Do not assume you know who is and who is not a sexual offender. Most people falsely think that they would be able to identity a predator—he or she would be a “monster.” Maybe he is a single man? Someone who is disheveled? Maybe he has some kind of evident mental illness or addiction or... Continue Reading

“If you want to become a skilful reader, you need to learn how to read different topics, genres, and authors. Sure, you might want to start with Duck Dynasty books, but you will want to move on to more demanding subjects such as history, theology, classical novels, and so on. Although we should remain open to learning... Continue Reading

There are many in the church who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. They have participated in the means of grace. They even fit in. They walk with us and talk like us. But they turn away from the truth, do not continue to exercise faith by actively engaging in the gospel... Continue Reading

Confessions and creeds are useful tools and teachers for Christians who want guidance for standing firm in the faith.  Sadly, some people view Reformed creeds and confessions as straightjackets or paper popes that bind and restrict Christians in  many ways.  However, the Reformed confessions and creeds are purposely ambiguous on certain doctrines; this allows for... Continue Reading

This makes a fitting conclusion to Owen’s instructions on putting sin to death. With all the instructions made, we have now only to look to Christ, to trust in Christ, and to rely on his Holy Spirit. So simple. Yet it is the Christian’s lifetime work.   Putting sin to death is at once so simple... Continue Reading

“One thing that made Broadus so theologically profound was that he would be called a “lifelong learner” in today’s parlance. I do not think it a stretch to refer to him as a “renaissance man.” All of this is what made Broadus so deeply rich. But he never forgot his humble beginnings. He always endeavored... Continue Reading

How is religion passed down across generations? That’s the theme of the new book Families and Faith by Vern L. Bengtson (with Norella M. Putney and Susan Harris). As an exercise in statistical and sociological research, there is nothing particularly biblical or spiritual about the book (though, interestingly, the author describes how at the end... Continue Reading

“I hope the book is widely read by pastors, academics, and thoughtful lay people, who have — or wish they had — a compelling and reliable vision for God’s new global work in our time. So what I am trying to do here is give a glimpse into Noll’s three passions and the foil of... Continue Reading

What if you are a major publisher like Thomas Nelson and you suddenly discover that your  mega best-selling book Jesus Calling was inspired by a channeled New Age book? And what if you find out that some of the “messages” your author “received” from her “Jesus” weren’t really from Jesus because they contradict what the... Continue Reading

In 1659 John Bunyan wrote a book called The Doctrine of the Law and Grace Unfolded.  In this book Bunyan well explains the difference(s) between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace, between the law and the gospel.  He explains how, in Adam, everyone by nature is in the covenant of works and... Continue Reading