So as we look at the inception of marriage under the Old Testament, we discover that it involves, as all blood covenants do, the shedding of blood. And we discover that virginity was a very special and treasured thing in the law of God. And it is special and treasured because it is part of... Continue Reading

It is becoming increasingly more popular in many Christian churches… to denigrate the public ministry of the Word, and to displace it with all kinds of other things that are deemed “more effective” for “reaching people,” things like movies, skits, and musical performances. To give serious attention to Scripture readings from representative portions of the... Continue Reading

We must all be tent-makers, we talk so much about the size of the tent. Is our tent too big or too small? If we are serious about the riches in the Bible, and that we’ll always be Reforming as well as Reformed, isn’t it clear that we’ll always want a bigger one? What makes... Continue Reading

The evangelical church needs depth where it is shallow, thoughtfulness where it is pragmatic, and conviction where it has become compromised. A casual adherence to a formal set of basic doctrines does not guarantee real unity and does not ensure genuine spiritual strength. Many Christians see the church world in black and white. You have... Continue Reading

Were it not for the Protestant Reformation, marriage would not be considered a civil institution today. Had Christians followed the early church’s example, marriage would never have been thrust into the realm of the government at all. It’s important to trace the history of marriage within the Western Christian tradition to understand the ironic conundrum... Continue Reading

Whatever one thinks of Leviticus 18 and 20 for today, it’s obvious that the Torah considered homosexual activity an abomination. It’s absurd to think that any ancient Israelite would have any celebrated David or Jonathan or Ruth or Naomi or Daniel if they were homosexual. It is the worst kind of special pleading and reader... Continue Reading

One of my concerns as the PCA moves forward is a rather clear theological and ethical movement to the Left, both with regard to biblical truth as well as personal and social ethics. Oh! Oh! Oh! Canada! In the past, I have written quite a bit about what I call the “New Religious Left” (NRL).... Continue Reading

For the first time ever, a sitting US president, considered the most powerful political leader in the world, has endorsed a marital arrangement that formally constitutes the pagan “worship of the creation rather than worship of the Creator.” Fox News journalist, Shep Smith, welcomed President Obama into the 21st century and declared those who still... Continue Reading

Measured by standard human criteria, Jesus had a remarkably unpopular and ineffective ministry. Most people simply weren’t persuaded. They were not convinced. They saw Jesus (and his teachings) as ridiculous, absurd, and offensive. Not long ago a friend sent me the Jesus film entitled The Gospel of John. This is a movie that tells the... Continue Reading

Since the majority of Mormons (58 percent) believe marriages are most satisfying when women stay home, men tend to be their family’s sole bread-winners and gravitate when possible toward well-paying, stable jobs. That often means drawing on traits honed in congregational life. In laying groundwork for a successful business career, it helps to become a... Continue Reading