7 Crippling Parenting Behaviors That Keep Children From Growing Into Leaders
Parents are failing our children today — coddling and crippling them — and keeping them from becoming leaders they are destined to be
How can parents move away from these negative behaviors (without having to hire a family therapist to help)? “It’s important for parents to become exceedingly self-aware of their words and actions when interacting with their children, or with others when their children are nearby. Care enough to train them, not merely treat them to a... Continue Reading
How to Preach David and Goliath with balance: a case study of finding Christ in the Old Testament (Part 2)
A helpful return to an emphasis of finding Christ in all of the Scriptures, particularly the Old Testament
Following David in this, as well as all the examples he sets for us is neither to embrace moralism nor legalism, but an effort to grow in our faith – to look to God to save us and work through even as David did. Insofar as David demonstrates the spirit of Christ, he sets an... Continue Reading
Sex, Intimacy, Pornography and Heaven
A way of combating any struggle with a misuse of sex can be found in a deep understanding of the nature of heaven
Sex within the context of marriage is pointing to a greater reality in heaven. Knowing and being known. Intimacy. We long for it but we are also a bit afraid of it because we know, this side of heaven, we may be hurt. This is a primary reason many indulge in pornography. Pornography provides sexual... Continue Reading
13 Differences Between the PCA and the PCUSA
Differences between two major Presbyterian denominations
There used to be significant theological differences between the PCA’s and PCUSA’s theology of worship. These difference still exist on paper even though they no longer exist in practice. The PCA confesses that all of our worship should be directed only by the Bible, while the PCUSA states that worship should be an amalgam of... Continue Reading
21 Reasons Why You Don’t Want to Be A Seminary Professor
Being a seminary professor is not as glamorous as many think
Like everything else, you need a divine calling to do it, persevere in it, and get joy in it. But you don’t see a lot of immediate fruit in lecturing. You do it in faith, believing that some years down the line a student will remember and use what you taught them and use it... Continue Reading
What Is the Prosperity Gospel?
The prosperity gospel error is the idea that faithfulness to God necessarily results in material prosperity
Instead of faith being the rational trust in the proclaimed Word of God in accord with available evidence, the faith of prosperity gospel adherents is positive thinking and expectation of God’s material blessing. Positive thinking, called faith, necessarily results in material blessings if it is sincere. This is the simple law of faith according to... Continue Reading
Christian Movie Theme Song’s Oscar Nod Befuddles Hollywood Elite
Well-known Christian author, speaker, and quadriplegic Joni Eareckson-Tada performs the song, which combines the characteristics of an old spiritual and a modern hymn.
Mainstream media outlets erupted in confusion and indignation Thursday over a surprise Oscar nomination for Best Song. “Alone Yet Not Alone,” the theme song for an independent Christian film of the same name, edged out a long list of songs by mainstream artists and will face off against the likes of U2 and Pharrell Williams, as well... Continue Reading
7 Tips on Teaching and Preaching the Old Testament
Remember that Old Testament Believers were Believers
Avoid the extremes of either making all your Old Testament sermons about following (or avoiding) the examples of the Old Testament characters, or of making all your Old Testament sermons theological flyovers that land finally in Christ but never impact the spiritual lives and ethics of your hearers. Old Testament sermons should have both emphases,... Continue Reading
Two Kinds of Idolatry
Who do we think we are to be creating our own gods or trying to re-fashion God according to our own terms?
The first form of idolatry is deadly because it leads us to worship as God those things which are not gods – to give them our devotion and trust. The second form is deadly because if leads us to worship God as though He were not God, not the God of the Bible, perfect and... Continue Reading
Patriarchy vs. Single Women in the Bible
A response to an article regarding the reasons as to why a young Christian girl was not in college, but instead was staying under her father till marriage
The Bible doesn’t say your calling as a young woman is to be a “worker at home.” In fact, Paul says, “The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she who is married cares for the things of the world, how... Continue Reading