I’m well aware of the fact that our tolerance of “day-age,” “analogical,” and “framework” views is seen by some as a very good thing. It shows that we are not stick-in-the-mud fundamentalists. And for this reason we can still be people who are respected by intellectuals and scientific people. We can even join with them... Continue Reading

I noted last week that an extra ‘q’ had been added to the now familiar LGBTQ initials.  I had gained that gem of knowledge by browsing the freshman packet of Georgetown University (Georgetown is, as the late Richard John Neuhaus enjoyed pointing out, a Jesuit institution).  Well, a keen eyed reader of Ref21 has spotted that Millersville University,... Continue Reading

No doubt, these “customer service” type items do not embody the core commitments of gospel ministry. But as an expression of kindness, love, and hospitality, they are not insignificant. During one of the long periods while my bookkeeper was put on hold, she turned to me and whispered, “This is why we switched banks.” Smart... Continue Reading

What can the Old Testament possibly say to our culture? It seems a million miles and sometimes a million years away from our time, our generation, and our problems. How can something so old address all the new challenges of globalization, sex-trafficking, the digital revolution, etc. There’s no question that the Old Testament is a... Continue Reading

Dawkins explains that as a child, he was sexually molested by one of his teachers, as were some of his classmates. “I don’t think he did any of us lasting harm,” he explains. Dawkins odd stance ironically led him to defend the Catholic Church, minimizing the sex-abuse scandal that they faced: “Although I’m no friend... Continue Reading

Those familiar with Lee Strobel’s outstanding book The Case for Christ will find themselves following along nimbly with the evidence presented in this film. This time, however, the evidence for the historicity of Christianity is presented winsomely inside the story’s main plot-line, and in an especially personal way.    Recently I had the opportunity to attend the... Continue Reading

As you go about another ordinary day, you’re no ordinary human being. The Lord of hosts is conquering and advancing his kingdom through you. As you make your kids lunch and sweep the hallway, and change that diaper. As you ride the train to work, and swing that hammer, and fill out that spreadsheet, Jesus... Continue Reading

Now all we need to do is connect the dots. God desires to meet with his people, and the blood of the spotless lamb is the only means by which that meeting is made possible. The mercy seat of the Old Testament, and the blood sprinkled upon it by the high priest, prefigured Christ to... Continue Reading

Brothers, let us preach the practical implications and exhortations of Scripture, yes. But let us not forget that the message of Christianity is Christ. It is the message of the sufficiency and power of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Let’s not preach works, lest we increase the sinfulness of our churches... Continue Reading

I recently made the transition from the seminary desk to the church pulpit. It has been one of the most joyful experiences in my life, but also one of the most humbling as I have had to hit the “reset” button on my expectations and assumptions. I imagine I’m not the only seminarian turned pastor... Continue Reading