Preventing Inauguration Blues
Voting isn't the only means of social change
What are people to do, then, if their candidate is not on the podium on the day of the inauguration? Do they despair about America? Do they give up? No. They are to be reminded that a virtuous society has a larger network of mediating institutions that shape the mores and norms of human flourishing.... Continue Reading
Adam and Eve and Pinch Me
The Gospel Coalition conference will address the historicity of Adam and Eve: Mohler and Keller to speak
Now, some may want to accuse me of mischievously making differences over the issue of evolution/Adam among the leaders of these new evangelical consortia into a big deal. On the contrary, I am merely drawing attention to the fact that high profile members of these consortia have themselves publicly stated that it is a very... Continue Reading
An Interview with Mark Tooley of the Institute on Religion and Democracy
Core beliefs, Same-sex marriage, and the Growth of Christianity in Africa and Asia
The universal church, but especially the churches in America, needs to have a responsible public witness that doesn’t exchange the Gospel for a political agenda but does relate the Gospel to the wider culture and political reality. The institutional church should not be routinely endorsing or opposing legislation, but should be giving lay people the... Continue Reading
Why Intinction Matters
If we think it is safe to disregard the Bible here, where else are we doing this?
It has been curious to me that many who seem least concerned to be biblical about the Lord’s Supper are those who administer it most frequently. In fact, during the General Assembly, more than one minister who emphasizes weekly communion told me that intinction was necessary because the biblical procedure takes too long. One... Continue Reading
Pro-Choice: What Does It Mean?
No unborn baby has ever had the right to choose or deny its own destruction
What is the substance of the pro-choice position? If a woman says that she personally would not have an abortion but does not want to deny someone else’s right to do it, on what grounds would this woman hesitate to get an abortion? Perhaps she simply wants to have as many babies as possible and... Continue Reading
Our Regard for Scripture: Too Low, Too Human, Too Safe
We need a proper reverence for the Word of God
When we read the Bible or come under the teaching of the Bible, we are hearing from God himself. We do not worship pen and ink—this would be to lower the Bible, not elevate it—but we do treat Scripture with reverence, regarding it as the very presence, power and authority of God. Really, it is... Continue Reading
The church of the future will focus less on saving souls and more on following Jesus
Campolo foresees a shift in the focus of the church
Campolo said he doesn’t want to minimize teachings about how to be saved and go to heaven after you die, but it isn’t the major emphasis in the teachings of Jesus. He said Jesus instead emphasized a kingdom relevant in the here and now. The church of the future will focus less on saving... Continue Reading
May Christians Complain?
What's the difference between complaining and wrestling with God over our trials?
In crying out to God, in opening our heart to Him so He can see our deep pain, we do what the Lord Jesus Himself lovingly encourages to do in Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He does not promise us to... Continue Reading
Bryan Chapell Nominated as Senior Pastor Candidate at Grace PCA in Peoria, IL
The Pastor Search Committee of Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Peoria, Ill., announced on Sunday, January 13, 2013, its recommendation of TE Bryan Chapell to serve as Senior Pastor. Dr. Chapell is currently serving as the Chancellor of Covenant Seminary in St. Louis. He had served as President of Covenant Seminary since 1994. Dr. Chapell... Continue Reading
What Your Pastor Tells His Wife about You
Hint: It’s not really about you
While pastors and their wives are wrestling with the issue of how much and which confidential information to share with one another, the general public is shocked . . . shocked to find that we share anything. Writing this article is scary. When the editors of The Aquila Report asked me to write about... Continue Reading