The Apostle’s Creed: Born of the Virgin Mary
“Born of the Virgin Mary” does indicate that Jesus’ humanity is made of the same stuff as Mary, and that he is the same kind of creature as she – and as you and I!
Mary’s humanity was the material for the Spirit’s creation. We share the same humanity with Jesus and Mary, only newly created in Jesus as a kind of second humanity. Both sources (maker and material) rule out sexual union. His humanity is “conceived by the Holy Spirit,” rather than by the ordinary means, and “born of... Continue Reading
Jesus and Joysticks: Why the Church Should Stop Making Fun of Video Gamers
Video games have grown from a niche industry to one that generated more than $108 billion in revenues in 2017—yet video gamers are a popular target of Christian angst and aggression.
I’ve seen prominent and not-so-prominent pastors portray video gamers as stereotypical, lazy college graduates. These video game players refuse to get a real job. They live at home in their parents’ basement and never take responsibility. We need men to grow up. This may elicit chuckles and high-fives from some, but it may also hurt a faithful... Continue Reading
4 Huge Theological Challenges (and How the Exodus Story Helps)
Reflecting on the exodus story, and particularly its echoes throughout the Bible, can help us face the challenges of our generation
Some of these echoes are clear as a bell (“for Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed”), and some are much fainter (chariots and water in the Elijah story). But they all increase our insight into, and enjoyment of, the redemptive shape of the biblical story. Every generation faces specific theological challenges. If asked... Continue Reading
Hudson Taylor’s Founding of the China Inland Mission
Hudson interviewed or corresponded with all of the main English missionary societies about the need to send workers to the unevangelized provinces of inland China.
Through the early months of 1865 Hudson sensed the Lord prompting him to establish a mission that would have as its objective the evangelization of the inland regions of China. Knowing the marked challenges, trials and responsibilities such an undertaking would entail, he hesitated. For weeks he wrestled with God about the decision. Do... Continue Reading
Mormons Sever Ties with Boy Scouts
The Mormon defection deals a serious blow to the organization roiled by major changes in recent years.
Earlier this year the Boy Scouts announced it would open its ranks to girls and change its name to Scouts BSA. Mormon leaders initially stuck with Scouting but began mulling over a new program for its young members. Mormon leaders announced late Tuesday their religion will sever all ties with the Boy Scouts, pulling 425,000... Continue Reading
The One Who Endures: The Confession
We are often tempted to look for the source of our endurance in one place (our free will or our desire to persevere) when, truly, it is found in another (the unchanging decree of God)!
One should clarify, in this age of spiritual and religious transience, that perseverance really does exist. There are those who will not fall away and will finally enter into eternal rest. However, the Westminster Confession of Faith goes a bit further on that point, saying not just that folk WILL not fall away but that... Continue Reading
A Time to Mourn
We weep in the graveyard now just as sure as we will dance at the resurrection when Jesus returns.
Grieving reader, I want to begin by saying, “I’m sorry. Could we gather together around the Bible, in your time of sorrow, and let the Lord place His arm around our shoulders, hearing Him invite us to do what His people have done and will always do until the day of no more tears—to mourn,... Continue Reading
5 Spiritual Disciplines That Will Change Your Life
Here are a few “Spiritual Disciplines” or practices that produce fruit and blessings in our lives.
The more we obey Jesus’ commands to serve others, the more joy it will bring into our lives…. A “discipline” is something we do regularly. So don’t wait until you’re in trouble to pray. Do it every day….God gives us these “spiritual disciplines” for our joy and gladness in him. Start small. Build habits. ... Continue Reading
Coveting Beauty
The initial seed of sin is when we do not obey the voice and commandment of the Lord.
There is nothing wrong with beautiful things. But when their beauty captivates our eyes and our heart more than the beauty of Christ, then we have begun to worship false gods. Achan had cherished the things devoted to the LORD more than he cherished the LORD. And the consequence for his false worship was that... Continue Reading
These Are Not the “Twelve Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World”
The survey has absolutely no business claiming to have singled out anything like a top twelve preachers list.
If I somehow had a God’s eye view of all preaching taking place at this time in my native language, I would easily identify not just twelve, but twelve times twelve preachers other than those named in the survey who are toiling in relative obscurity to greater effect. I have little doubt that this is a... Continue Reading