The churches in Charlotte were released from the PCUSA – pending completion of the final steps in the dismissal process – during the Oct. 22, 2013, meeting of the presbytery.  Two were dismissed to join ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians with the other two seeking alignment with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC).  ... Continue Reading

In the end, the History Channel has produced a documentary with one simple purpose: to create confusion in people’s minds about what the Bible teaches about sex.  No doubt, many will watch such a video and conclude that there is no clear sexual guidance in the Bible; and therefore they can choose whichever sexual path... Continue Reading

This dynamic reflects another problem: our skewed understanding of sin. It’s almost as if our sins have become a currency of solidarity—something we pat each other on the back about as fellow authentic, broken people. But sin should always be grieved rather than celebrated, Thoennes argues. “Brokenness is an interesting word because if it’s sin,... Continue Reading

This is where the book falls short. I’m actually quite glad that it does because I can recommend the book for its historical depiction of the events and culture of the day, without having to worry about O’Reilly’s bad theology shinning through.  O’Reilly is truly writing from the vantage point of not knowing Christ or... Continue Reading

This skill was not learned during the church service, but rather at home. Every day we would practice.  I would make my child sit with me on the couch while I read him a story.  I wouldn’t let him jump around or climb all over me.  We would sit and read.  At first it was... Continue Reading

What began to emerge was a consistent and controversial pattern—one that might damage Woodberry’s career, warned Smith. “I thought it was a great, daring project, but I advised [him] that lots of people wouldn’t like it if the story panned out,” Smith says. “For [him] to suggest that the missionary movement had this strong, positive... Continue Reading

A common theme that struck me in these stories is how Rome’s traditions and theology actually cloud the gospel of grace.  One priest told a young boy that if he did what he said (concerning religion) it would all be OK.  Another child grew up thinking that God was ready to condemn him if he’d... Continue Reading

I speak to people often who say they don’t want to catechize their children with something like the Westminster Shorter Catechism because they simply didn’t learn it themselves like that. Some of them say that a formal teaching method like that just isn’t appealing. There are other reasons too, of course, but the point is that everyone... Continue Reading

Most new moms love their children. Most pastors’ wives in a new church have the beginnings of affection for the people. However, it takes an experienced mom or ministry woman to know that, with God’s help, the love will grow much deeper over time. In my experience, I see my love for God’s people maturing as I mature in... Continue Reading

The unequal distribution of economic freedom leads to a system where the rich get richer because they are the only ones who can afford the costs of legality. The poor get stuck with little access to legality and poor essential services. In most indices that measure rule of law, only a minority of countries qualify... Continue Reading