Letter from a Millennial Who Walked Away
It’s nearly impossible for me to join the followers of Jesus if this is what is asked of me.
I never intended to walk away from the faith. There is so much about Jesus that I like: his personality, his teaching, his example. I never wanted to walk away from Jesus or his followers, but I feel like I’m left with no choice. Based on the testimony of others my age, I know I’m... Continue Reading
Who Needs The Church Anyway?
I’ve recently heard of several Christians who aren’t involved in a church and don’t believe they need to be.
Maybe you’ve had a bad experience in the church. Maybe you see the deficiencies of Christians. Yet David looked at his fellow believers as “the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.” Your fellow believers aren’t perfected yet, but they are God’s excellent ones. Christ is in them and wants to bless you through... Continue Reading
5 Differences Between Catholic Theology And The Gospel
The five most glaring and significant issues that separate the Catholic Church from the gospel of grace
I give this list here simply because it always surprises me to find those that say “Catholics and Christians believe the same thing on the important issues, it is just in details where they differ.” Well, I suppose it matters what the “important issues are” but these five certainly touch on areas that are essential... Continue Reading
“Culturally-Correct” or Called Church Lay Leaders
When is it wise NOT to choose a leader, especially lay leaders in churches?
Let’s say there is a position open in your church for an elder or deacon. How often does that position go unfulfilled when you know of individuals in the church who could be elected or appointed to such a position? In my memory, I cannot remember a time in any church I have attended when... Continue Reading
Christianity Today Publishes Article Defending Theistic Evolution
Where Did We Come From? by Andrew J. Wilson, an English pastor and author, presents a disarming article in favor of theistic evolution
But he is not alone in these dubious observations. He brings out big names to validate his version of theistic evolution: “John Stott, Derek Kidner, J. I. Packer, Tim Keller, and Francis Collins have all more or less taken the same approach.” He could add PCA minister, Dr. Choong, to the list as well. ... Continue Reading
Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship
A review of John MacArthur's book on the charismatic movement
We can be thankful for MacArthur’s longtime passion for the truth of the gospel and for his unswerving commitment to the Word of God. He rightly reminds us that we must be bold and courageous in renouncing false teaching. At the same time, the charismatic movement is painted with too broad of a brush in Strange... Continue Reading
Why I Don’t Celebrate Halloween
I have no desire to expose myself or my family to the darkness that runs rampant through Halloween
While I’m aware of the arguments for the Pagan, as well as the Christian, origins for Halloween, I’m less interested in determining which origin story is the more important to today’s culture, and more interested in how Halloween is actually celebrated today. Halloween in today’s culture is a dark and disturbing celebration. From risque costumes... Continue Reading
Can Christians Enjoy God Through Halloween?
How should a Christian respond to a holiday that has obvious pagan origins?
Most people who celebrate Halloween today do not worship the dead or even use Halloween to prepare to honor the saints on November 1. The purpose of Halloween today is largely to have fun as people pretend, eat candy, and attend festivals and haunted houses. I don’t understand why Christians would not be able to participate... Continue Reading
Christians Get Divorced Too
A review of John Greco's book, Broken Vows: Divorce and the Goodness of God
Christians get divorced too. And it is horrible. Oftentimes friends, family, and church members don’t know how to help. Sometimes divorced Christians are treated like leprosy in biblical times. That’s why I really appreciate how Greco shows us how the gospel is applied in even this devastation. He shows that while God’s purpose in marriage... Continue Reading
The Safe Place for Our Kids’ Shameful Questions
Children today are taking their innocent questions to Google and, all too often, receiving decidedly non-innocent answers
Where a dictionary definition was the best you could get in my generation, the digital generation is finding graphic, pornographic, high-definition video. These searches had led to sexual awakenings and sexual addictions which in turn led to deep shame and stunted spiritual growth. And all the while these girls were simply doing what had been... Continue Reading