The (Apparent) Sovereignty Paradox The theologian Herman Bavinck once wrote, “Round about us we observe so many facts which seem to be unreasonable, so much undeserved suffering, so many unaccountable calamities, such an uneven and inexplicable distribution of destiny, and such an enormous contrast between the extremes of joy and sorrow, that anyone reflecting on … Read more
Do you know it’s a sin to be deceived? Sure, there is greater condemnation for those who do the deceiving, but the Bible commands us not to be deceived. James writes in James 1:16, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.” We are commanded not to be deceived. In context, James wants us to understand … Read more
I know. It’s a bit provocative to say that Ecclesiastes is not about vanity. But it is true. Well, let’s just say that it’s partially true. However, not in a deceptive way. But in an incomplete way. The kind of partial truth where you are only seeing the small details developing into the bigger picture. … Read more
The Doctrine on Which the Church Stands or Falls takes its title from the Reformation era conviction that justification by faith is the dividing line between the biblical gospel and man-centered efforts to earn favor with God. Matthew Barrett serves as editor and co-author with several significant theologians. In the forward, D.A. Carson writes that nothing is more important than the subject of this massive volume (15). The book is organized into four parts, grouping the chapters by looking at justification according to what the Bible itself teaches, theological perspectives on the doctrine, church history, and pastoral practice.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” – Hosea 4:6 Knowledge is power, so they say. When it comes to knowing the character of God, the lack of knowledge is detrimental. Contextually, the weight of this verse lies on the spiritual leaders of God’s people. What an absolute travesty that God’s own people would … Read more
I played Donkey Basketball one time. After that experience, I can say I have firsthand understanding of what the phrase “stubborn as a mule” means (Yes, I know. A donkey and a mule are two different animals, but you get the illustration). The whole reason “donkey basketball” is funny is because you can’t really make … Read more
I can’t really document the dates so well, but I think most will generally agree that at the turn of the century the “Seeker Sensitive” movement was in full gear. This movement’s mantra is, essentially, that churches should be designed for seekers. In my own state of Arkansas, I hear a lot of talk about … Read more
A typical atheist mantra seems to be something along the lines, “God doesn’t exist and I hate Him.” One of the reasons cited for this hatred is because we live in a world with pain, suffering, and evil. A few years ago British comedian Stephen Fry was asked what he would say if he was … Read more
I’m sort of snickering as I write this because I know you probably clicked this link thinking I was going to write a post about why you should wear a suit and tie to preach in. As an aside, I don’t think you should look like you just rolled out of bed when you preach. … Read more
I’m happy and blessed to have read Allen Nelson’s book, Before the Throne. There aren’t many books about God’s holiness that accurately convey the wondrous truths of God’s manifold holiness in 12 readable, bite-sized, yet satisfying, chapters. It was a breath of fresh air which humbled me before my God, and brought worshipful reminders to … Read more
I don’t know you. I don’t know if you’re the type of person who makes resolutions or not. And it’s not my desire to debate whether or not Christians should make resolutions. In general, there’s no harm in this, and it is actually quite biblical to think about where one is in his or her … Read more
In From Death to Life: How Salvation Works, I wrote: …we “tolerate a view of God which is vastly beneath the revelation which God makes of Himself in Holy Scriptures.”[1] We are in constant danger of trying to make God out to be like one of us, just a little bit bigger.[2] The Lord of … Read more