Be careful not to confuse soteriology with progressive or experiential sanctification. While both are essential aspects of the believer’s relationship with God, they are not the same. I see “discernment” articles on the internet criticizing classic Christian books by attacking fellowship principles as if they are salvation principles. Confusing the two can lead to theological…
It’s strange that we’re so prone to pride. We didn’t create ourselves; we have nothing that we weren’t given. “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Even when we do something for the Lord,…
What would you say to a teen girl who tells you that she is thinking about breaking up with her boyfriend because kissing him has gotten boring? Well, if you are a typical reader of our blog, my guess is that you would first of all be dumbstruck. When you had recovered sufficiently from the…
In 1856, a 22-year-old pastor stood before thousands at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. His name? Charles Spurgeon. But Spurgeon wasn’t content to simply preach to the masses. He knew the pulpit wasn’t a solo mission. While the sanctuary was packed, his mind was focused on something else: the next generation. That same year, Spurgeon…
In a world of shifting beliefs and relative truths, certain foundational principles remain non-negotiable for people of faith. Among these “hills worth dying on” stands one central doctrine that protects believers from countless heresies and false teachings: the inspiration of the Bible. The doctrine of biblical inspiration affirms that Scripture is not merely a book…
In an age where information is abundant and attention spans are short, the pulpit remains a sacred space where truth is proclaimed and lives are transformed. Yet, not all preaching is created equal. Some sermons stir the soul, while others barely register. What makes the difference? Why do some messages feel alive while others fall…
We are working through the May/June issue of FrontLine which just came out on the theme “The Christian School Revival.” Today I am talking to a recently retired pastor who happened to be a classmate of mine way back in the day, Dan MacAvoy. His article is in the middle section of the magazine, the…
Imagine trying to give a posthumous goodbye to someone you deeply loved after that person died from murder, an accident, or an overdose from illegal drugs. Imagine slowly saying goodbye to a loved one who is dying from incurable disease. Imagine trying to formulate a goodbye to a spouse who suddenly ends your marriage by…
Over the next few weeks I plan on writing a series of blog posts on the topic of wisdom. To kick things off, we’re going to begin by asking the age-old question, “What is wisdom?” I have wrestled with that seemingly easy question for years. I’ve heard helpful definitions thrown around, such as “skill in…
The Four Cs of Doctrinal History Series The foundational creed of Christianity is the Apostles’ Creed. Respected church historian Philip Schaff writes in his book The Creeds of Christendom, “As the Lord’s Prayer is the Prayer of prayers, the Decalogue the Law of laws, so the Apostles’ Creed is the Creed of creeds.”1 The Old…