Psalm 143 as a Template for Prayer in Temptation’s Hour
The Psalms are wonderful guides for our prayer.
You close with a declaration of faith. You are confident God’s love will prevail. God is with you. You will overcome because Christ overcame for you. You are His. He is the Good Shepherd who sought you, keeps you and guards you. He will not lose you. A new start. A first step. With your... Continue Reading
Judge Rules in Favor of Athens Church
On Jan. 24, 2016, the congregation voted 159 to 36 (82% to 18%) to be dismissed from the PCUSA
In his ruling, Superior Court Judge Eric W. Norris cited a 1981 letter written by Rev. James Andrews, the PCUS Stated Clerk at that time, regarding a similar trust clause proposed by that denomination, stating that the new trust clause “would not change the Presbyterian Church’s historical position on property.” A Superior Court judge... Continue Reading
Why I Love Teaching, Writing and Participating in Women’s Bible Studies
Over those years I’ve been richly blessed by how it’s anchored me to truth and anchored me to community
In a nutshell then, Women’s Bible studies help to drive out the individualism and isolationism that has plagued mankind all through the history of redemption, pointing us to Jesus Christ, who took the curse of our sin upon Himself, freeing us from self-reliance to God-reliance, and freeing us from isolation to interdependence in the community of grace.
The Ordinary Means of Growth
Ordinary means of grace-based ministry focuses on doing the things the Bible says are central to the spiritual health and growth of believers
A church committed to the ordinary means of grace will be characterized by love for expository Bible preaching, passion for worship, delight in truth, embrace of the Gospel, the Spirit’s work of conversion, a life of godliness; robust family religion; biblical evangelism, biblical discipleship, biblical church membership, mutual accountability in the church, biblical church leadership,... Continue Reading
How the Reformation Recovered Preaching
The preaching of the gospel as a sacramental event is at the heart of Reformation theology
“Prior to the Reformation, the sermon was mostly an ad hoc event reserved for special occasions or seasons of the liturgical cycle, especially Christmas and Eastertide. Most sermons were preached in town squares or open fields. The reformers brought the sermon back inside the church and gave it an honored place in the public worship... Continue Reading
Churches Respond To Boy Scouts Transgender Policy
Even with religious exemptions, uncertainty remains about Scouting’s future
For more than 100 years, BSA enrolled boys into its programs based on the gender listed on their birth certificates. But now the Scouts will allow any child to become a member as long as he or she identifies as male, regardless of biology.In a video message, BSA’s chief executive Michael Surbaugh said birth certificates... Continue Reading
Church Of England Rejects Report Affirming Biblical Marriage
Vote doesn’t change the Church’s official teaching but raises questions about future acceptance for same-sex unions
The Church of England General Synod on Feb. 15 rejected a report issued in January that reaffirms church canon on marriage. By a slim margin the body voted not to “take note” of the House of Bishops’ report, which provided a framework for addressing issues related to human sexuality, marriage, and the church. (WNS)–The... Continue Reading
Why I am Leaving the Church Growth Movement
Rejecting everything that has become the favorite methods of the missional-community church
I’ve not mentioned anything about the proclamation of the Word, and the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? That’s because there is not much to mention from the church today….it does good works, has good music.… has a really good sound-system, and a pastor who could lead circles around Moses. What it doesn’t have... Continue Reading
How Can Our Church Reach Out to the Gay Community?
One reason I’m hesitant to answer the question is that it’s one of those questions that can only be answered with more questions.
Don’t get me wrong. I think “reaching out to the gay community” can be a wonderful thing. But we must be clear in our own hearts about the why and how of what we’re doing. We shouldn’t expect people to be eagerly awaiting the church to “reach” them. And we shouldn’t expect the reaching to go anywhere without the Spirit of Christ working with us, the gospel of Christ coming from us, and the love of Christ–shown in hospitality and friendship–flowing through us.
LGBTQ Advocates Offer Glitter Ash For Lent
Reporting that glitter “is an inextricable element of queer history” Parity says it is a display of “gritty, scandalous hope.”
“Ashes are a statement that death and suffering are real,” the site explains. “Glitter is a sign of our hope, which does not despair. Glitter signals our promise to repent, to show up, to witness, to work. Glitter never gives up — and neither do we.” The group urges participants to get the ashes early, wear them all day, and make a short video to distribute on social media about glitter ash using the hashtag #GlitterAshWednesday.
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