- 07/16/2012
Why No Denomination Will Survive the Homosexuality Crisis
There is no way, short of a miraculous and full-scale changing of hearts and minds, for North American denominations to survive the homosexuality crisis. I'm not suggesting most of our old, mainline denominations will disappear. But I do not see how any of these once flourishing denominations will make it through the present crisis intact.
- 07/10/2012
The Power of Words and the Nature of Sin
To be a Christian is to be a person who cares about words. We care about definitions and implications. Our aim is not to be contentious or obstreperous. Our aim is to be true and to speak in a way that strengthens the truth.
7 comments - 07/04/2012
The Idea of America
It has often been said that America was founded upon an idea. The country was not formed mainly for power or privilege but in adherence to a set of principles. Granted, these ideals have been, at various times in our history, less than ideally maintained. But the ideals remain. The idea persists.
29 comments - 06/29/2012
What Happened at the RCA General Synod?
The short answer is: a lot. It was an exhausting week, one from which I still have not recovered. I'm glad I don't have to go back for five years.
- 06/25/2012
Toward Denominational Unity
If there is one biblical theme we've heard a lot of in the RCA (Reformed Church in America) for the past 15 years it's the theme of unity. So what events would have to take place and what problems would have to be addressed for the RCA to experience genuine, vibrant, Christ-pleasing, Spirit-filled, God-glorifying unity?
12 comments - 06/22/2012
You Cannot Be Spiritual Without Being Religious
No matter how much you like angels, or how much you pray, or how often you mediate, or how much you are into yoga, or how much you believe in miracles, if you do not understand, cherish, and embrace the cross you are not a spiritual person.
61 comments - 06/13/2012
Why the Mission of the Church Discussion Still Matters
For many churches and many Christians our mission work and mission aims have become indistinguishable from that of any number of humanitarian organizations.
1 comments - 06/07/2012
Two Things to Keep in Mind When Evangelicals Turn Catholic
I want to remind of us two points that we can easily forget when a somewhat high profile evangelical converts (or seems about to convert) to Rome. Let's remember that the traffic across the Tiber is not one way, not by a long shot.
- 06/02/2012
Parental Discipline Without Provocation
In Ephesians 6:4, God tells fathers (though I think the application is fair for both parents) to raise children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. He also warns against provoking our children to anger. So how do we do one without the other?
- 05/30/2012
The Church and Homosexuality: Ten Commitments
Of the many complexities involving the church and homosexuality, one of the most difficult is how the former should speak of the latter. So how ought we to speak about homosexuality? Should we be defiant and defensive or gentle and entreating?
- 05/26/2012
How to Leave Your Old Church
Try to leave graciously. When someone voluntarily leaves a church (not because of a move or a graduation or a deployment) it is usually a painful experience. Learn how to kindly and honestly answer the question "Why did you leave?"
25 comments - 05/24/2012
How to Start at Your New Church
I want to reflect on what new people can do right in coming to a church and what is helpful from those who decide they must leave the church. Pastors understand that choosing a church is a big deal.
2 comments - 05/17/2012
What the Bible Really Still Says About Homosexuality
It is simply not true that Paul, or Jesus for that matter, never considered homosexuality an ethical matter. Paul thought the prohibition against homosexuality in the Old Testament was still relevant and the sin was still serious.
- 05/15/2012
If We Believe All the Same Things, Why Do Our Churches Seem So Different?
Here are ten things that distinguish between what I would call a vibrant, robust Bible-believing church and one that gets the statement of faith right but feels totally different.
93 comments - 05/10/2012
Five Reasons Christians Should Continue to Oppose Gay Marriage
It can seem like the whole world is having a gay old time, with conservative Christians the only ones refusing to party. The temptation, then, is for Christians go silent and give up the marriage fight.
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