Why Miscarriage Matters When You’re Pro-life
Are we guilty of mixed messages regarding miscarriage and abortion?
And yet after we lost Olivia, it didn’t take long for me to realize that in this Christian microcosm of ours, somehow an aborted baby had so much more to offer the world than a miscarried one. Both babies may have died at the same gestation — one by choice, the other by chance. But... Continue Reading
Montreat College and Point University Will Not Merger After All
Point University board of trustees has determined, not to pursue the merger with Montreat College
“We felt that driven by a common vision, the combined institution would be uniquely positioned to expand program offerings while cost-effectively using its resources to benefit students. After careful and prayerful consideration, the board of trustees of Point University has determined, due to complications involving legal agreements regarding Montreat’s main campus and concerns about the... Continue Reading
He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named
A letter to a congregation about sharing missionary names who serve in sensitive countries
A pastor came to visit from a country with only 3000 believers, all of whom live under threat. He showed us a book that extremists in his country had compiled. They had cobbled together bits from the internet, pieces from church bulletins and web sites to produce an incredible tale of conspiracy that casts American... Continue Reading
Abstain from Every Form of Evil
Whenever and wherever wickedness may meet us, we are to distance ourselves from it
In saying “abstain from every form of evil,” the Apostle declares that believers cannot be selective when it comes to what evil is to be shunned: we are called to keep our distance from wickedness of any and all sorts. This includes of course those sins that are blatant and visible, but also those that... Continue Reading
Of Consciences and Cakes: A Response to Kirsten Powers
The mistake is this: The idea that forcing persons to participate in activities they consider sinful is the equivalent of Good Samaritan mercy ministries
The issue before us isn’t unlike what the church has faced in times past. In times past, entry into the civil sphere and marketplace were contingent on Christians paying homage to idols or pinching incense before the imperial cult. The question now is whether the state should use its police powers to be able to... Continue Reading
Editorial On Abusing Matthew 18
Three thoughts on how Matthew 18 should and should not be used
There is a flavor of play-acting righteousness, of disproportionate indignation, behind the current round of “Gotcha!” games. If Person B charges Person A, who has written a book arguing for a revisionist understanding of the Bible, with serious error and possibly with heresy, it is no part of wisdom to “Tut-tut” the narrow-mindedness of Person... Continue Reading
PCUSA Churches in Indiana and California Withdraw
One church was dismissed to the CRC and one to ECO
Center Grove Presbyterian Church, in Greenwood, Ind., was dismissed from the PCUSA to become part of the Christian Reformed Church of North America. Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura, Calif., was dismissed to become part of ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. Center Grove Departs PCUSA for CRC After 30 years as part of... Continue Reading
A Review: God in the Whirlwind: How the Holy-love of God Reorients Our World
A review of David Wells’ latest book, “God in the Whirlwind”
David Wells has pulled together a work that will help you to discern the unseen pressures that are trying to squeeze you into syrupy sentimentalism. It will encourage you to stay the course as you preach the Gospel of King Jesus. And it will feed your soul as you spend days and weeks reflecting on... Continue Reading
First Presbyterian Church of Houston, Texas Narrowly Votes To Stay With PCUSA
The final count fell 36 votes short out of 1,681 ballots cast
Birchfield said it was too early to assess the long-term repercussions of the attempt to switch denominations, and he declined to predict whether some members will leave the church as a result. He said his immediate task is to begin smoothing over the differences for the sake of keeping the 3,100 member church intact. ... Continue Reading
The Cult of the Visioneer
Combine unbiblical ideas of a pastor who receives visions from God with slick fashion, cutting edge marketing, and shameless self-promotion and you have a cult-leader in the making.
Elevation even produces coloring pages for the children which carry the caption “We Are United Under the Visionary” displayed over a depiction of Pastor Steven. The coloring page goes on to say, “Elevation is built on the vision God gave Pastor Steven. We will protect our unity by supporting his vision.” I have not read language like... Continue Reading