The best-known and most public debate concerns the doctrines of Reformed theology (Calvinism), which a growing number of the SBC’s most influential figures now embrace.  SBC leaders are pleased that the convention is having a robust debate about the doctrines of salvation and not, like many other Protestant bodies, about same-sex marriage and LGBT issues.  ... Continue Reading

With the decline of the influence of Christianity in America, our nation has lost any moral compass to make decisions about just wars, or any other issue for that matter. The moralism of secular leaders has replaced the Law of God as a foundation for all of life. They promise us life, but they give... Continue Reading

“Conflict is everywhere people are, and it seems to be escalating. The incivility of our culture is having a toxic effect on ministry and congregations. The Faith Communities Today survey of 14,000 congregations found that 75 percent of churches have experienced some level of conflict. At any given time, one-fifth of congregations are in active... Continue Reading

“As someone who waited until I was married to have sex, I was assured that I would be guaranteed an easy and rewarding sex life. When reality turned out to be different, I was disappointed and disillusioned. Only through gradual conversations with other married friends did I realize I wasn’t alone.”   I’ve heard people... Continue Reading

“While there are numerous leading indicators that can foretell the future of a nation’s economy, there are few metrics that serve to predict its spiritual direction. Such metrics can be useful, though, which is why I want to make the case for what might seem like an unusual spiritual indicator: Annual baptisms in the Southern... Continue Reading

“Turretin addresses the nature of sanctification and good works in the seventeenth topic, in 5 questions. Like Aquinas’ Summa Theologica (1274) and Ursinus’ Summa Doctrinae (1585 et seq), Turretin used a catechetical (question and answer) method of instruction. The first question concerns the definition of sanctification.”   In part 1 we looked briefly at some... Continue Reading

“We will never outgrow God’s plan for our growth. Neglecting the means of grace can only result in spiritual loss. The sad irony is that those who neglect the means of grace and thus spiritually deteriorate are often unable to understand why they have so degenerated. They’ve become so spiritually anemic that they no longer... Continue Reading

Dictator: Christian marriage is not to be domineered by one spouse or the other. The husband is the head of the marriage union (Eph. 5), but he is not its king. Both the husband and the wife serve one single King. He dictates the rules, character, and purpose for this relationship. Whether our inclination is to... Continue Reading

First, the cults offer special knowledge. When we look back to Genesis 3, Satan’s temptation was “you will be like God.” This appeals to fleshly pride, even among Christians. We will always struggle with this. But the cults cultivate this call to human pride because they put forth “special” knowledge, that only they will and the... Continue Reading

Third, our glorious resurrected bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. If this is true in this life, how much more in the life to come? The Holy Spirit, who is Christ’s Spirit, makes us able to bear Christ in his majesty. The Holy Spirit enables God’s people in Heaven to receive communications from God... Continue Reading