I wish I knew what Peter was thinking when he was looking at Paul–a ministerial acquaintance at best–who was now confronting him publicly. Yes, publicly. At least some portion of the Antioch Church was looking on as it unfolded. Was Peter shocked, dumbstruck, mouth agape? Was he incredulous, tight-fisted? Was he broken and penitent like... Continue Reading

When the law is our guide more than Jesus Christ, we narrow the prohibitions of Scripture to the point where we can satisfy them (e.g., Matt. 5:21-22), and we ignore the more positive commands such as purity, love, and meditation on things that are godly and edifying (Gal. 5:23). In other words, the righteousness of... Continue Reading

That is why it is deeply irresponsible for a Christian leader—even on Enns’s logic—to look at Eichenwald’s piece and conclude, “Nothing to see here. Move along.” No, there is something to see here, and Christians are right to offer a defense for that hope that is within them (1 Pet. 3:15). The teachers of Christ’s... Continue Reading

But this stark contrast—a contrast between violence in the name of a prophet and forgiveness in the name of a savior—is as politically incorrect as it is obvious. For example, yesterday the Associated Press (the largest news wire service in the world) explained that it was banning cartoons that are offensive to Muslims from its... Continue Reading

To enter into the GOBC, you just have to exist in the church for a long time with the other GOBCs. Christianity really isn’t all that important to you. You exist simply by being there for long periods of time and looking the other way when Joe Bob, or Jim Bob act indiscriminately. In fact,... Continue Reading

Rather, my concern lies in a different quarter. Namely this, many are choosing doubt. Of course, they gloss it over with words like “authenticity,” “generous orthodoxy,” “spacious,” “open minded,” and so forth. But these seem to me, in the final analysis, to be an excuse for doubt. The birds of doubt land in the tree... Continue Reading

Christians have to face facts: broken families are no longer anomalous in America. More than ever, new people coming to your church will be keenly aware of their need for restored community and family support. More than ever, the church will serve functions reminiscent of what two-parent and extended families have historically served. In coming... Continue Reading

We must speak out against a culture of death and declare the gospel of life. Moreover, we must serve life in our families and churches by being the alternative to death and meeting the needs of those in crisis. The cosmology of compassion demands that we reveal the love and mercy of the triune God.... Continue Reading

“Americans may laud Charlie Hebdo for being brave enough to publish cartoons ridiculing the Prophet Muhammad, but, if Ayaan Hirsi Ali is invited to campus, there are often calls to deny her a podium. So this might be a teachable moment. As we are mortified by the slaughter of those writers and editors in Paris,... Continue Reading

“Sure, eternal life sounds wonderful at first. But unless you have a firm grasp on what the Bible has to say about eternal life, you may begin to wonder. “Eternity really is a long time,” you might think. “Is this something I really desire? After ten million years, will I really have the same desire I once had to go on existing here?”... Continue Reading