfort of the gospel for the sheep as they head out into their week? Without careful reflection on the nature of application, on the question of how the application relates to law... Continue Reading
The Real Reason Liberal Churches Are Losing Members
Myth: if we don't become more enlightened and progressive, we will become irrelevant to society as our numbers continue to decline. Reality, the opposite is true
It is the liberal churches, those which embrace abortion and homosexual practice and which compromise biblical truth and biblical standards, which have experienced the steepest decline in membership. In all likelihood, they also have far lower commitment levels from their people…. Let’s not believe the lie that the way to win the world is by... Continue Reading
Redeeming Barak
Why would Barak be named as one of the giants of the faith in Hebrews 11 if the lesson of Judges 4 is that he was a weak and cowardly man?
After I was grown, I began to notice a difference in the way some people talked about Deborah: Sure she was a leader and a judge, but that was a bad thing. Obviously she was only a leader because no men were willing to lead. It was a judgment on Israel to have a woman... Continue Reading
Darkness is my Closest Friend
What do you do in those moments, when your world comes crashing down and all hope seems lost?
Stop faking spiritual maturity! Run to the body of Christ and admit that your life is a mess. In fact, if you’re in a small group or Bible study this week, I would encourage you to hijack the discussion on what you liked about Sunday’s sermon and say, “Here’s what I’m dealing with; I can’t... Continue Reading
How Does A Pastor Minister To A Couple Who Just Experienced A Miscarriage?
As common as this kind of loss is, it is stunning how many well-meaning people have no idea how to best care for those who have lost an unborn baby.
Pastors, guard from try to dismiss the seriousness of this loss. It is real, painful, and will require focused time to grieve and work through this loss. Sometimes the best thing to do is to sit with the couple, weep with those who weep, share your regret, and affirm this loss has not changed the... Continue Reading