Bible, theology, culture, etc.
The church is not a building but a people—but the church is a people who must gather. Thus, for a church to exist, it must have a location to gather in. And since meeting outdoors limits the gathering (weather, sound, distractions, etc.), this usually means some kind of building. More pragmatically, as many young church plants can … Continue reading 12 Brief Thoughts on Church Buildings
This is part three of a summary of the best arguments for cessationism. You can read part one and part two, and the best arguments for continuationism here. Experiential Arguments Experiential arguments are not terribly persuasive since they are limited to the experiences of the individual, and those experiences themselves must be interpreted. Yet, while lacking deductive power, they … Continue reading The Best Arguments for Cessationism (Pt. 3)
This is part two of The Best Cessationist Arguments (See The Best Arguments for Continuationism) (More) Biblical Arguments First, when considering whether or not we should expect miracles, healings, and exorcisms to be performed today in the same way it was performed in the time of Jesus and the apostles, we should realize (1) how … Continue reading The Best Arguments for Cessationism (Pt. 2)
In my previous article I attempted to provide what I thought were the best arguments for continuationism—a view that states that all or most of the spiritual gifts practiced in the New Testament continue today. While I am not finally persuaded by those arguments, I admit they are very strong. This is a difficult subject to be … Continue reading The Best Arguments for Cessationism (Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5kQ3X-TwjE&list=PLozY2MQXfssrW9AY-qSKNSTrPvIMHZkVs&index=11&t=5s When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do … Continue reading Why Not Rather Suffer Wrong? (1 Cor 6:1-8)
https://youtu.be/qUxbFlat0Vg No one likes a hypocrite. We are frustrated when someone claims to be for something, but their actions prove otherwise. If a politician vows to be pro-life when candidating, but then recoils from enacting legislation when in office, his constituency is frustrated. If a business claims to care for the environment, but then dumps … Continue reading Who Are You to Judge? (1 Cor 5:9-13)
https://youtu.be/57IJ-KQBChA What can a church divide over? A church can divide over big issues, or petty things; theological issues, or parenting philosophies. It can look like a few individuals in the church starting rumors, or it can look like a vocal majority voicing disagreement. And the splits aren’t always formal—in fact, most of the time, … Continue reading Is Christ Divided? (1 Cor 1:10-17)
In the most popular chapter in Augustine’s Confessions (VIII), Augustine relays what led him to his conversion. But before his hallowed moment under the fig tree, Augustine met with the local bishop, Simplicianus, to talk through his spiritual angst. As Augustine asked questions, the older bishop shared the story of how the celebrity intellectual, Victorinus—whom Augustine had … Continue reading Do Walls Make Christians?
If someone's vision is that we ought to govern the State the way we govern the Church (with the Law of Christ), or their missions are basically the same–if that is someone's definition of "Christian nationalism", then I could not more strongly reject it. But if someone's vision is that Christians should only rely on secular arguments or a moral consensus when it comes to legislation, civic norms, etc., then I would strongly disagree with that.
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. *Originally preached January 3rd, 2021* Sermon Audio: Member's Ministry: Love (1 John 4:19-5:3) We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love … Continue reading Member’s Ministry: Love (1 John 4:19-5:3)
Marc Sims 