In the end, Christians don’t need adjectives, trending tribes, or superlatives that make them vulnerable to narcissism and shame to know what it “truly” means to follow Christ. The Bible’s language is sufficient. Instead, God’s people are invited to live lives free (Gal 5) from any from of direct or accidental legalism everyday. The good... Continue Reading

Small problems are frequent and easily solved. You said something hurtful to her, or he acted in an insensitive way toward you. Someone apologized, or somebody covered the sin with love. The problem is worked out quickly. On the other hand, big problems, with their longer duration and more devastating consequences, are harder. Thankfully, these... Continue Reading

Because following Jesus is “weird” and the message of the gospel is “folly”, we must take care that we do not add any additional stumbling blocks to the message of the gospel. We must take great pains to ensure that the only thing unbelievers stumble over is the gospel, and that the only offense is... Continue Reading

He didn’t have a “whatever it takes,” or a “whatever works” mentality, he had a “whatever glorifies God” mentality, or even a “whatever God allows” mentality toward evangelism. Paul was a “one horse preacher.” He went preaching the gospel, not trusting in the “wisdom of words,” but trusting in and preaching “Christ and Him crucified”... Continue Reading

There is much that is orthodox within current evangelicalism. Sadly, there is also much that is not orthodox. I see the problem of idolatry, not as a slight deviation here and there, but as a major problem. Idolatrous views of God are rampant within current evangelicalism. I find a God who is not immutable, who... Continue Reading

The irony is that once you turn from God to find good, the truth that we cannot bear to face is that we are the ones full of evil. For looking to anything other than God to learn goodness is the highest of evil. There is no good apart from God. And so the attractive... Continue Reading

That does not mean we are imposing our religion, seeking to bring about a utopian kingdom of God. Although our motive is forward looking (faithfulness to Christ and his work) our standard is backward looking (conformity to the created order, or to natural law). Although the measure according to which we will be judged is that... Continue Reading

We find no “bottom line” pragmatism here. No call to “hit our numbers” for the quarter. Our charter is clear: All authority has been given to Jesus (the why) so we are sent to make disciples, baptize, and teach. And we’ve even been given the “how” (means) of how we will fulfill this call: Jesus... Continue Reading

The reason for her non-answer is very simple. There is no moral difference between the baby born alive at 23 weeks and a baby of the same age that is killed just moments before birth. But she can’t admit that in public. Why? Because for her to recognize the humanity of the unborn at any... Continue Reading

As an historical theologian I am inclined to think that the historicality of creeds and confessions should be respected wherever possible. For example, while I don’t think it is particularly helpful to refer to the current Pope Francis I as the “antichrist” and “son of perdition,” I do think it is useful to be reminded... Continue Reading