Because we entrust ourselves to this Savior, we neither attempt to control death as the world does nor “grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13). We face death honestly, soberly—even tearfully—but not hopelessly.   We do not do death well. We avoid it. We deny it. We even pretend we can... Continue Reading

It has long been the case that laxer forms of religion have declined while more demanding forms have grown or at least declined more slowly. The divide within this segment of Gen Z seems to be even more pronounced. This group will not be interested in churches that accommodate themselves to American culture. The seeker-sensitive... Continue Reading

In the United States, many pastors never speak of God’s discipline or God’s judgment. God expects pastors to care for people’s souls. We must do so in a Biblical way. Sin is rebellion against the King of the universe. It is disrespect for his person. Despite such disrespect, God still loves people. He does forgive... Continue Reading

Though he is a devil masquerading as an angel of light, he would oppose transgender men who masquerade as women; he would oppose gender ideology. He would also claim to hate homosexual “marriages” and threats to traditional families, despite his support for his homosexual friends’ producing children through IVF surrogacy. He would say all the things... Continue Reading

If I know that Scripture calls leaders to sober accountability and careful shepherding, then I cannot ignore it when leadership becomes vague where clarity is needed. If I know that Scripture commands me to rightly divide the Word of truth, then I cannot excuse my own passivity by saying, “I was only following the pastor.”... Continue Reading

Goldilocks wanted porridge that was “just right” — not too hot, not too cold. However, the fairy tale does not have a happy ending. In the end, Goldilocks is confronted by the three bears and runs away into the forest. The EPC’s “just right” middle way has held the denomination together for 45 years, but... Continue Reading

The church is called to preach the gospel, show mercy, care for the needy, and love the stranger. Individual Christians can and should find ways to help immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through charity, ministry, and hospitality, but should never break the law in doing so.   Immigration is one of the most emotionally charged... Continue Reading

The ethos of the PCA is decidedly not “in non-essentials liberty.” And I cannot think of a single denomination where that is actually the practice. As I stated earlier, I have seen this statement bandied about by those who have publicly stated their disagreement and disgust with the overwhelming decision of the General Assembly to... Continue Reading

Brothers, we have a high calling. No doubt, each of us (if we examine our lives) will find many instances where we have failed in our personal holiness and faithfulness. Let us fall neither into despair nor indifference. Rather, let us bring the Word to bear on our own lives. Let us preach to ourselves... Continue Reading

Celsus reminds us that the world may be watching more than we think. The point here is not that Christians should just cease all theological debate and pretend differences don’t matter. No, as already noted, some truths are so central to faith that they are worth battling over. At the same time, it is also true... Continue Reading