Counting the goal to become a good Presbyter
We are all familiar with the role good parents serve in guiding and steering their children, setting before them worthy goals and aspirations as well as likely or potential options for their future. I wish I had a nickel for every time the words “doctor or lawyer” have passed from parent’s lips to their children’s... Continue Reading
Diamond Dads: Baseball, Fatherhood, and the Gospel
Today marks the opening day of Major League Baseball season. As fans of baseball (and spring!) here at Gender Blog, we begin the week with a well-done two-part series by David Prince on baseball and biblical manhood. I heard the words blare from the car radio and received them with that uneasy pang in the... Continue Reading
Scripture Is Made Up of ‘Mere Words’ – A Response to President David Norman’s Final Article Entitled ‘The Bottom Line’
To the untrained ear, the difference between understanding the Bible as “authoritative” or “inerrant” may sound like a quarrel over “mere words.” Yet, when we flesh out for people what the difference is, and they begin to understand that the difference is between a Bible that is man’s thoughts about God or God’s word to... Continue Reading
The Legacy of R.C. Sproul and John Piper
One reason is that younger believers, in particular, have highly attuned “boloney detectors” (to use the technical term). They are hypersensitive to hypocrisy and phoniness. And when they hear Dr. Sproul and Dr. Piper teach and preach, they hear authority and authenticity, truth and love, passion and power, combined in a compelling and arresting way... Continue Reading
This Truly is…March MADNESS! A Theological Reflection after KU’s Disappointing Loss
First I saw Duke fold. Then I watched Ohio State fall. We witnessed Pitt pierced. Now, oh how it hurts to write it, I have looked upon the sight of my KU Jayhawks downed by a feisty little powerhouse called VCU (no more “VC-Who” for this brave bunch!). Oh brother, are my brackets broken or... Continue Reading
In Which He Tries to Talk about Pop Culture Without Mentioning Johnny Cash – Except in the header, of course.
Christians ought to see this vacuum as a great opportunity to advance. Our God does all things well. He speaks profound things about himself and all his creation. He celebrates beauty for its own sake, and so should we. We should engage in arts high and folk, and encourage and celebrate those who do. File... Continue Reading
The Etiquette and Manners of Worship
And that has a lot to do with why Oliphant is a better guide to Reformed worship than Frame. If worship is a meeting between the king of the universe and his subjects, then would that encounter be reverent and serious or would it be casual and folksy – even humorous? That seems like a... Continue Reading
Review Comments on Love Wins from the Calvin Seminary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A major question one would expect to be able to answer about a given author in a book like this is whether or not he believes that hell will finally be empty or be populated (even if only sparsely). But when it comes to what Bell believes on that basic point, I have to say... Continue Reading
An Open Letter to David Norman – The Inerrancy Debate Is Not ‘Petty’ nor Does It Involve ‘Mere Words’
Below is the third article by Dr. David Norman, President of Erskine College and Seminary, as it appeared in the ARP Magazine regarding inerrancy, followed by an open letter from this author in response. Inerrancy: The Bottom Line By Dr. David A. Norman President, Erskine College & Seminary In this, the last of my three-part... Continue Reading
Five Ways To Make Your Kids Hate Church
Don’t read your Bible at home… Don’t engage your children in questions they have concerning Jesus and God. Live like you want to live during the week so that your kids can see that duplicity is ok. 1. Make sure your faith is only something you live out in public Go to church… at least... Continue Reading