Caught Between ‘Try Harder’ and ‘Trust Christ’: Keeping Christ Central to Biblical Teaching
If you happened to grow up in an evangelical church during the past fifty years, it is likely that you are familiar with stories such as Abraham and Isaac, David and Goliath, Moses and the Exodus, and Jonah and the whale. Such lessons are usually accompanied by a flannel-graph that makes any child feel as if he is right in the midst of the story. This adventure is often concluded with the “moral of the story” (similar to what is found...
The Preference Problem
Society has taught many of us to avoid discussing two things: politics and religion. Even regular churchgoers know to avoid certain topics pertaining to worship–particularly music. When we happen to find ourselves discussing music, often we attempt to construct a defense for our favorite style of music. However, such a conversation often results in either one party being angry or both parties “agreeing to disagree”. How do we...
The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love (Jonathan Leeman)
Review by Jesse F. Owens Since the dawn of the Church there have always been those opposed to the work of God and His Church. Some have persecuted it, others have corrupted it and, in the present day, many are largely apathetic toward it. Understandably, pastors are concerned for the culture and are curious as to what may done to bolster their church’s attendance. While the Church has properly diagnosed the problem, an appropriate...
When Hatred Is Close and Benevolence Is Far
Individuals, corporations, and churches have learned to respond quickly to natural disasters, epidemics, and other tragedies in the 21st century. Recent events in Haiti, Chile, Turkey, and elsewhere have reminded us of the power of nature to bring havoc to human experience. Sorrow has been witnessed in unprecedented ways. Yet amid that sorrow, it is beautiful to see Christ’s church all around the globe rushing to offer their money,...
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