NYC Redeemer Presbyterian’s New Building and Yours
There is certainly room for churches to decide to what extent they should do things to demonstrate the beauty of God in their building. But I would argue that utilitarianism is not the path of spirituality. God created beauty for us to enjoy. We can’t sacrifice everything on the altar of beauty, but if the... Continue Reading
Should We Still Believe in a Historical Adam?
Does it not follow, if one removes the historicity of Adam from the equation and if our historical forefather Adam is not responsible for our condition of sin and misery, that someone else must bear that responsibility? It seems to this author that the necessary consequence is to make God responsible for the evil we... Continue Reading
Christian Wives Talk Thriving With Nonbelieving Husbands
Both women emphasized that it’s often more powerful to represent Christ in your actions rather than trying to nag or pressure your spouse into coming to church or becoming a Christian. The Bible is clear about not being “unequally yoked,” but what if you become a Christian once married and your spouse doesn’t follow suit?... Continue Reading
How to Fire Your Pastor (Part 3 of 3)
Theologian Dr. Dennis E. Johnson captures the heart of our concern when he writes: “In Scripture the starting point of instruction on right behavior is not a list of our duties, but a declaration of God’s saving achievement, bringing us into a relationship of favor with him.” Q. Sometimes, even in a mature church, a... Continue Reading
What Should You Read? Not everything, that’s for sure!
But Dabney points out that the most dangerous aspect about novels is their often covert agendas and the exposure to scenes of sin. Of all such novels, Dabney argues that those calling themselves “Christian” are the worst… Last week, Tim Challies and David Murray’s Connected Kingdom was on reading literature. As Christians, should we read... Continue Reading
The One Year Rule For New Pastors
In one of my first pastorates I made the mistake of trying to change things too quickly. I was a young Seminary graduate. In my mind I knew more than the Church did and I was there to change things in whatever way I could, even by strangulation, if necessary – all to the glory... Continue Reading
Top Ten Reasons Not to Attend or Join a Reformed Baptist Church
3. The expectations are too high…… 4. The sermons are too long and complicated 8. There are not enough programs…… 9. They don’t do altar calls…… A tongue-in-cheek list of the reasons you should not attend or join a Reformed Baptist Church: 1. The doctrine is too defined. Come on…. I mean the Second London... Continue Reading
Should Christians Boycott Starbucks?
Let’s not boycott our neighbors. Let’s not picket or scream or bellow. Let’s offer a cup of cold water, or maybe even a grande skinny vanilla latte, in Jesus’ name. A respected pro-family organization announced this week a boycott of Starbucks coffee. The group, which supports legal protection for traditional marriage, launched the “Dump Starbucks”... Continue Reading
R. C. Sproul at Christian Mind Conference: Loving God must include the mind
“Get rid of the idea that unbelieving people are seekers of God,” he continued, “not only is it a mistake to think, but to use it to design worship is one of the most pernicious errors the church has fallen into. The Bible says that natural man does not seek after God, and we are... Continue Reading
Don’t Tase Me, Bro
Preachers aren’t cops with tasers. They’re shepherds who lead the flock to green pastures and still waters. Ever been tased by applicatory preaching? I’ve tased and been tased. Reformed preachers know they are not to stop with proclamation of God’s Word. There must also be application. Such preaching is commended to us by the directions... Continue Reading