When the church gathers together in all of her peculiarities, she engages in war. The church worships as part of the “already not yet” kingdom in order to engage the principalities of the air (Eph 6:12). The bride of Christ exists as an eschatological institution and movement designed to push back darkness as a sign... Continue Reading

In the last thirty years, however, a significant movement has devoted much of the church’s resources and people to planting and growing churches in the city. Without diminishing the good this has accomplished, we can raise reflective questions. Has an enthusiasm for planting churches uprooted a devotion to the equally necessary and Apostolic work of... Continue Reading

When pragmatic considerations drive the rationale for why such or such a man holds office, the church has abandoned its submission to God’s word and will, accordingly, reap the consequences. The qualifications which the Holy Spirit laid out in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are not optional. They are essential. While no one man... Continue Reading

Many church leaders and members do not know what takes place in their own communities. Many times when I have met with church leaders and shared the demographics and realities of the members of their community, they express total surprise at what is taking place. Their church is a bubble. Or to use another metaphor, the... Continue Reading

“Not too long ago I encountered a marriage ministry founded by a couple who were just a few years into marriage. They were eager and willing to write books and host seminars and travel far and wide to share their wisdom. It is possible they have much wisdom to share, especially as they mine the... Continue Reading

“No one disputes the rights of United Methodists to petition General Conference and to advocate for changes to church teaching and law. However, progressives’ repeated attempts to circumvent its law only serve to ignite more legal maneuvering at General Conference and before the Judicial Council.”   In yet another bid to overturn The United Methodist... Continue Reading

“Pratt was released from Three Forks Regional Jail last Thursday and is expected to be arraigned in Breathitt County Circuit Court on Aug. 11. Calls to Living Waters Full Gospel Church went unanswered Wednesday.”   Susan Combs Pratt, wife of Senior Pastor Weston Pratt of Living Waters Full Gospel Church in Hazard, Kentucky, was indicted... Continue Reading

“I would look about us as Betsie read, watching the light leap from face to face. More than conquerors. … It was not a wish. It was a fact. We knew it, we experienced it minute by minute – poor, hated, hungry. We are more than conquerors. Not ‘we shall be’. We are! Life in... Continue Reading

For 9 1/2 years (2000-2009) this young man labored to bring about biblical faithfulness. He was wounded and weary from battle. But the Holy Spirit gave him power and he fought for Jesus. The congregation continued to decline in numbers. But the seeds of righteousness and repentance were sown. I think he left feeling a... Continue Reading

Now that ECO is well established we have the responsibility to assess our collection of documents and to clarify and consider their meaning for us going forward. We also have the responsibility to determine which creeds, catechisms, confessions, and statements we would like to see included in our future confessional standards. We trust that our... Continue Reading