A Christian Convert, on the Run in Afghanistan
A former Muslim is hiding from relatives who want to kill him for forsaking Islam and converting to Christianity
In official eyes here, there are no Afghan Christians. The few Afghans who practice the faith do so in private for fear of persecution, attending one of a handful of underground churches that are believed to be operating in the country. Expatriates use chapels on embassy grounds, but those are effectively inaccessible to Afghans. Only... Continue Reading
Gospel Critics and the Argument from Silence
If a New Testament author doesn’t mention something does that mean they must not believe it?
To suppose that Mark’s omission of the virgin birth means he doesn’t believe in the virgin birth (and thus must not share Matthew and Luke’s Christology) is an unsustainable line of reasoning. After all, Mark doesn’t even include a birth account! Should we conclude from that fact that he didn’t believe Jesus was born at... Continue Reading
Observations from my First PCA General Assembly
Being a rather newly minted Teaching Elder in the PCA, this was my first General Assembly. For the most part I was encouraged.
“We’ve said it already so we don’t need to say it again,” simply does not work. Statements of faith and doctrinal affirmations must be restated at various times for various reasons. Our memories are short. Our resolve is often weak. For instance, the PCA has clearly and consistently ruled that theistic evolution is inconsistent with... Continue Reading
Court Rules Marriage Must Be Redefined Under 14th Amendment. Why That’s Wrong
The 10th circuit ruled that Utah’s marriage amendment defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
The majority [of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals] held that “the Fourteenth Amendment protects the fundamental right to marry” and that “a state may not deny the issuance of a marriage license to two persons, or refuse to recognize their marriage, based solely upon the sex of the persons in the marriage union.” ... Continue Reading
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America Synod Meeting: Report 3
The Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America Synod is meeting June 23-27, 2014 in Marion, Ind.
A recommendation to work toward a global alliance of Reformed Presbyterian Churches was also approved. This effort would seek to bring all of the RP bodies from around the world into greater fellowship and deliberation as we attempt to stand for the kingship of Christ in the midst of a rebellious world. Wednesday morning... Continue Reading
Victory in Houston: Conclusions and Implications of the PCA’s Rejection of the Insider Movement(s)
The 2014 PCA General Assembly in Houston voted by overwhelming majority to reject the Insider Movement(s) paradigm
The PCA became the first major Western denomination to take an official stand against IM. Rather than merely seeking vague influence by having a seat at a table somewhere we have simply stood up on our own terms and assumed a leadership role on IM. Beyond bringing much needed clarity to our own churches and... Continue Reading
Concerning Congregational Singing
Congregational singing is one of the main elements in the worship God and should be done well
Since congregational singing is so very important, we should have the goal of teaching our church families songs that have rich biblical texts sung to good tunes. What we teach them should not be time-bound. We should build together with them a body of songs that express the Gospel in its fullness, songs that they... Continue Reading
Where Do Millennials Attend Church?
Where are Millennials attending church? Where Conservative Christian traditions are taught. Surprised? Don't be.
The nation’s capital is filled with huge, sanctuaries waving rainbow-colored banners outside proclaiming the congregations’ affirmation of homosexual lifestyles. Yet they are, largely, empty on Sunday mornings. On the other hand, new conservative churches-some with liturgy and others with praise bands-are busting at the seams with Millennial attendants. Trying to uncover the reason for this... Continue Reading
ISIS Begins Imposing Poll Tax on Christians in Mosul
Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has begun imposing the jizya, a poll tax, on Christian citizens in Mosul
ISIS “is imposing on Christians a minimum payment of $250, with amount varying depending on the type of work/profession performed by Christian citizens.” She further said that “the economic situation in Mosul is extremely difficult, and there are no financial resources or job opportunities except for vegetable shops, any other businesses are non-existent. MOSUL,... Continue Reading
PCUSA Assembly Turns Down Interpretation Between Biblical And Modern Israel
PCUSA’s 221st General Assembly upheld a committee recommendation to disapprove an overture asking for a clear interpretation distinguishing between Biblical and modern Israel
The overture was brought about by the publication of Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal, 2013, which has a section of hymns under the heading: “God’s covenant with Israel.” It notes that the use of the phrase “God’s covenant with Israel,” is open to interpretation by the reader/singer, and the overture asked for a denotation if it... Continue Reading