Christian Theologians and Pastors Defend Biblical View of Work in Amicus Brief on HHS Mandate Cases
The brief states that the HHS mandate violates the First Amendment rights of Christians whose doctrine teaches that all work is sacred
“This case throws into sharp relief the problems that can arise when the Christian doctrine of work is not properly understood,” said Whelchel. “We as Christians cannot compartmentalize our faith from the work we do every day, whether we’re a pastor, a plumber, or business leader. The Bible teaches that all of life is integrated... Continue Reading
A Few Thoughts on Chilly Atlanta
I've always been fascinated by the city… its energy and synergy and all sorts of fun, even with its traffic and expense
I went to Atlanta to do some research on my dissertation –I got to handle holy relics penned in the own hand of my subject of study –Benjamin Morgan Palmer, 19th century city pastor par excellence. I saw his clock, his armoire and a painted portrait of him. I am beguiled by him, puzzled by... Continue Reading
A Catechism on the Heart
Our hearts should be focused on God, a catechism to help bring that about.
The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart (Deut. 6:5). That is why, in replacing Saul as king, God “sought out a man after his own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14), for “the Lord looks on the heart” (16:7). It is a truism to say that, in terms... Continue Reading
How to Avoid a Cult of Personality
To be clear, it's not necessarily a sin to be popular, well-liked, or deeply respected. But how are you seeking to lay attention, power, and control at Jesus's feet?
There is nothing wrong with your people admiring you as their pastor. The problem starts when the healthy admiration morphs into unreflective obedience, fearful retreat, or a messianic complex. For it has been reported to me by Chloe‘s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one... Continue Reading
In Defense of Creationism
A defense of the historical-grammatical approach of interpretation.
Every New Testament author either directly quotes or alludes to Genesis. Dozens of times Adam, Eve, the Serpent, Cain, Abel, Noah, the Flood, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Lot, Sodom, Gomorrah, and so on, are directly (and indirectly) referenced. They are spoken of as literal historical characters and events, not mythological beings and occurrences. You may... Continue Reading
For Better, For Worse
Don’t fall for the conventional wisdom that sells marriage short.
Sometimes, in fact, there’s so much emphasis on the grim side of things that we’ve lost seeing marriage in the glorious context God intended it. In our grown-up desire to “get real,” we’ve let Satan so disfigure and discolor our ideal picture of marriage that we’ve come to settle for way too little. A... Continue Reading
On the Whole Counsel of God
A further explanation of the "Conservative Christian Declaration."
It is our contention that “gospel minimalism” harms churches, and this not because of what it emphasizes, but because of what it neglects. Therefore, while affirming the place of the gospel as the boundary of fellowship, we want to insist that the whole counsel of God is the center of fellowship, and that pursuit of... Continue Reading
What Macklemore Got Wrong…And Right
The big question is which God you will believe in. The false god of “same love,” or the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ?
So here’s the question for everyone watching the Grammys and wondering what God really thinks about all of this spectacle. Are you going to believe in the God of the Bible and His way of salvation? Or are you going to trust yourself to the god of “same love.” The god of “same love” says... Continue Reading
Two Tales of a Doctrine: Reviewing Definite Atonement
Tom McCall (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) and Aaron Denlinger (Reformation Bible College) each provide their own review of the new edited work by David and Jonathan Gibson.
The question of the extent of Christ’s atoning work has been a source of debate for a very long time. From the advance press and glowing recommendations, one might be tempted to think that the release of From Heaven He Came and Sought Her will bring closure to that debate. But I doubt it; I take it... Continue Reading
The Sad Reality of Super Bowl Sunday
The influx of “fun loving” sports fans heading to the Super Bowl creates a huge demand for the services of pimps and their often-reluctant women
Even as teams and fans get set to travel to New York and New Jersey before heading out to MetLife Stadium for this year’s NFL extravaganza, law enforcement officials and advocacy groups are raising awareness with area businesses on how to spot trafficking and what to do about it. It’s a sad state of affairs... Continue Reading