Help Me Face Today
A review of Trillia Newbell's new book, Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves
As she recounts fears and anxieties that range from going through turbulence on an airplane, to “not measuring up” to expectations of her family, church, or the world (or other mothers, wives, or body images), to imagined tragedies like losing her husband or children, Trillia invites readers “to crawl, wobble, and walk with [her] through... Continue Reading
Two Books on the “New Apostolic Reformation”
Central to the New Apostolic Reformation is that Christians must submit to the authority of modern day apostles and prophets to be included in the expansion of God’s kingdom
Central to the NAR is the notion that churches and Christians must submit to the authority of modern day apostles and prophets if they are to be included in God’s plans for the expansion of His kingdom. These apostles, self-described as generals, and prophets, said to convey new truth to the church, claim to have... Continue Reading
Southern Baptists and the Sufficiency of Scripture
The books on heavenly tourism are not the only problem lining the shelves of Lifeway.
Lifeway promotes a host of books and studies that purport to help people hear the voice of God. Many of these books list Scripture as just one of many ways that God speaks to His people. Clearly there are Christians who do believe that God still gives direct revelation outside the mediation of his Word.... Continue Reading
17 Ways To Glorify God
Thomas Watson in his book, Body of Divinity, offers a commentary on "What is the Chief End of Man?"
Thomas Watson, in his book Body of Divinity, offers a commentary on this question and its answer. In doing so Watson offers 17 ways in which the Christian glorifies God. I will give the bullet-point list of ways that Watson lists along with one quote and one Scripture reference that he mentions in his larger... Continue Reading
We Ask You To Abstain
Historic Reformed and Presbyterian churches have always “fenced” the table of the Lord.
Again, we might discuss and debate how “high” the fence is around the table, but it is biblical (see citations above) and wise to clearly tell unbelievers and unrepentant persons that they are not to take the Lord’s Supper. It might not sound politically correct or “nice,” but it is a biblical help in keeping... Continue Reading
Concerning The True Care Of Souls
Bucer’s understanding of pastoral ministry was historically important and personally challenging
“I’m struck by the fact that his definition of pastoral ministry is all about the people to whom we minister. The focus is not on administration (though I’m sure he did some of that), nor on programs (though I’m not against them), nor on meetings (though we all have them), but on the people that... Continue Reading
Choose Your Own Sexual Ethics Adventure
A critique of purity culture turns into a plea for self-centered sexuality.
What’s really important—what, in Anderson’s view, is really moral—is that one’s sex life is shaped by our own sense of ethics. Given all this, perhaps it’s not so surprising that Anderson so easily falls into the trap of setting up her own values as a substitute source of authority. If one’s own viewpoint is one’s... Continue Reading
What Do Pastors’ Wives Do All Day?
A review of Gloria Furman's book, The Pastor's Wife
The Pastor’s Wife is a survival manual of the most glorious kind. Sweeping away the busy clutter, we are left with a sense of what is most vital—for pastors’ wives and everyone else. What do pastors’ wives do all day? If you read this book you’ll know the answer, simple enough for every day but rich enough for... Continue Reading
Maybe Christianity is Less Like a Journey and More Like Fitness Training
Much of our conditioning in the Christian life is hard.
Also, in many of our first experiences in trying to live in light of the gospel, we fall on our faces. We are in a continuous battle with sin. But through repentance and prayer, the Lord uses even those times to strengthen us. When we encounter our new vocabulary the second time, we know it... Continue Reading
Preaching the Catechism(?)
In the confessional German and Dutch Reformed traditions ministers typically preach what is called a catechetical sermon for one of the two Lord’s Day services.
I realize this has been and is being debated, but I believe that the Scripture should be preached and the catechism used only to explain and summarize Scripture’s truths. In other words, I appreciate and have “done” catechetical preaching (and will do it again), but I don’t believe a minister should preach from and exegete... Continue Reading
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