Western Anglicanism Wanes in the 21st Century as the Global South Explodes with New Converts
Western Anglicanism is slowly but surely dying while growing in the Global South
Theological revisionism, moral relativism, a lack of confidence in Holy Scripture and a failure of nerve to proclaim the Good News of God’s salvation in obedience to the Great Commission, has resulted in increasingly smaller and aging congregations living out their final years murmuring the creed and going through the Prayer Book with as much... Continue Reading
God Does Not Believe in Miracles
A discussion between two pastors on the meaning of miracles
We believe in miracles because we know that miracles don’t come from us. We believe in God because we know that God does not originate with us. But God does not believe in the existence of God as we do because He knows that He exists. Similarly, God does not believe that miracles happen as... Continue Reading
Billy Graham, John Piper Call on Christians to Vote
Other Christian leaders who have called on Christians to vote biblical values include Greg Laurie, Max Lucado, and Franklin Graham
“The legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren and this great nation is crucial. As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last,” said evangelist Billy Graham in an emailed message Thursday. “I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions... Continue Reading
Former URC Pastor in Iowa Sent to Prison
Former Pastor of Pella, Iowa Covenant Reformed Church sentenced on rape and sexual exploitation charges
Edouard was convicted of four counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist and one count of entering into a pattern/scheme of exploitation by a therapist. He was sentenced to one year in prison on each of the exploitation counts and five years on the ongoing charge. The individual sentences per exploitation count will... Continue Reading
Getting to know Stephen Estock
Biographical data and some Q&A with the new PCA Christian Ed Coordinator designate
On September 20th the PCA Permanent Committee on Christian Education and Publications voted - unanimously - to recommend to the 2013 General Assembly that they approve the Reverend Dr. Stephen Estock of St. Louis as the 3rd Coordinator of the CE/P Committee.
Christianity Isn’t dying, Cultural Christianity Is
Talking About the Future of Christianity in USA Today.
Even in the shadow of the decline of cultural and nominal religion, the future of vibrant Christianity in America is all around us. The future of Christianity in America is not extinction but clarification that a devout faith is what will last. Christianity in America isn't dying, cultural Christianity is. I am glad to see it go.
Putting In a Good Word for Presbyterianism
The elders in a Presbyterianism system serve as Christ’s representatives and with Christ’s authority, but they are not mini-Christs
Indeed, the reference in Acts 15:22 to “the apostles and the elders, with the whole church” suggests that leaders from various congregations came together in the Jerusalem Council to make decisions for the wider body. This is the heartbeat of Presbyterian polity and reason to think “church” can mean in effect, “a subset of leaders who represent the whole.”
Failure, Not Success, Makes A Leader Great
Discipleship is one beggar taking another beggar to the place he finds daily bread.
Peter’s failures put him in touch with God’s grace, and God’s grace is where a leader’s real strength comes from. In fact, it is a church leader’s most valuable resource to help others in need. You can only pour God’s grace into others when you are filled with it yourself.
The most famous woman you’ve never met
Now there's a new musical called Scandalous, about a colorful, some would say corrupt, evangelist named Aimee Semple McPherson
The book and lyrics for Scandalous were written by Kathie Lee Gifford, who is controversial in her own right, not because she is guilty of any of the sins associated with Aimee, but because she is a Christian who tries to live a life pleasing to the One she follows.
John Piper on “Sports in the Age to Come”
Will there be touchdowns in the new creation? Grand-slam homeruns? Three-pointers at the buzzer
And in the age to come, our appropriation of sports will finally be gloriously dialed in to its perfectly Jesus-exalting place, free from our sinful tendencies to either make sports an idol or downplay their goodness as God’s gifts.