How Does a Pastor Interact With Those Who Seek To Monopolize His Time On Sunday morning?
Three suggestions for handling a common pastoral concern
What adds to the madness is the person who aggressively hunts the pastor down after the service and feels entitled to his undivided attention for a long time. This is the person that feels a complete disregard for others that are usually patiently waiting in line. In our church, this person usually is someone who... Continue Reading
Why Deny Reality?
Much of the reigning secular orthodoxy in our country is based on the denial of natural reality
So I am free to determine my own morality, as long as my morality matches the politically correct secular orthodoxy. If I dare challenge the politically correct establishment and submit myself to Scripture instead, I am labeled a bigot and excluded from polite society. What is the final result? God’s natural reality and moral law... Continue Reading
Louisiana College Loses Largest Donor in College History
Due to the Unethical Behavior of President Aguillard
The donors, who have given $5 million to the school over the last two and a half years and who by some reports have pledged $60 million, explicitly state that they “deeply regret that we must now discontinue that support due to actions of President Aguillard which we believe to be unethical and potentially illegal.”... Continue Reading
Is it ‘Unspiritual’ to be Discouraged?
Faith in Christ does not remove all causes of discouragement; rather, it enables us to overcome them
Nor is this the biblical spirituality; it is a false ‘super-spirituality’ that ignores or denies the reality of our humanity. We live in frail flesh and blood and in a fallen world which, John says, ‘lies in the power of the evil one’ (1 John 5:19). There is much to discourage. Jesus felt that. To... Continue Reading
Rebaptism: Turning a Pastoral Dilemma into a Teaching Opportunity
Let’s view each occasion for discussion as an opportunity to build up the people of God and to magnify the grace of God in Jesus Christ to which baptism points.
The theology of baptism suggests that rebaptism in instances where a valid baptism has already occurred runs counter to the symbolic nature of the sacrament itself. The confessional prohibition on rebaptism is well-founded and ought to be observed. But here, of course, pastoral considerations must not be ignored. Pastors and elders do not wish to... Continue Reading
Same-Sex Marriage as a Civil Right — Are Wrongs Rights?
Does recognition of civil rights for all people require the legalization of same-sex marriage?
At this point Christians have to think very carefully. We do not want to deny anyone his or her civil rights. To do so would not only violate the Constitution but also deny the rights that are granted, not by the government, but by the Creator. But is same-sex marriage such a right? The answer... Continue Reading
Advice for Raising Godly Children
Ten pithy sayings from John Witherspoon, Scottish Presbyterian pastor on parental authority and child rearing
Nothing can be more weak and foolish, or more destructive of authority, than when children are noisy and in an ill humor, to give them or promise them something to appease them. Ten pithy sayings from John Witherspoon, Scottish Presbyterian pastor, President of Princeton (1768-1794), and signer of the Declaration of Independence, on parental... Continue Reading
Gosnell Trial: Defense rests, calls no witnesses
Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday
Gosnell, 72, faces five counts of murder—four for babies allegedly killed after being born alive and one for a patient who died after receiving too much anesthesia. Common Pleas Court Judge Jeffrey Minehart dismissed three other charges Tuesday, saying state prosecutors had failed to make a case in the deaths of those babies. Gosnell faces... Continue Reading
Really? ALL THINGS Without Grumbling? Really?
When we do all things without grumbling we stand out; it demonstrates the reality of our faith
The “all things” Paul tells us to do without grumbling aren’t the fun things. Nobody grumbles about having to do something fun or pleasant. It’s the miserable things. The hard tasks. The unreasonable assignments. The ridiculous chore that you’ll just have to do again tomorrow anyway. The unexpected tasks. The interruptions. The things you’d rather... Continue Reading
David Norman, President of Erskine College and Seminary – Resigns
Resignation is effective July 1, 2013
And I am exhausted. The toll this job has taken on me and on my family cannot be ignored. I also know that, although I have committed each day to serve God and this institution to the best of my ability, I have strained or broken relationships with several of Erskine’s most important alumni, faculty, and... Continue Reading