Pope Francis: Espousing a Peronist Rather than a Marxist Liberation Theology?
Can we argue then that the Argentine culture, so impregnated with Peronism, is playing a major role in Pope Francis’ message?
The language of inclusion explains part of the popularity of Peronism. It recognized the existence of large segments of the population which were, or could be, convinced that they were being excluded from their society. Peron flirted with class struggle and blamed the exclusion on oligarchs and capitalism. He created a space for these large... Continue Reading
Settling Some Dust in the Sanctification Debate: Remembering A Neglected Section of the Westminster Confession
There is one often-neglected paragraph in the Westminster Confession of Faith that can provide an answer to the sanctification debate
And so this section of the Westminster Confession provides important guidance and balance to these discussions. To the “rest” side, it reminds us that the Christian life involves effort – God empowered effort, but effort nonetheless. And effort that at times even trembles at the threatenings of God’s Word. To the “effort” side, it reminds... Continue Reading
7 Reasons Why Church Worship Centers Will Get Smaller
Church worship centers or sanctuaries will become smaller than they were the past 40 years
Church facilities have grown in proportion to expenses of churches over the past four decades. Church leaders are looking for more funds for ministry, and they will find those funds by reducing facility costs. The big worship center will not be built in many congregations, so they will have more funds to reach and minister... Continue Reading
Bible Bashing – How Not To Do Evangelism
It is the Spirit’s job to convince, convict and convert sinners, not ours; no need for ‘Bible Bashing’
Perhaps Bible bashing is not the problem for the evangelical church today. Maybe the challenge is Bible blushing, where believers shy away from asserting the truth of God’s Word. Regardless, when we do speak it must be in humble reliance on the Holy Spirit, firmly gripping the hilt of His sword with patience, instruction, gentleness... Continue Reading
Long Term Crisis: Who Do You Care For?
How can a church provide long term care for members in need?
No church is perfect but a prepared church will respond better when these difficult problems come. Though many will volunteer to help out in an immediate crisis, it is the long term needs that strain the resources of the church and reveal its weaknesses. To keep love constant is a challenge but Christ calls us to... Continue Reading
RUM: The Next Generation
A few words with Tom Canon
ON The Challenges: “There’s been a shift in the cultural environment, particularly related to gender issues and sexuality. In response to this, we have an opportunity to maintain an open-door policy and share the Gospel graciously, but also to be clear that the Gospel takes a different stance on these issues than the rest of... Continue Reading
Paul Walker – A Reminder to Those Who Teach in Christian Schools
Walker professed to be a Christian testifying that a major factor in his spiritual life was his education at an evangelical Christian school
For better or worse, many students will pass through the classrooms of Christian schools around the world. I’m so proud of many of the students who have been in one of my classes or schools in the past as they have become leaders of influence as adults. I doubt that many thought Paul Walker would... Continue Reading
An Illustration of Repentance at Work in the Lives of Believers
Illustrating the nature of repentance as a saving grace
We all recognize that that first act of repentance is only the beginning. We recognize that sins must be mortified. We recognize that there is the problem of indwelling sin in the life of the believer. But I suspect that we don’t often attach repentance to these things. In part, this may be because we... Continue Reading
The End of Urban Ministry
Why this pastor is done with urban ministry
Scudder worries here that many churches attempt to help the poor but they operate out a poor theology of poverty and a poor understanding of economics. This type of ignorance can put churches in positions where they are enabling poverty or, even worse, hurting those they intend to help. Scudder also worries that “pastors in... Continue Reading
SBC Entities Defend Ministerial Housing Allowance; Judge’s Ruling Heads to Appeal
Federal Judge Barbara Crabb struck down the ministerial housing allowance provision included in a 1954 federal law
“The clergy housing allowance isn’t a government establishment of religion, but just the reverse,” ERLC President Russell D. Moore said. “The allowance is neutral to all religions. Without it, clergy in small congregations of all sorts would be penalized and harmed. We will continue to fight to protect the housing allowance, because we believe clergy... Continue Reading
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