Father to God, Model for Us; Mary’s husband Joseph
The implausibility of the whole thing is evident in the biblical text itself. When Mary tells Joseph she is pregnant, his first reaction isn’t a cheery “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” No, he assumes what any of us would conclude was going on, and he sets out to end their betrothal. I... Continue Reading
Must We Believe in the Virgin Birth?
This much we know: All those who find salvation will be saved by the atoning work of Jesus the Christ — the virgin-born Savior. Anything less than this is just not Christianity, whatever it may call itself. A true Christian will not deny the Virgin Birth. In one of his columns for The New York... Continue Reading
A Fresh Look at ‘Idols of the Heart’
What are you fearing? What are you trusting? Where are you taking refuge? What voices are you listening to? Where are you setting your hopes? Those simple questions take the Bible’s God-relational verbs, and turn them into questions. Such questions can help you to see how you are straying “Idols of the Heart and ‘Vanity... Continue Reading
The Life and Times of the Youth Dude at Eleventh Presbyterian Church
I would not be a youth pastor for all the money in Christendom. Like the common housefly, their life cycle is short. According to Barna, it was, as of September, about 8 minutes (okay not really). Here is a fascinating glimpse into why (drawn from real life experiences). Dear Youth Dude: So glad you are... Continue Reading
Jesus + Nothing = Everything (An Analysis)
In the end, the issue is not so much about the necessity of preaching salvation by grace. Rather, sometimes error comes in the form not by what people do say, but by what they fail to say. And, as J I Packer has so eloquently reminded us, “A half-truth masquerading as the whole truth becomes... Continue Reading
What the Christian Needs from Their Pastor
This is a plan suggested by an anonymous parishioner and cited in Rediscovering Expository Preaching (John MacArthur and the Master’s Seminary Faculty, 1992, Word Publishing, pp. 348-349). Fling him into his office. Tear the “Office” sign from the door, and nail on the sign, “Study.” Take him off the mailing list. Lock him up with... Continue Reading
What Should We Preach? Christ!
Whatever else we may discuss, whatever theological points we may consider, the Christian Church has a calling to present Christ to the world and call all men to come to Him for salvation. What should Christian pastors preach? The short answer: Christ. As the Apostle Paul said, “I determined not to know anything among you... Continue Reading
The Simple Things, the Good Things: Billy Graham Library and an Advent Renewal
Life and ministry is not about me, it is about Christ. It is about Christ for a world of lost sinners in need. It is about coming to Him, “Just as I am without one plea.” It is about the simple things, the good things. Peggy Noonan once said that the most profound things are... Continue Reading
Applying Volf: Ordained ministers who are politically active: caution!
“A misunderstanding of how our faith should function can provide fertile ground both for the lure of temptation and the power of systems.” —Miroslav Volf As Miroslav Volf’snew book argues, the Christian faith is intrinsically a public, prophetic faith. Any attempt to deny this injures not only the Church but also the “City of Man”... Continue Reading
Should Churches Be Permitted to Worship on Public School Premises?
Sometimes a yoga class is an exercise class and sometimes it’s worship. Sometimes a luncheon is one-part prayer service and one-part lunch. Park Slope Presbyterian (PCA) may do “God’s work” in the city of Brooklyn, but it is as much a social justice operation as it is a church. This week the United States Supreme... Continue Reading