The Arrogance of Radical Christianity
Truth be known, God doesn’t need our greatness or sold out life
The problem with this view is at the heart of it basic human pride. These Christians don’t want to live the quiet and peaceable life, but want to puff up their Christianity into something that it is not. They yearn for greatness, and success on a human level instead of being content with being in... Continue Reading
15 Ways To Exasperate Your Children
If we’ve never said, “I’m sorry, I was wrong,” to our children, there’s something wrong with us.
Through the Apostle Paul, God gave fathers the primary responsibility for disciplining their children (Eph. 6:4), but in connection with this he also warned them about the danger of provoking their children to anger. If you want to exasperate your children in this area of life, here’s a quick list of how to do it:... Continue Reading
“He Walked Out” {And Why Divorce is Too Easy}
Married love is a climb. And due to life’s obstructions, one requiring enormous perseverance.
Lauri Sessions Stepp, author of Unhooked, has written a fascinating book on the problem with marriage in the 21-century. And one of the most discerning observations Strauss has made upon speaking with many now-singles, is that the partner who splits and runs often places blame on “the marriage”. The marriage was not connected. The marriage... Continue Reading
Pregnancy buys time for pregnant Sudanese woman sentenced to die
If the sentencing stands, she will face her flogging sometime after giving birth, then will have two years to raise the newborn before authorities execute her
“In several countries throughout the world, men, and especially women, are victimized regularly by Islamic and Sharia-inspired law,” said ICC’s Cameron Thomas. “Meriam, the pregnant wife of an American citizen and mother to an infant toddler, epitomizes innocence, and so the abominable charges leveled against her and others stand out even more so when leveled... Continue Reading
So You Want to Be in “The Ministry”
What you think is “The Ministry” probably isn’t.
There are no pedestals. No boys’ clubs. No making a name for yourself. But there is a lot of giving and loving and serving. There is a lot of Jesus and very little of you. There is a lot of dying to yourself so that others might live. And this girl who never had any intentions... Continue Reading
University Reformed Church Votes to Leave RCA, to Affiliate with PCA
The consistory of URC voted unanimously (14-0) to file a petition with the Classis of South Grand Rapids that we might leave the RCA
And this decision on our part does not mean that we have already left the RCA. Now that our petition has been filed, we will enter into a formal process with the classis—a series of meetings and reports which will take place over the next 6-8 months, as spelled out in detail by our Book of... Continue Reading
C. J. Mahaney Breaks Silence on Sovereign Grace Ministries Abuse Allegations
'I look forward to the day when I can speak freely,' said Mahaney, denying 'all the claims made against me.'
“Mahaney resigned from The Gospel Coalition (TGC) last weekend in the wake of the criminal conviction of a former youth leader who abused three boys at SGM’s flagship, Covenant Life Church (CLC), while Mahaney was lead pastor. On Wednesday, TGC founders Tim Keller and Don Carson gave their explanation of Mahaney’s resignation, as well as... Continue Reading
All In For Multisite Churches? Not So Fast
Congregations looking to develop more than one campus face significant challenges
“Citing Marshall McLuhan and Neil Postman, Hipps said that you can’t have people come and watch a screen without expecting that the core message will be framed in terms of the screen: namely, entertainment. As one football coach said in defending his highly confrontational style, “You can’t coach in soprano and hope your team will... Continue Reading
Stop Confusing Non-Judgmental with Justification of Sin
Well-intentioned or not, Evangelicals have confused being non-judgmental with justification and affirmation
“Judgmental Jesus” sounds harsh. But what draws me and others to Christianity is not a fluffy self-help Christ. The character of Jesus and his disciples display courage, boldness, honesty, grace and mercy in the face of intimidation, even death. Because if the testament of the Gospel is not a motivator for speaking truth in love,... Continue Reading
Can Questions Be Slanderous?
It is hardly a hopeful sign for Christian discussion when the response to one's question is an accusation of slander
“Questions can certainly be loaded and problematic (as in ‘When did you stop beating your wife?’) but it is very difficult for them to be slanderous or to break the Ninth Commandment. Slander and lies involve false assertions. To state the obvious, questions are not assertions.” I do not usually respond to criticism but... Continue Reading