Yes, We Are to Call Out Evil and Serious Deception
More on the Candace Cult
If by now those calling themselves conservatives and Christians cannot see through the demolition derby Candace [Owens] is trying to get away with, then I must say that I fear for her followers as much as her!…Thankfully many solid Christians and conservatives are speaking out about this dangerous false prophet and wolf in sheep’s clothing.... Continue Reading
Why Did the Triumphal Entry Crowd Turn on Jesus a Week Later?
The simple answer is that they probably didn’t. There were two groups of people. The Matthew account of the Triumphal Entry clearly delineates between the two.
There were the thousands of pilgrims surrounding Jesus, shouting and rejoicing, but observing this unfold were the inhabitants of Jerusalem.…the religious leaders, priests, and governmental officials. As they looked at this massive crowd descending the Mount of Olives, shouting out Messianic prophecies, and following this unassuming man humbly riding on the colt of a donkey,... Continue Reading
The Bible’s OS is not Aristotle
Two operating systems: Athens and Jerusalem.
This impulse to get behind the curtain—to know and explain God on our own terms—is not new. It is as old as the garden. The first temptation was not merely to disobey, but to cross a boundary: to become “like God,” to grasp what belongs to God alone, and to possess knowledge in a way... Continue Reading
Early Heresies: Arianism vs Orthodoxy
Subtleties in theology can sometimes be cosmically significant.
Arius’ first main opponent was Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria. He recognized Arius’ position not as a progression in Christian theology, but a digression from the Apostolic faith. When Emperor Constantine called for the matter to be settled, the church council of Nicaea (AD 325) convened. The council confessed the Son homoousious (“one substance”) with the Father, and... Continue Reading
An Unremarkable Life
On decreasing so Christ might increase.
To decrease is not to disappear but to be freed from illusions of grandeur. Or “notions” if you are Irish! If Christ is the Savior, then I don’t have to be. If the Spirit gives growth, then I don’t have to manufacture it. If God’s glory is what matters, then my reputation doesn’t need to... Continue Reading
Congregational Singing as Pastoral Work
Pastoral Reflections on BCO 51.
We should not choose music randomly, as though the service were a playlist. There should be an internal coherence to what we are doing: we gather before God, confess faith, confess sin, hear the Word, respond in praise, and depart with blessing. Song selection should serve that movement. When modern Christians talk about “worship,”... Continue Reading
The Value of Sailing with a Godly Man
Who are you sailing with today? It could make all the difference.
[Paul] was the only one on board who had counsel from God Himself, the One who holds the storm in His hands. Notice what the men around Paul received, just by being with him. Wise counsel…gracious protection…courageous faith. My mother used to quote the old saying: “You are a product of the books you... Continue Reading
The Resurrection of the Body
The faith once delivered for all the saints has been one with a future hope of bodily resurrection.
The great future hope we have for the next life is life. Not an ethereal, floaty, disembodied intangible existence. New bodies, experiencing a new life forever, never again to be corrupted through sin or under the curse. 25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the... Continue Reading
In a Church Without Deacons, Who Does Their Work?
As James Ramsay implied, as Harry Reeder declared, and as Dr. Guy Waters says in a GRN article, the deacon’s ministry is one of “authoritative service.”
According to Ramsay, when qualified deacons could not be obtained it was the elders who discharged the duties of both offices. Looking back, that makes perfect sense because in the Jerusalem church of Acts 6 there were no deacons until the apostles realized they needed help. If all agree that the office of elder is... Continue Reading
Six Gospel Antidotes to Anxiety
Matt. 6:25–34.
Verses 31–32 show that the Gentiles prioritize food, drink, and clothing. Secular people are often preoccupied with their physical needs at the expense of their spiritual wellbeing. It is no accident that Jesus taught about storing treasure in heaven rather than on earth just before addressing anxiety. The more we accumulate earthly treasures, the more... Continue Reading
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