Bible, theology, culture, etc.
There are few issues more controversial and polarizing than the issues of race, racism, and social justice today. This is particularly divisive in the Church where battle lines have been drawn with each side accusing the other of perverting the gospel, capitulating to societal pressures and worldliness. Any attempt at nuance and thoughtfulness results in … Continue reading What does the Bible Say About Racism and Social Justice?
There are many things we fear today--societal breakdown, economic recession, our children's future, etc. It is unlikely, however, that many of us in the West fear evil spiritual forces. That is, supernatural forces from an unseen, spiritual realm. That sounds childish. Yet, when we read the New Testament we come face to face with spiritual … Continue reading Can Modern People Believe in Demons?
Occasionally Satan uses earth-shattering catastrophes in our life. Most of the times, however, the most effective temptations in our lives are the monotonous, mundane frustrations that pile up. Whether its picking up your kids' socks off the ground for the millionth time or sending that follow-up email because that person isn't responding, little frustrations can … Continue reading Satan and the Little Things
Discipleship programs can be a helpful tool in the life of the church. Far better, however, is a culture of discipleship that has taken root in a church. Rather than being a spasmodic event that took place one time, a culture of discipleship permeates the whole being of the church, organically growing out of every … Continue reading 8 Ways to Cultivate Discipleship
Like most of the country, our city just emerged from an unusually intense winter storm. In a few short days, we were sunk under a heavy blanket of snow. While our children were thrilled to death about getting to go sledding, the hazardous snow conditions made us uneasy about driving. Our driveway is fairly steep … Continue reading “You! Yes, You Christian, Make Disciples”
"Provided that meetings, pamphlets, policies, movements, causes, and crusade, matter more to him than prayers and sacraments and charity, he is ours--and the more 'religious' (on those terms) the more securely ours. I could show you a pretty cageful down here."- C.S. Lewis, writing as the demon Screwtape in The Screwtape Letters Your prayers will … Continue reading Prayer When the Nation Rages
*I know, I know, Covid. If you are forced to stay home because of medical complications, the Lord understands. Hebrews 10:24-25 refers to willful neglect of missing church on Sunday; being forced to stay home because of medical reason does not necessarily mean you are breaking this commandment. But, if you are healthy and are … Continue reading Skip Church? Consider the Cost
I am a pastor. I am not a scientist, I am not a doctor. I took "zero" classes on epidemiology or respiratory infections in seminary. Below is a summary of findings from academic journals or articles published by research universities on the science behind the risks of singing indoors in a Covid-19 world. But, because … Continue reading Can We Sing?
Richard Baxter was a puritan pastor and theologian in England in the seventeenth century. He lived through the Great Ejection by the Church of England where the state abusively expelled about 2500 ministers across England who refused to conform to the new Anglican liturgical orders. Baxter was forced out of his pulpit against his own … Continue reading Cancel Church? A Puritan Reflection
Churches around the world have had to make very difficult decisions in the past week due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Out of love for neighbor (Matt 22:39) and a desire to obey the governing authorities (Rom 13:1-7), many churches (ours included) have temporarily suspended their Sunday services, small groups, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and so … Continue reading Why You Can’t Have Church Online
Marc Sims 