How Sinful Is Man?
Human character is clearly tainted by sin, but the debate is about the extent of that taint
“The term that is often used for the human predicament in classical Reformed theology is total depravity. People have a tendency to wince whenever we use that term because there’s very widespread confusion between the concept of total depravity and the concept of utter depravity. Utter depravity would mean that man is as bad, as... Continue Reading
Glenn Beck Preaches Mormon Theology at Liberty University
Beck preached a sermon at Liberty University on April 25 that was rife with Mormon theology in which he showcased a valuable Mormon relic
“During other parts of his sermon, Beck used language that would be familiar to most Protestants and Catholics. He spoke of the importance of studying the “scriptures” and preaching the “gospel.” Presumably, many students and faculty would have a different understanding of what those words mean. Of miracles, Beck said, “Expect miracles in your lifetime.... Continue Reading
The False Teachers: Brian McLaren
McLaren has long been a leader in the Emerging Church, and almost all of those who “emerged” with him have known his influence
“Where McLaren casts doubt on the idea that we can ever really confidently know and understand the Bible, Christians have long held that God spoke and inspired his prophets and apostles to write because he actually intended to be heard as saying something, and that the message would be carried on and be understood forever... Continue Reading
Putting The Eis Into Gesis
It is dangerous to practice eisegesis, and to read into Scripture one's own desires
“To practice eisegesis is to read into a text, often with the greatest of sincerity and best of intentions, what is within oneself, such as prejudices, assumptions, speculations, and wishes. In the case of the Bible it means reading into the Bible what is not there by authorial (human or divine) intent.” Back when... Continue Reading
Outraged America
The recent episode with Donald Sterling has set back genuine progress in race relations
“(The outrage over Sterling) doesn’t serve to encourage honest discussion but rather to silence questions and honest interchange as politically incorrect. This is a cause of real concern because political correctness fosters fear, suspicion, and misunderstanding and those are the steps back toward racism not away from it. The process of overcoming fear and prejudice... Continue Reading
A Tale of Two Letters
How does the recent letter signed by 18 teaching elders present at the founding of the PCA compare to the original letter sent out in 1973?
While I do not believe that the positions from the new letter accurately reflect the consensus of the bulk of elders who founded the PCA in 1973, and hope that I have demonstrated this from original documents, I do believe that the letter agrees well with the more recent Original Vision Network started by TEs Paul... Continue Reading
A “small god” Offers No Comfort for a “Big Storm”
How many storms have I read or watched a news report about? This time it was different. This time a friend of mine–and two of his children–died.
The only God sufficient for a Big Storm is a Big God — The omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent and omnibenevolent God of the Bible. He hasn’t lost control. He is the One who has “established His throne in the heavens and His sovereignty rules over all” (Psalm 103:19). He is the One who declares “the end... Continue Reading
Christ and City, City and Celebrity
Using NYC’s power and wealth to enhance ministerial reputation is not exactly the fruit of the gospel that Keller understands and preaches it.
What I found difficult to fathom was the harmony between Keller’s understanding of the gospel and how it upsets worldly ambitions with his own standing not just in Presbyterian circles but in American Christianity more generally. After all, if he had been a pastor in Kalamazoo (think Kevin DeYoung in Lansing or any pastor in Birmingham,... Continue Reading
A Watchman on the Walls
It is not the work of the pastor to say whatever seems relevant or whatever seems noncontroversial or whatever is especially interesting to itching ears.
While we do not like to upset people and we do not wish to be thought uncouth, we answer to a higher authority. It is the solemn task of the preacher–weak and failing though he may be–to stand fast as a watchman on the walls. We cannot shrink back from the uncomfortable bits in the... Continue Reading
Why Every Church Will Always Need a Women’s Ministry
An overview of the history of women's ministry and the church
Women’s ministry in the church has always been about knowing God and knowing His word, sharing the gospel with the needy and broken, and caring about the welfare of the country in which one lives. Yes, at times we women have gotten distracted by the fun of tea parties and bazaars; but on the whole,... Continue Reading