Fundamentalism and the Word of God , written by J.I. Packer over half a century ago, is keen knife that cuts into the ever-raging debates between conservative and liberal Christians on the nature of Scripture. This book, although written many decades ago, speaks ever clearly and directly into the same dialogues that go on today, and… Continue reading Fundamentalism and the Word of God
The Full Armour of God
Ephesians 6 is a familiar passage, a memorable section of Scripture that encourages us to put on righteousness, truth, faith, and salvation as if they were clothing, so that we will be prepared for the Christian life. There's much to be gained from looking at this passage and thinking about how these different things –… Continue reading The Full Armour of God
Does the Bible Condone Slavery?
Best estimates suggest that over a quarter of the population of the Roman Empire were slaves – a staggering figure. And since it was in the midst of the Roman Empire that Christianity was born, slavery was a reality that Christians have faced since our inception. So how did the earliest Christians view slavery? And… Continue reading Does the Bible Condone Slavery?
Wives, Submit to Your Husbands
As promised, this post is written by a guest-blogger, the lovely Alex Smart. Just as last post was written specifically to husbands on what it means to live out the biblical pattern of marriage in Ephesians 5 (loving their wives), so this post is to wives on what it means to submit to their husbands. Before… Continue reading Wives, Submit to Your Husbands
Husbands, Love Your Wives
This post is a follow-up to the one I put up earlier in the week on Ephesians 5:21-33 and what the Bible teaches about gender roles in marriage – that husbands are to sacrificially love their wives as Christ loved the church, and wives in turn are to submit to their husbands. But what does that… Continue reading Husbands, Love Your Wives
God’s Controversial Gift for Husbands and Wives
This past week my church looked at Ephesians 5:21-33, a controversial passage where God gives us a window into His good and perfect plan for marriage. It's unfortunate that I have to use the word 'controversial' in there, but the reality is that this passage – wielding provocative concepts like headship and submission – is… Continue reading God’s Controversial Gift for Husbands and Wives
Stepping Out in Faith – Former Catholics Tell Their Stories
In the last 6 months or so, with the election of Pope Francis, Catholicism has been on the radar perhaps a little more than usual. In these past months Francis has been the catalyst for a lot of good conversations about Christianity, Catholicism, and the like – I know it's helped me to think more… Continue reading Stepping Out in Faith – Former Catholics Tell Their Stories
Are you “filled with the Spirit”?
At my church we are continuing to move through our series in Ephesians, and this past Sunday I preached on Ephesians 5:8-21 (you can listen to it here). There's one particular phrase in this passage that's of particular interest for this post: be filled with the Spirit. Paul exhorts these new Christians to be filled with… Continue reading Are you “filled with the Spirit”?
“Preach the Gospel, Use Words If Necessary”
We've all seen this quote thrown around at some point or another, and perhaps you've even quoted it yourself: "Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words." – St. Francis of Assisi. Seems like a good quote – it sounds pretty spiritual, and you definitely get extra points for quoting an old monk.The… Continue reading “Preach the Gospel, Use Words If Necessary”
Sin and God’s Sovereignty
Most Christians are willing to say that God is sovereign – that He is in control of everything. But what about sin? Isn't sin a rebellion against God? If God is sovereign, why does sin run rampant, why do bad things happen, and why does suffering exist? If God is sovereign, why did He allow… Continue reading Sin and God’s Sovereignty