I warn you ahead of time if you love this hymn or story, this might ruin your day. Read more
I warn you ahead of time if you love this hymn or story, this might ruin your day. Read more
There are many misconceptions among modern American evangelicals about the practice of infant baptism. The first is that only Catholics and ‘liberals’ practice it, probably as a way of avoiding having to talk about sin and Jesus. The truth, however, is that it is a widespread practice, and from a global perspective is certainly the dominant practice, as it includes 2 of the 3 branches of Christianity, the Orthodox and Catholic, as well as Anglicans/Episcopalians, Lutherans, Presbyterians/Reformed, Methodists, some Nazarenes and some United Church of Christ (UCC). I will not attempt to speak to the theology and practice of all of those traditions, I will only represent my own tradition, as a Presbyterian in the Reformed tradition. I do so affirming the inerrancy of Scripture, the deity and uniqueness of Christ as the only way of Salvation, and the orthodoxy found in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creed. Read more
For anyone who works in ministry for any period of time, you have, no doubt, experienced moments akin to that of Moses… dealing with dreaded complaints. You would be hard pressed to find someone in a Christian ministry leadership position who didn't deal with complaints, especially those which seem petty, unrealistic, or distracting. So for those of us who labor for the Kingdom, I want to provide a few thoughts to keep in mind when (not if) those complaints inevitably come. While I can’t say I’m an “expert” on the subject, this (sadly) is one area of ministry where I have a bit of experience. So when that sigh-inducing knock comes upon your door… when the caller ID reveals a complain-aholic on the other line, here are some things to remember: Read more
If the stats are true, and I think they are, then approximately half of the men in your church are addicted to pornography. Notice, I didn't say struggle. I said addicted. That is a massive number! And with the boldness of the pornography industry growing, why would think that the fight is going to get easier? Consider the giant adthe porn industry recently put in Time Square. The battle is not getting easier, it's intensifying. Read more
When the church is before a storm, like Ebola, she needs to remain calm and focused. Christians ought to be the soundest thinkers and offering some of the best advice. We need to be on the front lines meeting needs of our broken world. In doing this, we are given an amazing privilege from the creator of the universe, to share the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ with a lost world. Let's remind those around us that God is still in control. He is not frazzled and trying to figure out what to do. He is the sovereign voice of reason we all need to hear and share. Read more
The problems and pain that enter our lives are often ways of God to get our attention… to remind us that we’re not in charge… to show us that His plan is better. We've deviated from the recipe and then wonder why the dish tastes so bad. The key is to be relationally in love with Christ, even in the midst of the difficult times He leads us through. That’s why Paul can say that he has learned to be content in all circumstances” (Philippians 4:11-13). Read more
Whether you are new to Reformed Theology or not, it is always helpful to have resources accessible for gospel centered reading. Due to the beauty of the internets there is a wealth of information out there - if you know where to find it.With this in mind, here are the 10 best blogs to follow about Reformed Theology. Read more
Over the course of history, the church has had a laundry list of candidates that have been suggested to be the man referenced in Revelation 13:18; which reads, “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.” Many of them have been logical, while others, have been, well... rather out there. From Adolf Hitler to Mussolini, and even Barack Obama, we have seen a variety of names come forth. I want to suggest that the man mentioned in Revelation 13:18 is not a contemporary figure or even a futuristic one. Rather, I am suggesting that he has already lived and died, almost 2000 years ago. Read more
Michael Gungor has been under a lot of fire lately for some comments he has made about the bible. He has received a backlash of criticism from Evangelicals and even had a few concerts canceled. I have listened to a few interviews where Michael has mentioned some of the horrible things people have said against him and it saddens me. There have been all kinds misrepresentation and mean things said towards him. The response has hurt him and his family, needlessly. Right or wrong, Michael Gungor, like many before him, is another victim of the Christian music genre. Read more
The cross of Christ is the most central point of all of human history. It's the single greatest event the universe has ever seen. More than that, it's the most magnificent example of love, sacrifice, and justice that has ever, or will ever, be produced. When I have doubts or wavering faith the cross is where I stop look back and say "There, right there!" It works like a source of nourishment at my deepest roots. It makes me who I am and drags me away from who I was. Words cannot contain or even begin to accurately describe the beauty and power of what happened there on that day. Read more
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