I saw a child this week. He was a cute little guy. Maybe 3 years old. But I was grieved when I saw him. His mom was about 21. She clearly looked at this cute young child as a hindrance. And I am sure that in many ways he was. This poor child, however, was growing up in an environment in which love was not being modelled to him (now, I hope I am wrong about this child. After all,... Read more
I see several reasons why every pastor should be ordained Kinda funny to think about, but no one would visit a medical doctor that has no formal medical training. Yet, many go to a church every week where the pastor, who is responsible for their spiritual care, has no formal training. The way I see it, the Church has too many people in places of authority that should not be. Certainly, many of them are gifted leaders. They may well... Read more
The solution to the church is found in us. It is our job to make the church better. Two questions: What is the “pillar and support of the Truth” according to Scripture? How about this one: When Jesus returns who is He going to redeem? Tough question and I suspect that many do not have a quick answer. The answer to both questions is the Church. (see: 1 Tim 3:15 says, “. . . I write so that you will know... Read more
You can’t start a church. Period. Jesus said so! It is not your decision to start one. It is Christ’s. It is He who said, “I will build My Church” (Matt 16:18). Now, perhaps you are called to lead a church. I am just saying that you can’t start you own! “But I prayed about this and God has shown me and others many signs that confirm this calling.” You may very well be called to be a lead pastor, but... Read more
I have three simple premises here. First, the Church was founded by and is built by Christ (“I will build My Church”: Matt 16:18): He commissioned His twelve to build His Church. Secondly, the Church is the body of Christ (1 Cor 10:16-17). Thirdly, the unity of the body is a core desire of Christ (John 17:21). In light of these, I will contend that one cannot leave the Church and start a church of their own. For, to leave... Read more
If you are looking for an Anti-Christ to enter a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, you are, tragically, looking in the wrong place! We hear so much talk about the AntiChrist in certain circles of Christianity. He supposedly will come to Jerusalem, enter the rebuilt Temple, make a peace treaty with Israel, and then after 3 1/2 years he will break the treaty and force everyone to recieve a mark on their forehead or righthand with the number 666. Well, I... Read more
The fabric upon the which the Bible was penned must be viewed as one garment. The whole Bible coheres and centers around the fact of God’s redemption and restoration of both mankind and the whole of creation. The book of Revelation is Genesis fulfilled. The entire Bible, in fact, weaves a beautiful story of God’s work in creation and, because of the fall, His subsequent effort to restore His creation. This is why the Gospel of John begins by quoting... Read more
Instead of waiting for the kingdom of God to come, we have been commanded by God to be the agents through which God brings His kingdom. We must learn to view our jobs and our relationships from a kingdom perspective This year the session (i.e., the ruling board) at my church has decided that we should focus our attention on “Thy Kingdom Come” (sometimes that King James English just needs to come out). Sounds great. right? I personally wish that... Read more
I wrote a book: Understanding Eschatology (since republished as Understanding the New Testament and the End Times). The subtitle was “Why it Matters!” Most people could seem to care less about the end times. Others are way to obsessed with it. I say it is vital, crucial, essential. The Bible is an incredible and fascinating book. It is far from being merely a list of moral guidelines, or an instruction manual on ‘how to get to heaven in ten easy steps’.... Read more
I fully agree that we are supposed to bless Israel (Gen 12:3). And I do believe that God is faithful to His promises. And I think he has: In Jesus! That is, Jesus is Israel. This is fundamental to the NT and to the Bible. Let me make several points: First, I am quite grieved by the fact that many Christians who engage in this debate are too often not willing to honestly look at Scripture. Regardless of what side... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In