Disney removed Jesus completely from a story that was all about Jesus. Madeleine L’Engle publicly stated that her Newberry Award-winning novel, A Wrinkle in Time (1963), was about Jesus Christ and her understanding of Christianity. “If I’ve ever written a book that says what I feel about God and the universe, this is it,” L’Engle reportedly…
When was the last time you thanked God for other Christians? When was the last time that you prayed, saying, “Thank you God for [so and so],” naming another Christian whom you know? From his letter to the believers at Ephesus, we learn that Paul did this continually. In the opening chapter of his letter,…
Those who think that churches should be governed by a self-perpetuating boards of elders have two main arguments. The first is that the sheep (i.e., ordinary believers under the care of shepherds or elders) are not competent to make church-wide decisions. This argument is easily refuted by even a cursory reading of the New Testament.…
Our friend Kevin Schaal gave us a motivating piece on Monday, “We Need More Pastors, Where Are They?” As we age, those of us in the ministry become more and more concerned with succession. (Not that we usurp our congregations! But we are looking out over the horizon to see if there are any ships…
Early in my ministry a young lady who was a part of the same youth group I was back in high school visited my home. While I did not fully appreciate it at the time (I knew no different), when I was in high school the church I attended experienced something of a youth revival.…
The aging status of the collective group of pastors leading independent Baptist Churches is alarming. This problem is impacting all of broader evangelicalism. Most of our pastors are in their late 50’s and above. A new generation of committed church leaders must rise up and not only carry on the work already established but also…
1 Co 9.22b “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” A recent lecture led to some reading on the sociological phenomenon called GenZ (Generation Z), that is, those born between 1997 and 2014. (The dates are somewhat arbitrary.) Several articles track characteristics of “GenZers,” with the…
He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. I John 2:6 When someone claims to believe God’s Word but refuses to obey it, this is evidence that they don’t believe. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word,…
Galatians 4:21–31—An Allegory? Those who adopt an allegorical method of interpretation often appeal to Galatians 4:21–31. After all, Paul says these things “are an allegory” (v. 24). The question of whether this passage justifies adopting an allegorical hermeneutic, however, is best answered by examining what Paul is actually doing in this passage. Paul highlights Abraham’s…
Once upon a time, the Little Red Hen found a grain of wheat. “Who will help me plant this grain of wheat?” she asked. “Not I,” said the cat. “Not I,” said the goose. “Not I,” said the rat. “Then I will plant this grain of wheat by myself,” said Little Red Hen, and she…