I agree with D. A. Carson’s assessment: one positive contribution of the Emergent Church is their desire to present an authentic Christianity that moves beyond a formal religious faith. This desire has lead many Emergent leaders to see the problems with nineteenth and twentieth-century evangelicalism and seek to offer something with more integrity. Ref 21... Continue Reading

However, in the negotiations that took place, the plaintiffs attempted to extract from General Synod’s representatives a statement that would have provided immunity from ecclesiastical discipline for those ARP elders who had raised their hand to sue their church in civil court. Of course, such a concession could not be given. Among those who are... Continue Reading

I would argue that most ministry leaders struggle most with patience. It is downright, earth-grinding, soul-wrenching, blood-letting, tear-inducing, exhausting to minster to a person who seems, despite our every effort, resistant. And we grow impatient. The small, grass-filled space seems barely large enough to hold a three story building. I’m talking about the spot where... Continue Reading

The longer congregations are in existence, the more they are comfortable with the way things happen in their congregation. They have lost the prophetic, cutting edge nature of the vision they are seeking to fulfill. Good enough has become good enough. A subtle mediocrity has set in. Life is fragile. But you know that. All... Continue Reading

The first year, Dr. Keller spoke at the workshop on the topic, “Barriers to Accepting the Possibility of Creation by Means of an Evolutionary Process: II. Concerns of the Typical Parishoner” and presented his paper, “Creation, Evolution, and Christian Laypeople.” Last August, I noticed that Dr. Keller was no longer listed as a “leading figure”... Continue Reading

The third stage in this sad progression, falling away, captures this well. When we cut the rope that connects us to Scripture and rest in the grace of Christ, we will always end up drifting further. Do you really know yourself as well as you think you do? I ended my last article asking you... Continue Reading

Two people struggle with anxiety. One has no acquaintance with how the heart (inner person) impacts anxiety, and so thinks first about medicating away the unwanted symptoms. The other begins with, “Lord, help.” And then an endless world of fine words and promises begin to emerge from Scripture. We have always talked about psychiatric medications... Continue Reading

There you go. There’s more than the pedagogical use in view here. The writers of the Larger Catechism want us to keep our eyes on Jesus; and they want us to move forward in our union in Him to pursue application of living out God’s law. They speak to the map use. They speak of... Continue Reading

Everybody’s been writing me, asking for blueprints. Honestly, I didn’t have any. If you’ve read the story, you know everything about building an ark that I do. I will say this: don’t skimp on the pitch. Seriously. Noah’s blog Day 1 Rain. Day 2 Rain. Day 3 Rain. Day 4 Rain. Day 5 Rain. Day... Continue Reading

There is only one thing wrong with Kim. She is a Georgia Bulldog fan – big time. This has led to our one irreconcilable conflict. I am lifelong Florida Gator. Last spring I bought a big bag M&Ms, picked out all the orange and blue ones and sent them to her as an “encouragement.” She... Continue Reading