When Gene Pools are Somewhat Skinny
An important aspect of the YRR movement: the highly limited gene pool of its self-perpetuating leadership
Two factors seem key in this. First, the major organizations involved in spearheading the movement, such as TGC, Desiring God and the CBMW, tend to have significant overlap in top leadership personnel. This makes problems in one branch of the movement less likely to be critiqued by others. Silence on key issues is easier to... Continue Reading
Is the Reformation Over?
To declare peace when there is no peace is to betray the heart and soul of the gospel.
The fundamental issue is this: is the basis by which I am justified a righteousness that is my own? Or is it a righteousness that is, as Luther said, “an alien righteousness,” a righteousness that is extra nos, apart from us—the righteousness of another, namely, the righteousness of Christ? From the sixteenth century to the... Continue Reading
Thank God for Your Normal Boring Life
The only people bored with boring are those who have never had to live without it.
To be sure, in one sense there is no normal. All of us suffer. All of us face interruptions, delays, disappointments, and unwanted surprises. Almost everyone with kids is living on the far side of crazy. And yet, there is a difference between crazy busy and catastrophe. If this week is a lot like last... Continue Reading
A Mighty Fortress
God is on His throne. He is in control. He is our mighty fortress, and we can find refuge in Him.
Those who know the Lord, love Him, and belong to Him need not fear. Though the mountains tremble and collapse into the sea; though kingdoms rise and fall; though wicked men flourish; though our lives are but a breath; and though we are frail vessels; we need not fear for our hope is in God.... Continue Reading
Casual, Cultural Christianity is Corroding the Church
What does casual, cultural Christianity look like and why does it thrive in our country?
Casual, cultural Christianity sounds authentic because it honors God with the lips. What makes it faux-faith, however, is that it proceeds from a heart filled with rebellion and ruled by self (the flesh). Casual Christians never surrender their heart, soul, and lives to God, never express genuine repentance, and never undergo a life transformation by... Continue Reading
We’re Burning Babies
Babies in the sewers. The alternative to the options listed by another provider: “Burial, cremation, incineration, or donation.”
Chelian’s conundrum continued as she hunted to find a place to dispose of her fresh kills. She visited funeral homes first, “who ultimately started talking about how much a body weighs before they could figure out how much it cost, had to go from pounds to ounces and they were like, ‘We don’t even know... Continue Reading
When Discontentment Steals Our Joy
The Spirit is gracious and reminds me of the way to true and lasting contentment.
God places us in circumstances and situations that we often don’t understand. Sometimes he doesn’t give us what we want because he knows what we really need is not a change in situation but more of him. The more we grow to depend and trust in him, the more we find our joy in knowing... Continue Reading
J. I. Packer: An Evangelical Life
Readers of the biography will warm to what Ryken tells us about Packer
“Evangelical preachers will want to take note of Packer’s strong words of caution (which have a wider application than just to the preacher). He assumes the content of preaching will come from Scripture, and insists a preacher know it and instill in his congregation a desire to learn it; the preacher, after all, is “there to teach from the Bible.”... Continue Reading
5 Reasons Your Pastor May Not Be Leading Well
If the pastor isn’t leading well, the church will likely suffer at some level
“Many times the pastor simply doesn’t see what you see — or for that matter, value you what you value. I’ve learned I’m often the last to know of a problem within my church. If there’s an issue in preschool ministry, for example, if someone doesn’t tell me about it, I won’t know about it.”... Continue Reading
A Legend In Your Own Mind
Brothers and sisters, let’s forsake our devilish pride. We are not that sharp.
“Lucifer thinks so much of himself. He considers himself to be pretty grand. Yes, he is a legend in his own mind. However, in reality, he is not a hero but a zero. His pride is leading to his destruction; because of his arrogance, he is set to experience a massive fall. The Lord is in... Continue Reading