Is There Hope for Erskine Becoming a Decidedly Evangelical Christian College & Seminary?
Why has Erskine's new policy sexuality caused such a stir?
Is there hope for Erskine becoming a decidedly evangelical Christian College & Seminary? I hope so. This one thing is for certain: the new policy on sexual conduct and the ensuing flap from the LGBT and secular communities brings to sharp focus the challenge for Erskine College & Seminary to truly become a decidedly evangelical... Continue Reading
Ten Reasons Why the Church of Scotland is in Decline
Ten Reasons Why the Church of Scotland is in Decline
According to this theology Christianity is just one of the many world religions which are about inner transformation (which shows that Mr. McKenna knows as little about Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism as he does about Christianity!). None of it has much to do with Jesus Christ. And there is my concern. If the Church of... Continue Reading
I Know I Say I’m Not Perfect But You Don’t Have To Agree With Me
Though I’m willing to confess publicly I am a sinner in general, I don’t like others pointing out my sin in specific.
This gets too close for comfort~ too close to exposing my true heart. Confessing in generalities is so much easier, isn’t it? Functionally, I am like the rich young ruler who has the audacity to say to Jesus of the utterly unkeepable law, “All these I have kept. What do I lack?” I don’t actually think... Continue Reading
When God’s Gifts Don’t Come Wrapped in Pretty Bows
Suffering is a gift that is intended for our good
When I first unwrapped the gift of depression, I was not grateful. I did not smile and say, “Just what I’ve always wanted!” But like Joseph, looking back, I can see how God used something bad for my good (see Genesis 50:20). Though there is nothing good about depression, God used it for my good. He... Continue Reading
RCA Approves University Reformed Church’s Transfer to the PCA
As a condition of its transfer, University Reformed Church (URC) must pay its annual assessment for 2015 and 2016 (roughly $80,000 total) and pay an additional $200,000 so that the classis can plant another church in the area.
The classis committee investigating our petition recommended that our request be denied and we not be able to leave the RCA. The classis, however, approved a substitute motion which granted URC and its pastors a transfer into the PCA. A proposed amendment to strike the $200,000 requirement from the substitute motion failed. The final vote... Continue Reading
Jesus Is Necessary, But Is He Enough?
Our sinful flesh refuses to feed on Christ, leaving us painfully empty
“We frequently talk about the sole sufficiency of Christ, but I’m afraid that it is often little more than a religious cliché. Though I had often affirmed its truth and preached sermons on the topic, I never really knew that Jesus was enough until I was confronted with the fact that he was all I... Continue Reading
Is Corporate Confession of Sin Enough?
We need others to help us wage war against the deceitfulness of sin
“Why is it easier to confess our sin to a dreadfully holy God than to another justified sinner? The answer is simple. We are actually confessing our sins to ourselves, not God, and then granting ourselves absolution. Unfortunately, this sort of self-forgiveness can never lead to a breach with sin.” “Therefore, confess your sins... Continue Reading
Our Everyday Obedience Is Our Best Witness
When people live the way Paul describes, the world will notice
“Walking in obedience to Christ isn’t always flashy. But it’s that everyday obedience—in our marriage, in our jobs, in our schools—that acts as a theater for bringing glory to God and demonstrating his grace to the world.” A few weeks ago I reflected on the ways that Titus 2 showed gospel change in four... Continue Reading
Islam And Christianity Not Comparable
Lampooning Christianity brings money and renown, criticizing Islam gets you 1000 lashes
“To be a Christian apologist these days seems to involve a lot of apologizing for being a Christian at all. This alone should be sufficient evidence of Christianity’s peaceful nature. I mean, I don’t hear many Muslims apologizing for the Muslim invasion of Europe.” “Christians Have Waged Their Own Holy Wars” was yet another... Continue Reading
I’m a Presbyterian Minister Who Doesn’t Believe in God
Can a belief-less Christianity really survive if God isn’t in the picture?
“Many have opened up to me that they didn’t believe in God but they liked coming to my church. One young woman, after going through my confirmation class, joined the church. She read her faith statement in front of the congregation.” “How can you call yourself a Christian, let alone a minister?!” I get... Continue Reading