I read a lot of theology books. That’s my job—and my passion. But every time I pick one up, I raise a silent challenge: “Make me sing.” I go to a lot of worship services. That also is my job—and my passion. My challenge is, “Take me deeper.” The knowledge of God and the praise... Continue Reading

The Insider Movement claims that people can be true believers in Isa (Jesus) while remaining within Islam, often because Isa has appeared to them in a dream or a vision.  But this involves misunderstandings about the nature of salvation.  Whether we like it or not, God has entrusted the means of grace to his church. ... Continue Reading

Throughout American history our national magistrates, whatever their private religious beliefs, have been guided by America’s civil religion in performing their official duties. Presidents have extensively employed religious rhetoric in various settings for numerous reasons: to express their deepest convictions, help accomplish their purposes, unite and inspire citizens, provide comfort and consolation, stimulate people to... Continue Reading

So, if the Scripture is clear and the standards are clear, why are we even having these debates? The only reason is because many people in our denomination (a majority, if a recent poll is accurate) want us to be more tolerant and accepting of divergent views than our standards would permit.     I... Continue Reading

Because of the Roe decision, America is (along with Canada) one of the only Western countries in offering no legal protection to the unborn at any stage of development. On the fortieth anniversary of the landmark abortion decision, Roe v. Wade, a new poll shows the majority of people under 30 can’t name what the... Continue Reading

In a church of 100 people, 20 people will likely experience an episode of depression at some stage in their life. If you are in a church of that size, there are probably 5-10 people struggling with anxiety or depression right now. But instead of finding comfort and consolation in the preaching of God’s Word,... Continue Reading

When President Obama signed a defense spending bill into law on Jan. 2, he included a statement suggesting that his administration might ignore a provision in the law providing religious liberty protections to service members. Obama called the law’s conscience clause, designed to shield military chaplains from being forced to conduct same-sex marriages, “unnecessary and... Continue Reading

With the inauguration only days away, the Presidential Inauguration Committee has asked for a back-up third-string pastor to be ready to give the benediction should Luis Leon be pressured out. Sources close to the committee gave the IRD a sneak peak at the written version of a prayer to be given by an unnamed Emergent... Continue Reading

For the record, tyranny—arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power, despotic abuse of authority—cloaked in socialist sentiment is still tyranny. The Obama administration is considering 19 “executive actions” against our right to keep and bear arms. So-called assault weapons bans, universal background checks, and ammunition restrictions move us that much closer to a kingly denial of... Continue Reading

The issue here is not a matter of religious morality. Christian teaching, like that of other major religions, is as condemning of heterosexual immorality (i.e., sex outside of marriage, unnecessary divorce) as it is of homosexuality. But the French remind us that this is not really what the political debate should be about. It should... Continue Reading