'And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.' - Hebrews 10:24-25 With time comes change; this includes what our churches look like... Continue Reading →
When zeal outshines wisdom: lessons from Judges 11
Emotions are part of reality, society, sin, righteousness, and foolishness. How well do we see this in Judges 11? Jephthah shows a pagan shortsightedness and not covenant wisdom with a systematic thought process, as we all do almost daily. If we truly read what was done, we should weep for Jephthah, his daughter, and ourselves,... Continue Reading →
The Promise for You & Your Children
God does not change, and His promises do not change. When God said to Abraham, “I will be a God to you and to your children,” He was not making a temporary arrangement, but establishing a covenant promise that extends to all who belong to Abraham by faith. Because we are united to Christ—the true... Continue Reading →
Seeing Christ by Faith, Not by Images
Christmas can be a strange season for many Christians. On the one hand, I rejoice in the reminder that God took on flesh and dwelt among us to be our Savior. On the other, I often find myself unsettled by the prominence of nativity scenes and visual depictions of Christ. These images are meant to... Continue Reading →
Baptizo – A Word Study
One day, I thought to ask the following question during a fellowship meal at my old Baptist church - "How do you baptize someone who cannot be immersed in water due to physical issues? If they are hooked up to machinery due to a chronic illness, can't we pour water over their head to ensure... Continue Reading →
Vengeance is Mine?
Vengeance is mine, and recompense,for the time when their foot shall slip;for the day of their calamity is at hand,and their doom comes swiftly.’ How do we read this? Paul knew this (Rom 12:19), we know this, Johnathan Edwards knew this. What should we think of it? I think it might give a tremendous amount... Continue Reading →
The Keys, the Flock, and the Fold: A Reformed Defense of Membership
Every time I go to a new restaurant, they seem to have some kind of rewards club to join. “Just give us your phone number for perks!” the screen—or an eager staffer—insists, while I mentally calculate whether I really want to hand my number to yet another corporation. "What’s in it for me?" is the... Continue Reading →
The Dilemma of the Baptist Spiritual Gift
I was recently invited by a friend to a baptism service at his Baptist church, where his child was to be baptized. As a friend—and, admittedly, the token Presbyterian in the room—I was glad to attend. After the service, conversation naturally turned toward the subject of baptism itself. I was struck by how often Baptists... Continue Reading →