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Theology for Life
As a pastor from a confessional denomination one of the more difficult tasks I regularly – even constantly – encounter is helping people past a distatse for doctrine. I understand why so many are so often hesitant to embrace any system of doctrine. “Doctrine divides” is a commen lament. And, regretably, it is often an…
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Hume Offers Tiger Way Out of the Woods
I’ve been a fan of Brit Hume ever since, during my college years, I saw him as a panelist of a debate for the 1984 Presidential Election. The panelist preceding Hume asked a question to one of the candidates, who then essentially filabustered – he talked in non-sensical circles until his time had elapsed. In his turn Brit…
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Voicing Displeasure
Philippians 2.14 says: “Do everything without complaining…” I wonder if the Apostle Paul would make any exceptions for entertainment value. Perhaps not. But there is a growing trend around the world that is adding creativity to complaining. They are calling themselves Complaint Choirs. Complaint Choirs are groups of people who blend their laments into humorous songs. Most…
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The Ephesians Challenge
I’m in. I am taking the plunge. I am accepting the challenge. The Lausanne Movement, which will conduct the Third Congress on World Evangelism in September 2010 at Cape Town, South Africa, is encouraging leaders and participants to “linger” in the book of Ephesians during 2010. It is part of the preparation for this world impacting event. Each month participants are asked to read…
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Sola-Bootstrap
Overheard this from Scottie Smith on Facebook: “Too many Christians try to live the Christian life by the equally destructive principles of ‘Sola-bootstrapsa’ (I must keep the law in my own strength and effort) and ‘Ego-nomianism’ (I am able to keep the law).” – Bryan Chapell Both of these contradict the gospel, by minimizing our…
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How to KEEP Your Church FROM Vitality & Fruitfulness
There are conferences, seminars, articles, books, curricula telling us how to grow a church. It’s high time the other side of the issue be considered. While I don’t guarantee these easy-to-apply steps will always keep your church from health and vitality, they will, with proper application, certainly increase the chances of stagnation. 1. Change Pastors Every…
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That’s Christmas
The resounding cry of this season seems to be: “Remember what Christmas is about.” I think I’ve heard people say that, and seen people write and post that, and similar sentiments, more this year than ever before. At least, I am aware of it more this year. And I concur. The above video, from the UK, takes us through the wide range…
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Averting Worship Wars
There are many fights in churches these days over what kind of music to use, but I am convinced most of those fights could be avoided if we faithfully reflected upon the questions given to us by [Colossians 3.12-17]. Instead of asking what kind of music will appeal to the world around us, we must…
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We Wish You a Merry X-mas
I knew better. I should have gone with my first instinct. But I didn’t. Several Decembers ago I was summoned for jury duty in Walker County, Georgia. Overhearing other prospective jurors engaged in various religious and low-level theological debates, I vowed to myself to remain quiet and not get involved in these discussions. For most…
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Pure As the Driven Snow
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who enjoys “old” snow – you know, the snow that has been around a few day, has blackened from plowing, is choppy from people playing in the yard. I know that’s not the type of snow my duaghter enjoys looking at. After the snowstorm this past Friday night,…
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Ecstasy & Delight
Ecstasy and delight are essential to the believer’s soul and they promote sanctification. We were not meant to live without spiritual exhilaration, and the Christian who goes for a long time without the experience of heart-warming will soon find himself tempted to have his emotions satisfied from earthly things and not, as he ought, from…
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The Christ of Christmas
The WORD In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Word…
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The Baker’s Dirty Dozen Stagnant Church Types
At a time when potential epidemics may be on the horizon the wise person is on the lookout for the signs of disease. The hope is that early detection will enable more effective and less severe treatment. Such a time surrounds the American church. It is widely reported that 85% of all churches are in a…
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