11 Things to Know about the Doctrine of the Trinity
To contemplate the Trinity is to lift up your heart and to “set your mind on the things above.”
There is never a point in the New Testament when Paul writes to a church, “Now concerning the three persons in the one God, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” That doesn’t happen because neither Paul nor the other apostles ever announce to the church for the first time that we have received information... Continue Reading
Ireland Votes To Overturn Its Abortion Ban, ‘Culmination Of A Quiet Revolution,’ Prime Minister Says
Election officials reported that 66.4 percent voted to overturn Ireland’s abortion ban and 33.6 percent opposed the measure.
Social change in Ireland has been seismic. In the 1990s, homosexual activity was criminal here. Divorce was forbidden. It was still difficult to buy a condom, the sale of which was outlawed until 1985. Within a generation, all of that has changed, bringing the majority-Catholic nation of about 4.8 million people into line with the... Continue Reading
Jesus, John the Baptist, and Redemptive-History (Matthew 3)
Jesus does not submit himself to John’s baptism as a mere example to be followed, but to propel redemptive-history forward in himself as the true Israel.
But we may be able to say more than this, for Jesus himself undergoes John’s baptism with water for repentance. As the true Israel (cf. 2:15), he makes a true confession of sins, not for his own sins, but vicariously for the sake of his people he came to save. In fulfilling all righteousness. ... Continue Reading
Are Believers Under The Law As A Schoolmaster
The role of the Law of God in convicting sinners and consecrating believers.
In its third use the law serves as the rule for the Christian. Now, however, our relation to the law has changed. “Before, it was an instrument of the spirit of bondage to throw down and bruise man, but afterwards it becomes the instrument of the Spirit of adoption to promote sanctification. Thus the law... Continue Reading
The Intersection of the Natural and the Supernatural in Preaching
How do the supernatural and the natural intersect in the act of preaching?
The human effort of mind and will and body that goes into preaching is not contrary to the purposes of God to bring about supernatural effects. And, therefore, my plea is for preachers to expend every effort in thinking2 and explaining and arguing and illustrating with all their rational powers to make the intention of the... Continue Reading
The Enduring Goodness of Marriage: What the Gospel Has to Say to a Culture of Cohabitation
If we are honest marriage brings with it incredible blessings, but also incredible pain.
The Enlightenment privatized marriage, taking it out of the public sphere, and redefined its purpose as individual gratification, not any ‘broader good’ such as reflecting God’s nature, producing character, or raising children. (28) Marriage used to be a public institution for the common good, and now it is a private arrangement for the satisfaction of... Continue Reading
Help and Hope During a Disability Diagnosis: The Story of Hannah
I’ve never been able to have a sit-down conversation with my daughter about her emotions. Lucy’s brain just doesn’t work that way.
While grief is a natural part of any special needs parent’s journey, it’s experienced differently by parents affected by Autism because of the range of possible outcomes. Many children with Autism grow up to be well-functioning adults. Most of these kids experience the social and communication struggles of Autism without intellectual delays. However, just over half,... Continue Reading
First Methodist, Louisville, Miss., Withdraws from United Methodist Church, Raising Issues Over Church Property Winston Web News
On March of 2018, church members at First United Methodist Church of Louisville, Mississippi voted to withdraw the congregation's membership from the UMC denomination.
The bishop dismissed the pastor. He declared that he accepted the withdrawal and transfer of the 175 members, and that those few remaining now made up the church. He appointed Dr. Carl Grubbs as interim pastor. He gave the present pastor 30 days to vacate the church parsonage. So, how will those 175 plus members... Continue Reading
Adjusting Our Grip on God’s Promises
We must distinguish between the promises of God and our expectations for how they will be fuilfilled
“If God chooses to fulfill His promise in an unexpected way…if He chooses to bring you to Egypt and give the land to your great-great-great-great-great-granchildren…if He chooses to give you a new resurrection body rather than heal the one you have…then submit to the goodness of His plan.” No one would have called Jacob’s... Continue Reading
3 Dangerous Lies Ministry Leaders Believe
Isolation, boredom, and pride are not sins to tame, but sins that must be slain
“Over the last several years I’ve thought a lot about fallen ministry leaders. I’ve seen godly leaders I love and respect implode, and I’ve observed explosive lies beneath the surface bring devastating fallout to friends, family, ministries, and a watching world. These lies also brought about David’s fall, and their effect is just as destructive... Continue Reading
